Forest Conservation Research Articles

Carbon stock quantification and climate mitigation potential of a tropical moist forest in Ethiopia.

The significance of forests in absorbing and storing carbon plays a crucial role in international greenhouse gas policies outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCC). This study was conducted in a typical tropical moist forest of Ethiopia to assess its carbon stock, a critical issue in climate policy. The study domain was divided into six strata using elevation criteria. Ninety sample plots were used to gather relevant data from all carbon pools (above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, litter, herbs, lying dead woods, and soils) following the standard operating procedure. ANOVA, post hoc analysis and correlation tests were used to analyze the collected data. The finding revealed that carbon stock in Sele-Nono forest varies not only within its carbon pools but also across environmental factors. Moreover, the study indicated that soil, above-ground biomass, and lying dead woods store the majority of the carbon. The forest stored 284.81±107.81 tons of carbon per hectare, which is equivalent to absorbing 157.12 Megatons of CO2 from the atmosphere. This highlights the critical role of the forest in mitigating climate change on a global scale. The finding from this study encourages policymakers to rigorously focus on forest conservation as a strategy for sustainable climate mitigation. Moreover, conserving forests through strengthening UN initiatives like REDD+ is imperative to prevent potential emissions from land use changes, such as deforestation or degradation.

Species-specific responses of canopy greenness to the extreme droughts of 2018 and 2022 for four abundant tree species in Germany.

Germany experienced extreme drought periods in 2018 and 2022, which significantly affected forests. These drought periods were natural experiments, providing valuable insights into how different tree species respond to drought. The quantification of species-specific drought responses may help to identify the most climate-change-resilient tree species, thereby informing effective forest regeneration strategies. In this study, we used remotely sensed peak-season canopy greenness as a proxy for tree vitality to estimate the drought response of four widely abundant tree species in Germany (oak, beech, spruce, and pine). We focused on two questions: (1) How were the four tree species affected by these two droughts? (2) Which environmental parameters primarily determined canopy greenness? To address these questions, we combined a recently published tree species classification map with remotely sensed canopy greenness and environmental variables related to plant available water capacity (PAWC) and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Our results indicate that the more isohydric species featured a greater decline in canopy greenness under these droughts compared to the more anisohydric species despite similar soil moisture conditions. Based on spatial lag models, we found that the influence of PAWC on canopy greenness increases with increasing isohydricity while the influence of VPD decreases. Our statistical analysis indicates that oak was the only species with significantly higher canopy greenness in 2022 compared to 2018. Yet, all species are likely to be susceptible to accumulated drought effects, such as insufficient recovery time and increased vulnerability to biotic pathogens, in the coming years. Our study provides critical insights into the diverse responses of different tree species to changing environments over a large environmental gradient in Central Europe and sheds light on the complex interactions between soil moisture, climate variables, and canopy greenness. These findings contribute to understanding forests' climate-change resilience and may guide forest management and conservation strategies.

Inconsistency between process-based model and dose-response function in estimating biomass losses in Northern Hemisphere due to elevated O3.

Tropospheric ozone (O3) concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere have significantly increased since the pre-industrial era, with ongoing growth driven by emissions from industrial, agricultural, and transportation activities, further exacerbated by the warming temperatures and altered atmospheric circulation patterns associated with climate change. This study compared different methodologies for estimating biomass potential losses (BPL) in forests due to elevated O3 using both concentration-based (AOT40) and flux-based (POD1) metrics. Moreover, to further assess the impact of O3 on forest health and carbon uptake across the dominant forest types in the Northern Hemisphere, we also compared BPL estimates from dose-response functions with those derived from the process-based model ORCHIDEE. Our analysis showed that deciduous forests, particularly boreal and continental types, are more sensitive to O3-induced biomass loss compared to evergreen forests. Importantly, the study also revealed significant regional differences, with Europe and North America experiencing higher BPL than Asia and North Africa. Regression analysis between BPL and Gross Primary Production anomalies indicated that the relationship between O3 exposure and forest productivity varied across forest types, with continental deciduous forests showing stronger correlations. The findings highlighted the importance of using flux-based metrics like POD1 in assessing O3 impacts and that current dose-response functions may require further validation across diverse ecological settings to propose effective forest management and conservation strategies.

