Conservation Of Forest Resources Research Articles

Spatial conservation planning of forest genetic resources in a Mediterranean multi-refugial area

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework recognised the urgency of taking action to conserve intraspecific genetic diversity (IGD) as an insurance against habitat degradation and environmental change. Recent work suggests that 90–99 % of IGD should be conserved to safeguard viability of future generations.Here, we addressed such a conservation issue in three forest tree species in Italy: silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), Heldreich's pine (Pinus heldreichii H. Christ), and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.). We used microsatellite markers to measure IGD of 36 (A. alba), 15 (P. heldreichii) and 25 (Q. robur) natural sites, including several putative glacial refugia. We developed a spatial conservation planning (SCP) analysis to quantify the genetic irreplaceability of each site and identify the minimum set coverage ensuring IGD protection. Finally, we compared SCP results with the contributions to allelic diversity within and between sites, total allelic diversity and private allelic richness.We found that between 44 % and 73 % of sites were required to conserve 90–99 % of the alleles, and that this conservation effort held even when targeting lower percentages of alleles to protect (50–75 %). Glacial refugia were often included in the minimum set coverage, confirming biogeographical expectations. Finally, sites with high genetic irreplaceability were found to have higher private allelic richness on average. These results are discussed in the light of the biogeographic history of the species studied and the current policies for the conservation of forest genetic resources.

Studying the prevalence of data in the media about wild berries using content analysis

Wild plants occupy an important place in the lives of many people, especially in Yakutia. These plants serve as a unique strategic resource and food product, and contribute to maintaining health. Natural gifts such as berries, nuts and mushrooms obtained from forests contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and beneficial properties. They are the most important basis for ensuring the lives of many residents living in remote areas of Yakutia, and serve as a source of income. The gathering, processing and sale of forest products has become a profitable business. The article reviews various aspects of the topic of wild berries in the context of mass media. The authors study the data to determine the frequency of news on this topic and their nature. As part of the study, the results of a sociological survey conducted among the population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) were analyzed in order to find out which family members are engaged in berry picking and what are the ways of their access to the collection sites. The purpose of the study was to identify the key features of the coverage of this topic in the news. The results obtained can be used to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources in Yakutia. This may involve supporting the development of local businesses related to the collection, processing and sale of forest products, as well as creating conditions for the conservation and use of forest areas on a long-term basis.

Spatial and Temporal Variation in Primary Forest Growth in the Northern Daxing’an Mountains Based on Tree-Ring and NDVI Data

We used tree-ring width data of Larix gmelinii and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica from the northern region of the Daxing’an Mountains, China; normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data; and microtopographic information (elevation, slope direction, slope gradient, and topographic location index) to assess spatiotemporal dynamics in the growth of the boreal forest and topographic patterns of forest decline under the background of climate warming. Forest growth trends were determined based on tree growth decline indicators and NDVI time series trends, and topographic patterns of forest decline were analyzed using the C5.0 decision tree model. More climatic information was present in the radial growth of the trees at higher elevations, and P. sylvestris var. mongolica was influenced strongly by climatic factors of the previous year. Since 1759, tree radial growth trends in the study area have experienced two recessions during 1878–1893 and 1935–1943, which were characterized by persistent narrow whorls of tree rings of below-average growth. Changes in NDVI and tree-ring information were similar, and they together indicate a high risk of declining forest growth in the northern Daxing’an Mountains after 2010, especially at higher elevations. The NDVI time series showed that the high temperatures in 2003 negatively affected forest growth in the study area, which was confirmed by the tree-ring data. The decision tree terrain model results had an accuracy of 0.861, and elevation was the most important terrain factor affecting forest decline. The relative importance of elevation, topographic position index, aspect, and slope was 58.41%, 17.70%, 16.81%, and 7.08%, respectively. Classification rule-based decision tree models can be used to quantify the effects of terrain factors on tree growth. This research methodology can aid the management of regional forestry resources and the conservation of forest resources under the background of climate change, which increases the risk of forest decline.

