Conservation Of Forest Resources Research Articles

Harnessing Potentials of Indigenous Environmental Myths for Forest Conservation in Rivers State

Indigenous environmental mythology has long been an essential component of many communities' ecological and cultural systems in the Rivers State, Nigerian These myths, which usually stem from the notion that nature is untouchable, offer crucial insights into the practices of traditional forest protection. This study looks into how these indigenous myths could help with current conservation efforts, particularly those that are meant to protect forest resources. By examining a number of myths and the associated behaviours, the study demonstrated how these cultural narratives have historically controlled human interaction with the environment, ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources. It also suggested how community members can remain involved in the conservation of forest resources. The study pointed out the forest's critical role in the welfare of rural Nigerian households. Therefore, the more community people participate in sustainable forest management, the more the forests contribute to meeting the needs of rural Nigerian household welfare. Thus, it was concluded that community involvement not only protects people of the community's means of sustenance but also enhances the social, economic, and environmental aspects of forestry efforts.

The role of Participatory Forest Management for forest diversity enhancement in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is rich in the flora of tropical Africa and this situation enables the center of origin for plant species diversity. Despite the forest resource, quality is declining from time to time at an alarming rate and become major problem during the second half of the 20th century. Yet, no studies about the role of PFM in comparison with the None-PFM forests for forest diversity status and sustainability. PFM was introduced for sustainable forest management involving the local communities as part of decision maker on the forest resources utilization and conservation practices by empowered women`s for different actions and participation using forest resources wisely without hampering the next generation. Therefore, this review conducted to have current information about the role of participatory forest management (PFM) for sustainable forest management in different part of Ethiopia. This review revealed that participatory forest management play appreciable role for forest sustainability that forest species diversity and density was increased along different locations of the country forests governed by PFM than None-PFM forests. This review was greatly provide crucial information for forest stake holders and policy makers that participatory forest management was unreplaceable tool for sustainable forest management using forest products wisely and sustainably without debilitating the next generation

Factors determining farmers’ adoption of cultural practices for forest resources conservation in Delta State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Studies on conservation of forest resources abound but the application of cultural practices is being neglected. The use of the logit regression model in identifying the factors that influenced the adoption of these cultural practices was a milestone in this work. The goal of the study was to identify existing cultural practices of conservation and factors that influenced its adoption. Key informants for the study were obtained using multi-stage selection techniques. Information on cultural practices, forest resources conserved by these practices and groups within the community responsible for implementing these practices were obtained using a structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model were used. The study bared that males (70.4%) dominated. The practice of sacred grooves, forbidden forest resources, festive harvesting, ancestral beliefs and restriction from felling trees of ancestral origin was used in conserving snakes, crocodiles, Millicia excelsa, Achatina achatina, Tyto alba, Neuboudia laevis, Irvingia wombulu in the communities. The factors influencing the adoption of these practices were education, age of the respondent, native of the community and religion. The traditional head, traditional executives, chief priest and sometimes, the whole community enforced and implemented these beliefs and proscribed penalties for defaulters. Cultural practices that support the wise use of resources from the forest are still in existence and effective. The collaboration of the State Forestry division with these communities in harnessing their cultural practices is vital to the quest of conserving these diverse species in the forest.

An Insight of Village Community Banks as the Tool of Forest Resource Conservation: A Case of Selected Villages Adjacent Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve.

An Insight of Village Community Banks as the Tool of Forest Resource Conservation: A Case of Selected Villages Adjacent Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve.

Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Heterogeneity by Logging Intensity in a Federal Concession Area in the Brazilian Amazon

The logging intensity often does not take into account the spatial heterogeneity of the forest volume of commercial native species in the Brazilian Amazon. This study aims to evaluate the spatio-temporal heterogeneity distribution by assessing logging intensity and its effects on the volumetric stock and abundance of commercial species, with a focus on sustainable management practices. This study was conducted in the Saracá-Taquera National Forest in the Brazilian Amazon. Forest inventory data, elevation, and PlanetScope satellite images were integrated into a geographic information system. The information was aggregated into regular 1-hectare cells for the times before, during, and after logging (t0, t1, and t2). The unsupervised classification algorithm k-means with four clusters was used to analyze heterogeneity. Before logging, areas with higher commercial volumes were distant from water bodies, while areas with lower elevation had lower wood stocks. Logging intensity was generally low, concentrating on a few trees per hectare. Logging in the study area revealed a heterogeneous spatial distribution by intensifying in areas with the highest wood stocks. These results suggest that, in addition to the recommended logging intensity according to legislation, forest heterogeneity should be considered by the manager, promoting adaptive strategies to ensure the conservation of forest resources.