Promoting safe and pro-environmental behaviors for sustainable forest management: Integrating Technology Acceptance Model and the Norm Activation Model

Promoting safe and pro-environmental behaviors for sustainable forest management: Integrating Technology Acceptance Model and the Norm Activation Model

Green economy is a challenge for sustainable development in west Sumatra

Abstract This study evaluated the impact of sustainable development in the forestry sector of West Sumatra Province using the Green GRDP approach. The method employed was descriptive quantitative, utilizing secondary data analysis from 2019 to 2023, which included data on land cover, deforestation, and the forestry sector’s contribution to conventional GRDP and Green GRDP. The results showed that the forestry sector’s contribution to conventional GRDP was only 1.19%. However, after including environmental services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, the forestry sector’s contribution increased significantly in the Green GRDP calculation. The adoption of Green GRDP was also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly related to sustainable consumption, production, and climate action. Based on these findings, recommended policies included the adoption of Green GRDP to improve the economic valuation of natural resources and strengthening sustainable forest management policies to address the challenges of climate change.

Soil Conservation Benefits of Ecological Programs Promote Sustainable Restoration

AbstractEcological restoration efforts in less developed regions confront a sustainability challenge due to the undervaluation of their substantive benefits. Soil conservation, as a crucial ecosystem service supporting both ecological and socioeconomic systems in less developed regions, is often overlooked in estimating the benefits of restoration efforts. We introduce a framework that integrates the multi‐model approach and scenario analysis on cloud computing platforms to capture the significance of soil conservation benefits by assessing the world's largest restoration programs from China. Our analysis reveals that these restoration programs, with a total investment of $133 billion, have prevented 7.29 ± 1.01 Pg of soil erosion, valued at $243.0 ± 25.9 billion from 2000 to 2019. Notably, two critical programs that synergize forest conservation, cropland conversion, and human well‐being in China's less developed regions account for approximately 85% of the soil conservation benefits. Our findings underscore that soil conservation benefits significantly enhance the substantive benefits and prioritization of restoration efforts in less developed regions, reinforcing the potential for global restoration efforts to contribute to a sustainable future.

Stable nutrient utilization of trees promotes community biomass accumulation in Korean pine and broad-leaved mixed forests after logging.

The recovery of community productivity in disturbed temperate forests is affected by fluctuating nutrient environments. How plant growth achieves high biomass accumulation in a limited nutrient environment remains unclear but may be attributed to the flexibility of plant nutrient utilization. Nutrient homeostasis (H) reflects the ability of plant tissues to maintain a relatively constant N and P content under nutrient fluctuations and represents flexible or stable plant nutrient utilization. We aim to reveal the influence of plant nutrient utilization mechanisms on community biomass accumulation after logging. We chose 28 post-logged Korean pine and broad-leaved mixed forests after seven recovery periods (6, 14, 25, 36, 45, and 55 years after logging) with six low-intensity selective logged treatments and one unlogged treatment (100 years after logging). We then estimated the H value of leaf N (HN), leaf P (HP), and leaf N:P ratio (HN:P) and the biomass of 234 plant species with different functional groups, soil nutrient, and species diversity. The leaf HN of 13.19 and the leaf HP of 9.87 reached the maximum at 36 and 45 years after logging, respectively. The HN:P at the community level reached the maximum at 36 years after logging. The robust linear trend between nutrient H and biomass suggests the accumulation of biomass benefits from stable nutrient utilization after logging. Considering the soil nutrient and species diversity, nutrient H showed the major explanation of biomass accumulation in trees, herbs, and whole community. The stable N utilization of tree species accounts for the maximum independent contribution (25.05%) to the community biomass accumulation. Herb species with flexible P utilization had major contribution (37.97%) to herb biomass accumulation. Our study highlights the vital role of high HN in promoting community biomass accumulation in logged forest to assess forest sustainability.

Development of Healing Forest Nature Tourism and Health in Tahura Wan Abdul Rachman Lampung

Wan Abdul Rachman Lampung Grand Forest Park (Tahura) is a nature conservation area with the aim of collecting natural or non-natural plants and/or animals, native and/or non-native species that are not invasive and used for research, science, education, to support cultivation, culture, tourism and recreation covering an area of 22,242 hectares. Its biodiversity has the potential to be developed into a natural and health tourism destination. Healing Forest, which combines nature tourism with mental and physical health benefits through interaction with nature, offers new opportunities to improve people's quality of life while promoting forest sustainability. The research aims to identify potential and design the development of the Healing Forest concept in Tahura Wan Abdul Rachman. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with surveys, observations, in-depth interviews and data analysis. The research results show that Tahura Wan Abdul Rachman has high biodiversity and natural beauty which really supports the development of the Healing Forest. Survey results show that visitors experience reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased physical fitness after visiting. Interviews revealed the need for improved facilities in the form of walking paths, rest areas, and educational information about local flora and fauna. In conclusion, Healing Forest has great potential to provide dual benefits in the form of: improving visitor health and preserving the environment. Implementing the right management strategy can make Tahura Wan Abdul Rachman a leading tourist destination in Lampung.