Assessment of Climate Change and Land Use/Land Cover Effects on Aralia elata Habitat Suitability in Northeastern China

Climate change and land use/land cover (LULC) change have received widespread attention as the two main factors contributing to the shrinking of plant habitats. However, the different effects of these factors on understory economic tree species are not clear. This is not conducive to the conservation and exploitation of forest resources. Here, we used species distribution modeling to predict the extent to which climate change and LULC change will affect changes in suitable habitats for A. elata under different scenarios in the future. The results showed the suitable habitat to be located in the Changbai Mountain Range in northeast China. The current area is 110,962 km2. The main variables that affect the suitable habitat are annual precipitation, LULC, slope, and mean diurnal range. The percentage contributions are 31.2%, 16.8%, 12.8%, and 12.3%, respectively. In the 2070s, the area of high-quality (moderately and highly) suitable habitat was reduced by an average of 6.05% when climate alone changed, and by an average of 10.21% when land use alone changed. When both factors changed together, there was an average decrease of 9.69%. When climate change and land use change acted together, the shrinking area of suitable habitat did not suddenly increase. These findings help to identify potentially suitable habitats for A. elata and to carry out conservation and exploitation efforts to ensure sustainability.

Label-free comparative proteomic analysis of Pleurotus eryngii grown on sawdust, bagasse, and peanut shell substrates

The white rot fungi Pleurotus eryngii are environmental microorganisms that can effectively break down lignocellulosic biomass. However, understanding of the mechanisms by which P. eryngii is effective in degrading lignocellulose is still limited. This work aimed to examine the extracellular secretory proteins implicated in the breakdown of lignocellulose in P. eryngii and identify degradation tactics across various cultivation substrates. Thus, a comparative analysis of the secretory proteins based on Nanoliquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry was conducted among P. eryngii cultivated on sawdusts, bagasse, peanut shells, and glucose. In total, 647, 616, 604, and 511 proteins were identified from the four samples, respectively. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of protein expression differences identified pathways (hydrolytic enzymes, catalytic activity, metabolic processes, cellular processes, and response to stimuli) significantly enriched in proteins associated with lignocellulose degradation in P. eryngii. An integrated analysis of proteome data revealed specifically or differentially expressed genes secreted by P. eryngii in different cultivation substrates. The most prevalent carbohydrate-active enzymes involved in lignocellulose degradation in the secretome of the four samples were laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP), aryl alcohol oxidase (AaO), and copper radical oxidase (CRO). Among them, Lac 2 mainly involved in the lignin degradation of sawdust peanut shells, and bagasse by P. eryngii, and Mnp 3 was mainly involved in the degradation of peanut shells. AaO and Lac 4 were mainly involved in glucose substrate defense and oxidative stress. It was found that exogenous addition of sawdust and peanut shells significantly increased lignolytic enzyme abundance. These findings provide insight and guidance for improving agricultural waste resource recovery.In this study, the secretomes of P. eryngii grown on four different carbon sources were compared. The findings revealed the extracellular enzymes implicated in the degradation of lignocellulose, offering avenues for further investigation into the biotransformation mechanisms of P. eryngii biomass and the potential utilization of agricultural wastes. SignificanceThe cost of the substrate for mushroom cultivation has increased as the production of edible fungus has risen year after year. Therefore, the use of these locally available lignocellulosic wastes as substrates offers a cost-cutting option.Further, the overuse of wood for the cultivation of edible mushrooms is also detrimental to the conservation of forest resources or the ecological environment.Consequently, the use of other agricultural wastes as an alternative to sawdust or other woody substrates is a viable approach for cultivating P. eryngii.The distribution of extracellular lignocellulosic degrading enzymes, inferred in the present study could help improve the cultivation efficiency of P. eryngii vis-à-vis managing agricultural waste.

