Current Forest Research Articles

Climate change impacts: Vegetation shift of broad-leaved and coniferous forests

Climate change is a variation in temperature and precipitation for longer periods due to global warming. It has an impact on tree species distribution, composition and diversity of the forests. Our study aims to answer how future climate change is likely to have an impact on the vegetation shift of broad-leaved and coniferous forests. The study used forest resource assessment data (2010–2014) of Nepal to assess vegetation shift from the perspective of climate change scenario. We collected altogether 392 presence points (observations) for broad-leaved forests and 99 for coniferous forests. These occurrence points accompanied by bioclimatic variables and topographical variables (Elevation, Slope and Aspect) were used as input data in a MaxEnt model to predict the distribution of the coniferous and broad-leaved forests. We found a potential area of the near current (1970–2000) coniferous forest replaced by a broad-leaved forest under a climate change scenario (SSP2 4.5 for 2041–2060) and vice versa. The total projected vegetation shift area of Nepal was found to be approximately 1800 km2 (i.e. over 3 % of the total forest area). Out of the total vegetation shift area, almost 90 % percent of the area was found to be replaced by broad-leaved forest while the remaining 10 % area was found to be replaced by a coniferous forest. The climate change impact has been noticed in the vegetation shift, particularly the presence of broad-leaved forest is more dominant. The study provides better insights into the impact of climate change on the existing vegetation under the future climate change scenario.

Research progress on productivity of mixed forest.

One of the effective ways to improve the productivity of mixed forests is enhancing resource use efficiency based on the biological characteristics of afforestation tree species. Resource use efficiency is affected by tree species interactions and environmental conditions through applying appropriate cultivation patterns. In this study, we evaluated two estimating methods for the productivity of mixed forest, analyzed the internal mechanism of interspecific tree competition and complementary effects on mixed forest productivity, clarified external factors of growth space and habitat factors control over productivity of mixed forest, discussed the effects of tree species composition, stand density and site quality on productivity, and illustrated the productivity trajectory during the development of mixed forests. Finally, based on the knowledge of the internal mechanism and habitat factors affecting the formation of mixed forest productivity, we focused on the key scientific issues that urgently need to be solved in the construction of the current mixed forests cultivation patterns, and put forward future research directions, including improving the productivity estimation system, establishing long-term mixed forest observation field, enhancing the research on the comprehensive effect of various cultivation measures, and reinforcing research of the growth and development dynamics in mixed forests.

Public perception of the performance of Czech forest ecosystem services

AbstractIn recent years, there has been growing interest in public valuation for forest ecosystem services in policymaking. This paper investigates the public’s perception of the Czech forest ecosystem services, i.e., provisioning, regulating and cultural services, with associated factors (changes in forest cover, production, and respondents’ characteristics). The performance perception of forest ecosystem services was gathered from a nationwide survey in 2020. The Coordination of Information on the Environment Land Cover information in 2000 and 2018 was used for observation of forest cover changes. Coniferous and non-coniferous (broadleaved) roundwood, mushroom, and bilberry production data from the observed years were acquired from the Czech Statistical Office and the Ministry of Agriculture’s annual nationwide surveys. The Bohemia vs. Moravia study areas were also statistically compared. Predictor analysis of the high score of performance perception from individual and cluster forest ecosystems was also performed to answer the research objectives. The group of forest provisioning services received high scores in public evaluation (from 3.9 to 4.2), followed by regulating services (mean range: 3.7–4.1). The highest score was found in forest as a natural habitat for wild animals and plants (mean: 4.6). However, the lowest value was the esthetic value (mean: 2.3). Both are categorized as forest cultural services. The broadleaved and mixed forest areas in 2018 were significantly higher than in 2000, especially in Bohemia. Meanwhile, the total coniferous forested region in 2018 declined substantially compared to 2000 (p = 0.030), especially in Moravian areas. A significantly higher total production of the coniferous and broadleaved roundwood removals in 2018 than in 2000 was reported, in contrast to a marked decrease in collected mushrooms and bilberries. The high score of performance perception of forests as the wood provisioning service was positively and significantly associated with the changes in broadleaved roundwood removals. Older-age and female respondents were the primary predictors of the studied cluster and individual forest ecosystem services. The findings indicate that the social value of the individual forest provisioning services supports the implementation of multi-species and multi-purpose forests; hence, it encourages the implementation of the current Czech forest policy.

20th-Century hurricanes leave long-lasting legacies on tropical forest height and the abundance of a dominant wind-resistant palm.