Extract of Cyperus rotundus L. Stimulates Root Production in Seedlings of Melanoxylon brauna Schott

ABSTRACT A major challenge in producing Melanoxylon brauna seedlings from seeds is the limited formation of lateral roots. A potential solution to this problem is the exogenous application of growth regulators. This study analyzed the effect of various concentrations of Cyperus rotundus tuber extracts on the root system and growth parameters of M. brauna seedlings. The experiment used a completely randomized design with five treatments (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% C. rotundus extract) and five replicates of 10 seedlings each. The root fresh mass data underwent Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests. The number of lateral roots, height, and stem diameter were evaluated using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test. Regression analysis was used to identify the dose maximizing the stimulating effect. The extract of C. rotundus positively influenced root fresh mass, number of lateral roots and height. The concentration of 64.65% provided the highest root fresh mass (Adj.R2 = 0.9815). The exogenous application of C. rotundus extract proved technically feasible, offering an alternative to synthetic growth regulators used to stimulate root development in forest species seedlings. This study highlights the potential of natural extracts in sustainable forestry practices, particularly for promoting rhizogenesis in M. brauna and optimizing the production of high-quality seedlings.

Unlocking the potential of Albizia procera: A multifunctional tree for sustainable development and climate resilience

Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth., a versatile and fast-growing tree species under the family Fabaceae, holds substantial potential for advancing sustainable development and climate resilience. This review highlights the taxonomy, ecological benefits, and diverse applications and ecological benefits of A. procera, emphasizing its role in reforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable forestry practices. A. procera is also valued for its high-quality timber, contributing to traditional woodworking and modern engineered products like Glulam beams, demonstrating its economic value. Additionally, A. procera contributes to its carbon sequestration, aligning with climate action goals due to its high biomass productivity. While acknowledging the need for careful management to mitigate risks such as invasiveness, this review underscores the significance of A. procera in fostering ecological restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and climate adaptation strategies. Its multifaceted benefits position A. procera as a critical asset in pursuing a sustainable and resilient future. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 31(2): 329-347, 2024 (December)

Biomass Carbon Sequestration Potential of Conifers in Relation to Tree Structural Traits and Anthropogenic Disturbance Stimuli in Kashmir Himalaya

It is essential to quantify the amount of carbon stored in the biomass of forest species to determine the potential for mitigating climate change through forest management. This study aimed to estimate the biomass carbon stock (BCS) of coniferous tree species in 16 temperate (TFs) and 4 subalpine forests (SFs) in the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). BCS was calculated for individual trees using allometric equations. The total BCS was 66.5 ± 6 .8 Mg ha-1, with 42.4 ± 7.3 Mg ha-1 (63.7%) in TFs and 24.2 ± 4.1 Mg ha-1 (36.3%) in SFs. The dominant species, Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jacks. and Picea smithiana (Wall.) Boiss., had corresponding BCS totals of 22.4 ± 4.6 (33.7%) and 21.7 ± 4.8 Mg ha-1 (21.7%), respectively. Abies pindrow Royle had a BCS of 14.1 ± 3.8 Mg ha-1 (21.2%), while the lowest value of 8.3 ± 1.3 Mg ha-1 (15.5%) was found in Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don. TFs showed healthier structural attributes, with higher tree diameter at breast height (DBH) (155.7 ± 8.2 cm) and density (157.1 ± 4.2 trees ha-1) compared to SFs, which had lower DBH (131 ± 7.4 cm) and density (113.9 ± 7.7 trees ha-1). The forests in this region are facing significant deforestation, with 154.0 ± 6.4 stumps ha-1 in temperate forests and 48.8 ± 2.8 stumps ha-1 in subalpine forests. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between BCS and tree girth, height, and total stem density. This study highlights the allocation trends of BCS among keystone species in a climate-sensitive region and emphasizes the need for forest conservation in the context of climate change.