Application of GIS technologies for accounting plus trees

Introduction 
 Nowadays, an important forest genetic resources (FGR) conservation activity is the systematization of information on gene pool conservation units in electronic databases. It should be noted, however, that the existing international databases mainly relate only to units represented by populations (stands), which are visualized as polygons on the map. As the scientists from the Department of New Information Technologies in URIFFM have implemented the website “Geoportal: Forests of Ukraine”, it became technically possible to add information on plus trees to its functionality and combine data on tree locations and their characteristics in a united electronic database.
 The study aimed to improve the organization of information on plus trees, their accounting, survey, and use as improvement units by applying free software (Python, JavaScript) and the PostgreSQL relational database with the PostGIS module.
 Materials and Methods
 In 2021, one of the work stages was to develop software and methodology for forming the Plus Trees database and to provide a user manual. In particular, a data schema was created to store both attribute and geographical information on tree improvement units in Ukraine. In addition, attribute and geographical information of forest inventory are used. The database of plus trees contains basic information from plus tree Passports or selection/inventory data from the reports.
 Results 
 The proposed database consists of several panels. The first panel contains elements for setting coordinates and entering plus tree numbers. The second panel is intended for selecting a species name of trees. The third panel of the data entry form contains mandatory attributes (total height of a plus tree and its diameter at a height of 1.3 m). The fourth panel contains other tree characteristics.
 During the testing of the developed database structure and the working out of the instruction, the information on plus trees in seven regions of Ukraine (Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk) was entered, which is about 25% of the country’s plus tree pool. In addition, the design of the web pages was finalized in parallel with the data entry.
 The developed software can be useful to both scientists and forest managers. Its use will simplify the search for plus trees in forest stands for their inventory, and survey, as well as in cases where it is necessary to collect seeds or cuttings for the seed orchards or progeny tests creation in forest enterprises or at forest seed centers. For scientists, it will provide an opportunity to systematize, analyze, and generalize information, in particular, to improve methodical approaches to the selection of the plus trees.
 Conclusions 
 A data schema was created to store both attribute and geographic information on forest tree species tree improvement units in Ukraine. The schema considers the complex structure of coordinated units and includes the developed algorithms for data verification which will allow the effective use of the proposed database for the plus tree accounting.
 8 Figs., 1 Table, 20 Refs.

Social Significance of Food Forest Resources for Residents of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

This article analyzes the results of a sociological study conducted among residents of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The study focused on gathering wild berries and their beneficial properties. The respondents noted that they mainly collect such types of wild berries as lingonberries, red currants, and blueberries. The majority of respondents noted that they are aware of the beneficial properties of forest resources and identify the most valuable types of forest berries, such as: cranberries, blueberries, red currants, black currants, and crowberries. The study highlights the importance of wild berries in the daily life of the local population, their role in ensuring food security and maintaining health. The survey revealed the main types of berries harvested in the forest, as well as their useful properties. Thus, the article is a sociological study aimed at studying the importance of wild berries for the local population and their perception of the beneficial properties of forest resources. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, as well as to raise awareness of the local population about their importance. In general, this work is a sociological analysis of the importance of wild berries in the life of the population of Yakutia and their awareness of the beneficial properties of these resources. The data obtained can be used to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources, as well as to raise awareness of the local population about their value.

Sustainable Strategy in the Development of Mangrove Ecotourism in Pasar Rawa Village, Langkat Regency

Pasar Rawa Village has natural tourism potential that has not been managed optimally, one of which is mangrove ecotourism. Mangrove ecotourism is one of the efforts to conserve forest resources whose management positively impacts the environment and social economy of the community. This research aims to determine the right strategy for developing mangrove ecotourism in Pasar Rawa Village so that its management is sustainable. The research began by determining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges of ecotourism development through direct observation, interviews, distribution of questionnaires and literature studies, then the development strategy was analyzed using SWOT analysis. The research results show that Pasar Rawa Village Mangrove Ecotourism is in quadrant I which supports aggressive growth policies and eleven ecotourism development plans refer to the regulations of the minister of tourism and the creative economy.