Local Community Attitude towards Forest-Based Ecotourism Development in Arbegona and Nensebo Woredas, Southern Ethiopia

Understanding local community awareness and attitude towards forest-based ecotourism welfare is an important input for policymakers to develop and implement sustainable forest resource management strategies. However, the local community’s awareness and attitude towards forest-based ecotourism development have been poorly assessed and documented in remote areas. To this end, the present study assessed the local community’s awareness and attitude in Arbegona and Nensebo woredas’ forests, southern Ethiopia, towards ecotourism development. Household and key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Results indicated that more than half (57.9%) of the respondents expressed a negative attitude towards forest-based ecotourism development. The educational status of the respondents, their age, presence of conservation measures, source of energy for household consumption, and biophysical and socio-cultural variations in the study sites are significantly associated with local communities’ attitudes that have been exhibited towards the development of ecotourism and conservation of forest resources. Creating awareness through persuasion and communication of new and well-suited information, promoting alternative livelihood options, encouraging local benefits from the conservation of forest resources, and compensating costs induced by wild animals can minimise negative attitudes, thereby contributing to the enhancement of local communities’ positive attitudes towards forest resource conservation.

Legal regulation of the use of forest resources

The purpose of the study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the legislative framework in the field of forest resource management in Albania in the context of forest ecology, and species diversity, and to identify the main problems and prospects for sustainable development of the country’s forestry. The research methodology included the analysis of statistical data from the National Institute of Statistics of Albania on the structure of forest ecosystems and forms of their management. The results of studies conducted by international organizations such as the World Bank, Global Environment Facility, and Oikon d.o.o. were also used. The structure and composition of Albania’s forest resources, including those of natural and semi-natural origin, are analysed. The legal framework in the field of forest management in Albania is summarized. Different management structures for forestry land are characterized, with the identification of the specifics of use for different forms of ownership. The main problems of forest management are identified, including intensive exploitation of private forests, lack of subsidies and investments, as well as imperfect legislative regulation. Adaptation measures to increase the sustainability of Albania’s forests within the framework of the Albanian Forest Policy Document for the period 2019-2030 are substantiated. Strategic areas of development, such as the expansion of protected areas, the development of ecotourism and the attraction of green investments, are proposed. The study also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation for financial and technical support, which will facilitate the implementation of sustainable forest management practices and biodiversity conservation. The practical significance of the study is that these results can be used to develop strategic directions for the development of the forest sector in Albania, aimed at ensuring sustainable management and conservation of forest resources, which is a key factor for the country’s economic and environmental well-being

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.

Economic efficiency and finance in the development of the forest economy within the framework of legal restrictions

The present study aims to analyse the factors that determine the economic efficiency and optimal models of forestry financing in the context of the current legal framework. The article discusses the critical importance of forestry for global environmental sustainability and economic development. It is determined that economic efficiency in this area is to achieve the maximum economic result while minimizing costs and making optimal use of resources. The main indicators of economic efficiency are the productivity of forest resources, which depends on the ability to maintain and restore forest plantations, as well as on cost optimization, including operating costs and investments in modern technologies. Economic efficiency is also determined by financial results, including revenues from the sale of forest products and profitability of enterprises. An important aspect was the consideration of environmental and social aspects, such as the impact of forestry on ecosystems and employment. The article emphasized the role of innovative technologies, such as geographic information systems and remote sensing, in improving the efficiency of forest management. The article analyses the impact of access to financial resources, level of technological development, management approaches, legislative framework, environmental sustainability and market conditions on the economic efficiency of forestry in Kosovo. As a result, recommendations were made to improve the economic efficiency of forestry, including increasing financial support, attracting international investment, improving the legal framework and developing international cooperation. Implementation of these measures will contribute to the conservation and efficient use of forest resources, ensuring economic stability and environmental safety of the country

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.

Floristic Composition and Tree Species Diversity with DBH ≤ 5 cm at Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP), Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

A study was conducted to assess the tree species composition, diversity, and above-ground biomass at Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP), Dabong, Kelantan, Malaysia. Five plots were systematically established of each 20 m x 20 m (0.2 ha), and all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 cm and below were enumerated. A total of 273 individual trees were enumerated, representing 88 species belonging to 40 families and 67 genera. Lauraceae was the most represented family, consisting of 3 genera and 4 species. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) indicated a high diversity value of 3.46 and the Simpson Diversity Index (D) with 0.97. The total above-ground biomass of the trees was estimated to be 0.619 ta/ha. Notably, Vatica maingayi and Aquilaria malaccensis identified in the study area are listed as vulnerable, with decreasing population trends. The floristic composition and the presence of these threatened species underscore the ecological importance of GSSP, highlighting its potential role as a critical conservation site for maintaining biodiversity and protecting vulnerable plant species. This study provides valuable baseline data for the management and conservation of forest resources in GSSP and contributes to the broader understanding of tropical forest ecosystems in Malaysia position implies that the study area can serve as a conservation site for the threatened plant species.

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.