Forest Tourism in Southeast Asia: A Bibliometric Analysis

With the potential to bring about considerable economic, social, and environmental advantages, forest tourism has emerged as a crucial industry for sustainable development in Southeast Asia. However, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to balance the consumption of natural resources with their conservation. As a result, this study uses bibliometric analysis to shed light on Southeast Asian forest tourism research. The Bibliometric R program was used in this study to assess a total of 174 articles that were chosen from the Scopus database using search criteria that included keywords such as forest, forestry, tourism, and touristry, limited to English-language journal articles from South Asian countries. The findings revealed that the key areas of focus in the analyzed studies centered on conservation and ecotourism. This bibliometric analysis also reveals periodic growth in forest tourism research, likely driven by increasing global and regional awareness of sustainable development goals, the economic potential of ecotourism, and the need to balance conservation with tourism activities. Additionally, the consistent pattern of author and institutional collaboration may be attributed to the interdisciplinary nature of forest tourism research, which often requires expertise from fields such as environmental science, sociology, and economics, fostering partnerships across institutions. These results offer insights into the development of future studies in forest tourism as well as empirical evidence to build strategies and policies for creating sustainable forest tourism.

The Impact of China’s Natural Forest Logging Ban on Chinese and International Timber Markets: A Counterfactual Analysis Based on Predicted Market Price

China’s implementation of the Comprehensive Commercial Logging Ban in All Natural Forests is deemed as disrupting the stability of both Chinese and international timber markets and has raised widespread concerns about deforestation leakage on a global scale. Clarifying the impact of the logging ban on the Chinese and international timber markets is essential for formulating effective policies and taking collaborative actions to improve the stability of both timber markets and promote the sustainable development of global forest resources. This study examines the causal effects of the logging ban on Chinese and international timber markets by conducting a counterfactual analysis of Chinese domestic and imported timber prices with the synthetic control method. Unlike most previous studies that revealed significant price increases in both markets as a result of the logging ban, our results show that there are no significant causal effects between the logging ban and the price changes in Chinese and international timber markets. As China made extensive efforts in plantation cultivation and harvesting and substantially improved its domestic timber supply capacity, the logging ban has only produced a limited impact on the Chinese domestic timber market and has not disrupted the international timber market through trade. Therefore, China’s logging ban policy has not protected its own forest resources at the expense of deforestation in other countries, and it has provided a practical reference for the formulation of forest protection policies and sustainable forest management.

REDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF UNSUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF FORESTRY RESOURCES IN NIGERIA

Introduction: The unsustainable utilization of forest resources in Nigeria has led to deforestation, biodiversity loss. And climate change impacts, posing sustainability and socio-economic implications, and propose strategic interventions for sustainable forest management. Utilizing theoretical frameworks in ecological economics and sustainable development, the research explores the complex dynamics between forest resources exploitation and environmental degradation. The findings highlight the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, incorporating policy reforms, community-based resources management, and the promotion of alternative livelihoods to ensure sustainable forest utilization. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on forest resource management in developing economies and offers actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to address the challenges of unsustainable forest resource utilization in Nigeria by identifying root causes, evaluating impacts, and proposing sustainable strategies to mitigate environmental and socio-economic consequences. Method: The study employs a mixed-methods approach by adopting the doctrinal method on the sources of the law, the interpretation and analysing of relevant statutes, conventions and regulations by way of a critique of existing legal material on the subject of forest resources utilization and development. And assessment of existing forest management policies and their effectiveness in addressing sustainability goals. Implications of Research; The study underscores the importance of adopting holistic, inclusive, and adaptive strategies to address forest resource challenges in Nigeria. Key policy implications include: Strengthening enforcement mechanisms forest conservation laws. Promoting community-based forest management practices. Facilitating alternative livelihoods to reduce dependency on forest exploitation. Encouraging afforestation and reforestation programs to restore degraded ecosystems. Originality/Value: This research provides a novel perspective by integrating ecological economics and sustainability frameworks to analyze forest management challenges in Nigeria. It offers practical and actionable solutions tailored to the unique socio-economic and ecological context of the country. By engaging diverse stakeholders, it ensures that the proposed strategies are inclusive and realistic, enhancing their potential for successful implementation. Conclusion: Unsustainable forest resource utilization in Nigeria poses a significant threat to environmental socio-economic sustainability. This study highlights the critical need for holistic, multi-stakeholders approaches to address the drivers of deforestation and promote sustainable practices. By leveraging community participation, policy reforms, and capacity building, Nigeria can achieve a balance between forest conservation and socio-economic development, ensuring a sustainable future for its forest and communities.