Degraded Peatlands and Their Utilization Opportunities in Kepulauan Meranti Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia

Degraded peatlands are caused by various factors, including land fires, water mismanagement, and mining activities. Indicators of degraded peatlands can be identified through the type of land cover observed in the field, which commonly includes shrubs and barren land (open areas of ex-mining land). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the dynamics of the existence of degraded land and its utilization opportunities using spatial, image, and time series analysis methodDepartment Forest Resources Conservation & Ecotourism, Forestry Faculty, Bogor Agricultural University Kampus IPB Darmaga PO.Box 168 Bogor-Indonesias. To conduct the analysis, various data sources were employed, including Landsat imagery, the Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) map, hotspots data, rainfall data, landforms maps, peatlands data, and soil information. The results of the study showed that between 1999 and 2019, the average area of degraded peatlands amounted to 198,084.54 hectares. Furthermore, the optimal area of degraded peatlands utilized for agriculture amounted to 7,122.45 hectares . Inventory of degraded peatland using the land cover approach can be obtained faster, cheaper, easier than the terrestrial method. Opportunities for using degraded land for agricultural purposes were also identified through the selection of plant species that exhibited adaptability to peatlands and held economic value. These selected plants, including sago, rubber, areca nut, and liberika coffee, were developed within the Meranti Islands Regency. 

Возрастная динамика нормальных древостоев ольхи серой в таежной зоне северо-востока европейской части России

In order to organize, plan and conduct forest management on a scientific basis in stands with predominance and participation of gray alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench), formed in the conditions of the taiga zone, reliable data on the structure, growth and productivity of stands are needed. At present, there is an urgent need to develop growth progress tables for gray alder stands, as the areas occupied by this species have significantly increased as a result of abandoned agricultural lands overgrowth. The development of a unified system of regulatory and reference materials for accounting the number, assessment of the condition and volume of use of stands of gray alder in the European North of Russia is an important and urgent task. Growth progress tables for normal gray alder stands located in the taiga zone of the north-east of the European part of Russia have not been developed by anyone before. The purpose of this research is to study the age dynamics of normal gray alder stands to compile growth progress tables. We used 193 model trees of gray alder, as well as data from 175 sample plots. As a research result for the growth progress tables with relative stands density of 1.0 we obtained the equations for determining the average height, diameter, and stands stock by bonity classes. On the basis of the obtained equations, the tables of growth progress of normal stands by bonity classes were developed. The proposed tables will contribute to improving the accuracy of forest inventory, will give the opportunity to objectively assess the forest resources of the most represented stands, to forecast their growth when performing a set of works on the protection, conservation, and reproduction of forest resources, improving the ecological functions of the forest, as well as to control management in stands. For citation: Tretyakov S.V., Koptev S.V., Karaban A.A., Paramonov A.A., Davydov A.V. Age Dynamics of Normal Gray Alder Stands in the Taiga Zone of the North-East of the European Part of Russia. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 6, pp. 70–80. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-6-70-80

The impact of land cover change on the carbon stock of moist afromontane forests in the Majang Forest Biosphere Reserve

BackgorundForest plays an important role in the global carbon cycle by sequestering carbon dioxide and thereby mitigating climate change. In this study, an attempt was made to investigate the effects of land use/land cover (LULC) change (1989–2017) on carbon stock and its economic values in tropical moist Afromontane forests of the Majang Forest Biosphere Reserve (MFBR), south-west Ethiopia. Systematic sampling was conducted to collect biomass and soil data from 140 plots in MFBR. The soil data were collected from grassland and farmland. InVEST modelling was employed to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of carbon stocks. Global Voluntary Market Price (GVMP) and Tropical Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) analysis was performed to estimate economic values (EV) of carbon stock dynamics. Correlation and regression analyses were also employed to identify the relationship between environmental and anthropogenic impacts on carbon stocks.ResultsThe results indicated that the above-ground carbon and soil organic carbon stocks were higher than the other remaining carbon pools in MFBR. The mean carbon stock (32.59 M tonne) in 2017 was lower than in 1989 (34.76 Mt) of MFBR. Similarly, the EV of carbon stock in 2017 was lower than in 1989. Elevation, slope, and harvesting index are important environmental and disturbance factors resulting in major differences in carbon stock among study sites in MFBR.ConclusionsTherefore, the gradual reduction of carbon stocks in connection with LULC change calls for urgent attention to implement successful conservation and sustainable use of forest resources in biosphere reserves.