Projected increases in hurricane intensity under a warming climate will have profound effects on many forest ecosystems. One key challenge is to disentangle the effects of wind damage from the myriad factors that influence forest structure and species distributions over large spatial scales. Here, we employ a novel machine learning framework with high-resolution aerial photos, and LiDAR collected over 115 km2 of El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico to examine the effects of topographic exposure to two hurricanes, Hugo (1989) and Georges (1998), and several landscape-scale environmental factors on the current forest height and abundance of a dominant, wind-resistant species, the palm Prestoea acuminata var. montana. Model predictions show that the average density of the palm was 32% greater while the canopy height was 20% shorter in forests exposed to the two storms relative to unexposed areas. Our results demonstrate that hurricanes have lasting effects on forest canopy height and composition, suggesting the expected increase in hurricane severity with a warming climate will alter coastal forests in the North Atlantic.

A GIS-Based Assessment of Land Cover Changes and Tree Species Suitability for Urban Greening Policies in the City of Kitwe, Zambia

Study objective and design A change vector analysis (CVA) was used to determine land cover (LC) changes and identify tree species that are best for urban greening based on carbon sequestration and air pollution. The study assessed LC change in Kitwe, Zambia, from 1990 to 2015. This study identified the most planted urban tree species along Kitwe’s main roads and highways and evaluated typical urban tree species’ pH, RWC, total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, and biomass. Place and length of study The urban trees in Kitwe, Zambia, make up the study population. The city of Kitwe is a thriving centre for mining and commercial activities and is situated in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The investigation took place during 2018 and 2019. Methodology The NDVI and BSI indices were created using spectral indices created from Landsat images of Kitwe taken in 1990 and 2015, respectively. The size and direction of the LC were then determined using CVA, and a district database of land cover changes was constructed using GIS. Urban trees from the built-up area were utilised to create an inventory of common urban tree species based on the land cover classification. The anticipated performance index (API), which measures the suitability of tree species for improving air quality, and the air pollution tolerance index (APTI), which measures the suitability of tree species for urban greening, are two of the three assessment methods that were employed. In addition, above-ground biomass (AGB) was employed to quantify the carbon sequestration contribution of the current urban forest. Results The study discovered that between 1990 and 2015, mining activity and urban growth in Kitwe both contributed to changes in the area’s LC. While the central business district still exhibits a persistent presence as a result of the town’s age, having sprung up before the 1990s with more expansions in the new areas, areas being monitored showed low and medium change intensity, mostly in the northeast of the district. In the current investigation, there was a significant difference in the relative abundance of species (p = 0.05). In the study site, Mangifera indica (RA = 12.3%) and Delonix regia (RA = 15.9%) were the two most prevalent species. According to the study, eleven species were found, and each has accumulated carbon in a unique way throughout time depending on its allometry and age. These distinctions in physiological response (tolerance) to air pollution are noteworthy. Bauhinia variegata, Toona ciliate, Gmelina arborea, Eucalyptus grandis, and Delonix regia were all identified as suitable tree species. Conclusion Over the past 25 years, more than 50% of the land cover has changed, with the majority of that change occurring in regions that are now classified as built-up areas. The majority of Kitwe’s urban forests are found in the populated areas and are made up of a variety of ornamental trees that are frequently cultivated for their aesthetic value, attractiveness, and shade. According to the research, this mixture also includes opportunistic urban trees (invasive species) and fruit-bearing trees intermingled with native species. Overall, this study suggests the following species: For urban trees suited for greening programmes aimed at improving air quality and providing shade and beauty in green areas, residences, and sidewalks that have a low air pollution environment, consider Bauhinia variegata, Toona ciliate, Gmelina arborea, Eucalyptus grandis, and Delonix regia.

Sustainability of White Oak (Quercus alba) Timber Supply in Kentucky

Abstract White oak is a major commercial tree species and an important timber resource in Kentucky. However, current forest inventory trends from the Central Hardwood Forest Region (CHFR) reveal a sustainability threat from declining white oak regeneration and recruitment leading to a disproportionate inventory structure. Using Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data together with the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS), we performed a base run analysis of projected inventory levels of white oak sawlogs to better understand whether the inventory level is sustainable to support the current harvest level of white oak in the future. The projections were further examined by tree grades to provide a general outlook on the quality of white oak timber growing in Kentucky’s forests in posterity. By doing so, we generated results that indicate that projected inventory levels of white oak sawlogs cannot be considered sustainable to support current harvest levels from 2058 onwards. In addition, the long-term trends in inventory levels of high-quality white oak sawlogs would be continuously declining whereas that of low-quality sawlogs would be steadily increasing. On the brink of these significant inventory shifts, our study calls for proactive forest management approaches to stabilize the white oak timber resource supply in Kentucky and beyond.