Partisipasi Masyarakat Dalam Pengelolaan Hutan Mangrove di Desa Alang-Alang Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Timur Provinsi Jambi

Sustainable mangrove management requires community efforts and participation. Where positive community perceptions of the existence of mangroves will increase community participation in mangrove management activities. Several factors that encourage the community to participate are both internal and external factors. This study aims to see the perception and participation of the community towards the mangrove forest ecosystem and recommend sustainable mangrove forest management strategies. The study was conducted from August to September 2024 using qualitative research methods by collecting descriptive data in written or oral form, which were then interpreted descriptively holistically, contextually using researchers as the main instrument for collecting data. To formulate a mangrove management strategy for the sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Treaths) analysis was carried out. The results of the study showed that the Alang-Alang Village community had a good and positive perception of the existence of the mangrove forest ecosystem, but their participation was still passive (participating if there was someone to accommodate and not yet their own initiative) in the management and preservation of mangrove forests. Where good community perception and community participation also influenced the good ecology of the Alang-Alang Village mangrove forest, including the area and density of good mangroves. However, there are still individuals from other villages who sometimes still cut down mangrove trees and added high waves and strong tidal currents also damage the existing mangrove forest ecosystem. For the management of the mangrove forest ecosystem, Alang-Alang Village is in quadrant I, where the strategy that can be applied in this condition is to support an aggressive strategy or aggressive growth policy (Growth oriented strategy) by utilizing existing strengths and opportunities

Describing and Modelling Stem Form of Tropical Tree Species with Form Factor: A Comprehensive Review

The concept of tree or stem form has been central to forest research for over a century, playing a vital role in accurately assessing tree growth, volume, and biomass. The form factor is an essential component for expressing the shape of a tree, enabling more accurate volume estimation, which is vital for sustainable forest management and planning. Despite its simplicity, flexibility, and advantages in volume estimation, the form factor has received less attention compared to other measures like taper equations and form quotient. This review summarizes the concept, theories, and measures of stem form, and describes the factors influencing its variation. It focuses on the form factor, exploring its types, parameterization, and models in the context of various tropical species and geographic conditions. The review also discusses the use of the form factor in volume estimation and the issues with using default or generic values. The reviewed studies show that tree stem form and form factor variations are influenced by multiple site, tree, and stand characteristics, including site quality, soil type, climate conditions, tree species, age, crown metrics, genetic factors, stand density, and silviculture. The breast height form factor is the most adopted among the three common types of form factors due to its comparative benefits. Of the five most tested form factor functions for predicting tree form factors, Pollanschütz’s function is generally considered the best. However, its performance is often not significantly different from other models. This review identifies the “Hohenadl” method and mixed-effects modelling as overlooked yet potentially valuable approaches for form factor modelling. Using the form factor, especially by diameter or age classes, can enhance tree volume estimation, surpassing volume equations. However, relying on default or generic form factors can lead to volume and biomass estimation errors of up to 17–35%, underscoring the need to limit variation sources in form factor modelling and application. Further recommendations are provided for improving the statistical techniques involved in developing form factor functions.

Honeybee Cultivation Training Apis Mellifera with Forest Farmers Group (KTH) Wana Lestari, Rejo Sari Village, Megang Sakti District, Musi Rawas Regency

Honey bees are social insects that live in colonies. A bee colony consists of around 10,000 to 60,000 bees. The colony consists of a queen (fertile female), hundreds of drones and thousands of worker bees (sterile females). Honey bee cultivation is currently not only oriented towards the economy but also on the aspect of maintaining sustainable forests. The Wana Lestari Forest Farmer Group (KTH) in Rejo Sari Village, Megang Sakti District, Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province, which is supervised by the Lakitan Bukit Cogong Forest Management Unit (KPH), is developing Apis mellifera bee cultivation. The Community Partnership Program activity partners were carried out at the Lakitan Bukit Cogong KPH Office and at the Wana Lestari Forest Farmer Group (KTH) location in Rejo Sari Village, Megang Sakti District, Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province on May 27, 2024 - May 31, 2024. The activities carried out were honey bee cultivation training with the initial step of preparing materials for beekeeping and training in the bee breeding process. From the results of this training activity, it can be concluded that the honey bee cultivation training activity at KTH Wana Lestari can be beneficial for KTH members so that it can increase the income of farmer groups.