Effects of Groundwater Table Decline on Vegetation in Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems

The distribution map of groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) is generally used for the scientific management of vegetation and groundwater resources, and is instructive for forest resource conservation. The groundwater table in the Loess zone has declined over the past few years, but no study has yet been conducted to assess the impact of this decline on GDEs. This study used data from the GRACE gravity satellite to delineate groundwater fluctuation periods from 2002 to 2021, to develop a method to identify whether vegetation is potentially associated with groundwater using three criteria, and to verify the accuracy of this method. Study results show that the groundwater changes in the Loess zone can be divided into two periods, 2002–2014 and 2015–2021, with groundwater declines becoming more rapid after 2015. We did not observe the spatial variation pattern of GDEs in the Loess areas, but there was a significant change in the area of GDEs during the two periods studied, with a 13.56% decrease in the very likely GDEs’ group area and an 11.68% increase in the unlikely GDEs’ group area between 2015 and 2021 compared to 2002–2014, with little change in the neutral, likely, and very unlikely group areas. This study provides a reference for exploring the relationship between vegetation and groundwater, as well as for the scientific management of water resources.

Carbon stocks of Geramo forest, the western escarpment of the rift valley of Ethiopia

Forests play a vital role in the global carbon balance and combating global climate change by sequestering and retaining carbon from the atmosphere in their biomass and soil. Thus, this study aims to estimate the carbon stocks in the biomass and soil along with various environmental factors in the Geramo forest in southern Ethiopia. Ninety-six plots (20 × 20 m2) were laid at a distance of 250 m along 16 line transects that were laid 300 m apart. Five 1 × 1 m2 subplots (4 at the corner and 1 at the center) were laid inside each main plot for LHG and soil data collection. The results revealed that the estimated total carbon stocks and mean carbon stock densities of the study forest were 57994 Mg h−1and 604 ± 344 Mg h−1, respectively, with a mean CO2 equivalent of 2217 ± 1262 Mg h−1. This result indicates the remarkable role of the Geramo forest in carbon stock and sequestration potential compared with other remnant forests in Ethiopia. Thus, the Geramo forest plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, and hence, this forest can generate carbon credits as financial benefits to the nearby population in the future. The results also revealed that anthropogenic disturbances were negatively associated with the carbon stocks of the forest. Therefore, sustainable forest conservation activities are needed to conserve forest resources, protect the forest from growing anthropogenic disturbances, and sustain its current global climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits.

Landscape Health Assessment of Suburban Forest Park: A Case Study Based on Multiple Sampling Units and Functional Characteristics

Assessing the landscape health of suburban forest parks is a prerequisite for achieving the dual objectives of forest resource conservation and recreational services. However, studies that analyze landscape health in suburban forest parks at a landscape scale by subdividing the landscape into multiple sampling units and adopting a multi-functional perspective have been limited. This study focuses on Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park and establishes a landscape classification system and indices, taking into account its multifunctionalities. The study employs the entropy weight method to determine indicator weights and utilizes grid analysis and spatial interpolation to analyze the spatial distribution of landscape health under multiple sampling units and functionalities, along with the differences in its impact and influencing factors. The results indicate that: (1) regions with “very poor” and “poor” landscape health grades under multiple sampling units and functionalities exhibited a sheet-like distribution pattern, covering approximately 69.46% to 98.86% of the total area. In contrast, regions with “very good” and “good” grades are primarily located in block-like or linear patterns in the northern, central, and southern regions of the park, accounting for approximately 1.07% to 17.20% of the total area. (2) The area ratios of “very good” and “good” landscape health grades for recreational landscapes under varying sampling units were consistently higher than those of the same grades for eco-conservational landscapes, with a 5.03%–15.43% difference. This suggests a greater emphasis on recreational functionality. (3) The impact of three different sampling unit sizes on the landscape health of Xiqiao Mountain National Forest Park under multifunctionalities is not significantly different; however, the forest/non-forest area ratio and quantity ratio are vital factors influencing its landscape health. The landscape health assessment results, considering multiple sampling units and functionalities in this study, serve to provide technical method support and practical case references for the planning, construction, and management decision-making of suburban forest parks.

Analysis of the Suitability of Potential Regional Leading Sectors and Expertise Competencies of Vocational High Schools in Boalemo District

This study aims to analyze the potential of regional excellence in Boalemo Regency and determine the suitability of SMK areas of expertise with the potential of regional leading sectors. This research was conducted in Boalemo Regency, in ten vocational schools spread across 7 sub-districts. The method used in this study is a combination of sequential explanatory model with location qoutient (LQ) data analysis and qualitative data analysis. Based on the analysis of LQ data, it was obtained that the fields of agriculture, forestry and fisheries business have an LQ value of 1.44, wholesale and retail trade; Car and motorcycle repairs with a value of 1.099, and government administration, defense and compulsory social security have an LQ value of 1.01. In the interview, it was found that agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry and tourism are the leading sectors of the region. In accordance with the leading sectors of the region, there are 11 competencies of expertise. Meanwhile, the competence of expertise that is not in accordance with the leading sectors of the region there are 7 expertise competencies. Thec ompetence of expertise in the field of tourism businesses such as Tourism Travel Business, Hospitality, Hospitality Accommodation and Fashion Design is in accordance with the leading sector of the region because the tourism sector cannot be measured using LQ analysis but uses interview techniques. The recommended expertise competencies include Plant Breeding and Seeding, Forest Resources Conservation Techniques, Forest Rehabilitation and Relaxation Techniques, Freshwater Fisheries Agribusiness, Online Business and Marketing, Retail and Marine Tourism &; Ecotourism.

Assessment of forest cover and forest loss using satellite images in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam

Deforestation in the tropics continues inexorably with severe implications for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and ecosystem services. This study investigated variation in forest cover in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam, using the Landsat Thematic Mapper and Operational Land Imager satellite images over the period 1989–2021. Imageries were classified using the maximum likelihood classification technique for the years 1989, 2006, and 2021 and were evaluated for accuracy using the kappa coefficient for each year. Furthermore, forest cover losses and gains were evaluated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index, which were compared with the output of the supervised classification. Results showed that the forest cover of Thua Thien Hue province has drastically declined over the years. The forest cover, which was estimated at 68.88% (3461.46 km2) of the total land area in 1989, increased to 69.04% (3469.51 km2) in 2006 and subsequently decreased to 57.55% (2891.81 km2) in 2021. Severely reduced forest cover is often associated with the expansion of agriculture on the forest edge; other contributing factors include logging, illegal production land, and forest fires. Overall, our results show the necessity of forest management, rational land-use planning policy, and increased community awareness of conservation and sustainable development of forest resources in the study area in the future.

Residents' perception and impact of COVID-19 on ecotourism in West Africa: The case of Banco National Park in Côte d’Ivoire

Ecotourism, as a means of fostering socio-economic level of local communities and contributing to the conservation of forest resources, is important for development in low-income countries. This work investigates the extent to which local people support the continuation of ecotourism during the COVID-19 pandemic and their attitudes towards resource conservation in Banco National Park in Côte d’Ivoire using social exchange theory (SET) as a foundation. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to conduct a survey with 150 informants selected among residents around the park. The data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approaches. The results showed that residents' perception of the impacts of ecotourism strongly affects their support for tourism development during the COVID-19 pandemic (β = 0.918, p < 0.05). The socio-cultural (β = 0.275, p < 0.05) and environmental (β = 0.309, p < 0.05) benefits of ecotourism are the key determinants of the residents' perception and their support for ecotourism within the park during COVID-19 pandemic. The findings also revealed that economic benefits from ecotourism are linked to residents' perceptions of the qualities of the tourism place (β = 0.363, p < 0.05). Overall, local people around Banco Park recognize that ecotourism produces more benefits than detriments. The COVID-19 pandemic, a painful and unexpected event, has not blunted their support for the continuation of ecotourism. This study calls for the integration of local residents' opinions in the development of the ecotourism sector in Côte d’Ivoire. It is a first step in determining residents' attitudes towards ecotourism in West Africa in a post-COVID context, and the results constitute a starting point for future studies.