Business Sustainability Analysis of the Social Forestry Program in West Sumatra Province

The global community recognizes social forestry as a way to improve community welfare through sustainable forest programs. In Indonesia, this program aims to involve local communities in forest management, providing multiple benefits such as forest preservation, improved livelihoods, and poverty reduction. This study aims to analyze the sustainability of a social forestry program for both Community Forest (CF) and non-Community Forest (non-CF) schemes (Village Forests and Community Plantation Forests). The research was conducted in Sijunjung, Solok, Padang Pariaman Regencies, and Padang City, involving a sample of 33 CF participants and 65 non-CF participants selected through snowball sampling. The data were collected through direct interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) at provincial and regency levels. The business sustainability assessment utilized multidimensional indicators (MDS) across three dimensions: economic, social, and institutional and analyzed using Rap_MForest. The findings revealed that social forestry program had a moderate level of sustainability in all dimensions; however, the social dimension showed lower sustainability, owing to limited community participation and ineffective empowerment of non-group members. The sustainability index of CF scheme was higher than the non-CF (VF and CPF). The CF model emerged as the more adaptable and comprehensive approach, promoting both environmental conservation and socioeconomic development. Therefore, prioritizing the institutional strengthening of VF and CPF became crucial. In addition, enhancing the active role and involvement of group members in the social forestry program within the social dimension was also essential. To enhance sustainability, efforts should be focused on strengthening mentoring and counseling programs for social forestry groups involved in state forest and community plantation initiatives.

Identification of plants constituent of conservation forest vegetation Potorono, Sambak, Magelang

The Potorono Sambak Forest has excellent vegetation and helps to maintain clean water availability for the surrounding community. Various types of plants that grow in the Potorono Forest area of Sambak Village, Magelang have never been identified so their types must be identified. This research aims to identify the various types of plants found in the Potorono Forest Area, Sambak, Magelang to help conservation. The research method used in this study is the exploration method. Every plant found during the exploration of the Potorono Forest area is observed for its morphology, documented, and identified using a plant identification book. The obtained data is then entered into a table based on its categorization and analyzed descriptively qualitatively. The research results obtained as many as 80 species of plants consisting of 26 types of trees, 22 types of shrubs, 20 types of herbs, 5 types of lianas, and 5 types of grass. Of the 80 species, they can be grouped into 47 families with the largest number of Moraceae (6 species), Asteraceae (4 species), and Euphorbiaceae. (4 species). Many types of plants are obtained, and they certainly play an important role in the habitat to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Therefore, all parties must be actively involved in preserving the Potorono forest ecosystem so that it remains sustainable and beneficial for all living beings.

SCENARIO DEVELOPMENT FOR THE IMITATION MODELLING OF FOREST ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Sustainable forest management implies the necessity to maintain and uphold the balance between the growing demand for forest ecosystem services and the capabilities present. This issue motivates the development of ways to include various ecosystem services in the forest ecosystem planning and management system, taking into account social, political, environmental, and economic contexts. One of the effective tools for ecosystem service management is imitation modelling, which allows assessing the decision-making risks and consequences. This raises the scientific problem of substantiating possible alternative scenarios for future forested area development for subsequent simulation. This article is aimed at analysing the approaches to creating scenarios for the development of a forest area for local-level imitation modelling and testing a new method based on the development of the existing approaches to solving this problem. In its first part, modern research analysis in the field of imitation scenario development is presented; the second one proposes a new method for compiling scenarios, created within the framework of the POLYFORES project, and also presents the results of its testing at three model sites located in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, the Republic of Karelia, and the Moscow Region. For the forest plots of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, four scenarios for forest area development have been created, aimed at obtaining benefits: 1 – from timber harvesting, 2 – from recreational ecosystem services and food forest resources, 3 – from regulating ecosystem services, 4 – both from timber harvesting, under the conditions of intensified forest growing, and from regulating ecosystem services. For forest plots in the Republic of Karelia, the first scenario describes the situation of meeting the demand for wood, while also preserving the biodiversity and regulating ecosystem services; the second and third scenarios take into account the increased demand for wood, with low and high priorities for environmental conservation. For the forest plots of the Moscow Region, only two scenarios were relevant, with the increasing need of citizens for recreational ecosystem services, and the biodiversity preservation priority in management decision-making either remaining low or increasing. For each scenario, forestry activities corresponding to the management objectives have been developed. The proposed scenarios can be used to obtain information about the impact of various management decisions on providing forest ecosystem services.