Theoretical preconditions for the development of accounting in forestry enterprises on the challenges of sustainable development

Purpose. The purpose of the article is the formation of theoretical principles of accounting in forestry enterprises on the challenges of the concept of sustainable development, in terms of defining the directions of improving the information support system of rational forestry for the purpose of preservation, reproduction and use of forest resources at the micro and macro levels of the economy. Results. Based on the results of the study, it is established that to ensure the functioning of domestic forestry enterprises on the principles of sustainable development, a necessary condition is to take into account economic, environmental and social goals in management. For this purpose, the directions of economic operations on forest use (harvesting and processing of forest products, reproduction of forest resources) are identified, which can be used as a basis for clarifying the composition of accounting objects specific to forest enterprises for further development of their organizational and methodological support. It is proved that forest resources and losses caused to the environment due to irrational forest use should be reflected in accounting, which will allow forming information support for forest resources management at the microeconomic level. Scientific novelty. The lack of a developed management mechanism that would ensure the conservation, reproduction and rational use of forest resources leads to the loss of national wealth. The evolution of the modern world market economy necessitates the interaction of society and nature, which is based on the postulates of the theory of sustainable development. For forestry, it is the observance of the balance of economic interests of the subjects of forest relations and the protection of forest resources. The above necessitated the delineation of areas for improving the information system of rational forest use in order to preserve, reproduce and use forest resources at the micro and macro levels of the economy. Practical value. The main results of the study can be used: at the microeconomic level (forestry enterprises) – to develop a management mechanism that would ensure the conservation, reproduction and rational use of forest resources; improvement of the system of information support of rational forest use in terms of development of organizational and methodological support of accounting of objects specific to forestry; at the macroeconomic level – to prevent the loss of a component of the country’s national wealth – forest resources; control over the availability and condition of forest resources, which is a component of economic security of the state.

A dataset of soil water and heat dynamics from Pinus massoniana plantations under close-to-nature management in South Subtropics (2016–2021)

This study was conducted at the Tropical Forestry Experimental Center of the Chinese Academy of Forestry in Youyiguan Pingxiang Chongzuo Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi. Based on the automatic meteorological observation station, we monitored and analyzed the soil hydrothermal dynamics in Pinus massoniana plantations under close-to-nature management. The sample plots layout, index monitoring, and data quality control were carried out in accordance with relevant specifications. This dataset contains the data of soil temperature, soil volume water content, soil heat flux, as well as air temperature and air humidity in Pinus massoniana plantations of close-to-nature management in South Subtropics from 2016 to 2021. After standard data processing, including outlier elimination and data interpolation, we statistically derived the daily data of soil water and heat dynamics of Pinus massoniana, and explained the construction of the dataset. The establishment and sharing of this dataset are valuable for facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of soil water and heat in Pinus massoniana plantations under close-to-nature management in South Subtropics. Furthermore, the dataset can serve as an important resource for in-depth research on the response of mixed coniferous broad-leaved forest to global climate change. It can provide essential to support the sustainable management and conservation of forest resources in South Subtropics.

Insights from National Conference on Sustainability, Business, and Society

This article is based on a comprehensive report on the National Conference on Sustainability, Business, and Society organized by Jaipuria Institute of Management, Indore in collaboration with MDRF, New Delhi on 30 September 2023. The conference was organized to explore the philosophical and practical underpinnings of sustainability, beginning with Carlowitz's advocacy of forest resource conservation. Nine distinguished speakers and sixty delegates from India, Nepal and Bahrain, participated in the conference. Delegates at the conference looked at the socio-economic implications of the industrial pursuits of the 20th century and the evolution of sustainability as a focal point of global conversations, role and responsibility of business, society and nation in the 21st century, especially in light of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the evolving global consciousness amidst industrial pursuits, climate change, and the rise of the sustainability lexicon during the proceedings of the inaugural and technical sessions of the conference. Key insights from the conference are likely to foster further dialogue and collaboration among academicians, policymakers, administrators, researchers, students, and the public in mitigating the contemporary sustainability challenges through appropriate interventions.