Current Forest–Savanna Transition in Northern South America Departs from Typical Climatic Thresholds

The forest–savanna transition is the most widespread ecotone in the tropics, with important ecological, climatic, and biogeochemical implications at local to global scales. However, the factors and mechanisms that control this transition vary among continents and regions. Here, we analyzed which factors best explain the transition in northern South America (Llanos ecoregion and northwestern Amazon), where common thresholds on typical environmental factors (for example, mean annual precipitation (MAP), wet season precipitation) fail to predict it. For instance, savannas in the Llanos occur at MAP levels (> 1500 mm) which are typical of forests in other tropical regions. We examined the transition’s climate features, soils, and disturbance (fire frequency) spaces using remotely sensed data. We used logistic generalized linear models to assess the effect of seasonal (season length) and intra-seasonal (daily precipitation frequency and intensity) precipitation metrics during the dry season, soil silt content, and fire frequency, on the transition using canopy cover, tree cover, and the maximum Plant Area Volume Density as vegetation structure descriptor variables. Fire frequency and precipitation frequency were the most important variables explaining the transition. Although most fires occur in savannas, we found that a significant percentage of savanna pixels (46%) had no fires. This study indicates that the transition should be characterized regionally in response to biogeographic differences (for example, climatic space) among regions and continents. Our results highlight the importance of fire frequency and intra-seasonal precipitation in determining the transition in northern South America. Furthermore, future studies should consider regional differences in the climatic space of forest and savanna to improve projections of global change impacts on these highly diverse ecosystems.

The routes to fruit: Governance of urban food trees in Canada

Interest in planting urban food trees (UFTs) in public spaces is growing in popularity as a form of urban greening and a potential food source. Currently there is minimal research on the governance and policy aspects of integrating food trees into cities. To fill this gap, we investigated the characteristics of UFT site governance and how it compares to current urban forest governance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant municipal officials in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Victoria about their perspectives and involvement with UFT sites in their city. A scan of policy documents was completed to supplement the interviews. The interviews were analyzed using a deductive coding framework based on the Policy Arrangement Approach. We found that key actors at the UFT sites were local organizations and site champions, with minimal municipal engagement. Most site resources provided by municipalities were in-kind. There are also basic knowledge gaps about how to care for UFTs. Currently municipal by-laws prohibit the harvesting and removal of plant material, and are at odds with the purpose of UFT sites, with few municipalities fully integrating UFTs in policies. The primary discussion around UFTs centre concerns for public health and safety, management, and use of public space with limited discussions of benefits. This research demonstrates the value of co-governance models to support UFTs, while a shift in focus from risks to benefits could encourage additional resources and policy integration. Further, including UFTs into policy would also support foraging and food tree maintenance in public spaces, and more fully reflect the plurality of urban forest engagement.

Vegetações amazônicas e terras indígenas ameaçadas pelas próximas mudanças climáticas: Previsão de impacto nos biomas brasileiros

AbstractChanges in vegetation cover due to increasing frequencies of extreme climate events and anthropogenic pressure are already underway; so, predicting the impacts of the near‐future climate will be essential for developing mitigation strategies. We modelled the responses of Brazilian biomes to a future scenario (2070) of steady increases in atmospheric CO levels, adding soil data to better represent the multidimensional space of the environmental suitability of each biome. We also assessed the effects of changes in environmental suitability on the Brazilian network of protected areas and projected those effects on 1 km resolution maps. The area predicted to be affected by future climate change in Brazil and the consequent loss of suitable habitat surface is 2.59 Mkm2 – larger than the combined areas of Central America and Mexico – leading the current vegetation to a progressive replacement. We project major changes in the vegetation of the Amazon basin, with the replacement of rainforest by dryer vegetation in the southern and eastern regions of that basin, and the opening of a dry corridor in Pará State. We also project an expansion of 41% of the current caatinga cover in the Brazilian semiarid region, with large losses of suitable habitat surface of the current deciduous forest. Approximately, 37% of the coverage of protected areas in Brazil will be affected – with greater damage to indigenous lands. The speed of current environmental change is now unprecedented for the post‐glacial era, and will almost certainly lead to increased rates of extinction and the collapse of transition ecosystems. We propose the urgent creation of protected areas in regions designed without significant impacts, but contiguous to those that will be more seriously affected by climate change. Those areas will act as refugia preserving biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the cultural heritages of traditional populations.

Assessing the impacts of past and ongoing deforestation on rainfall patterns in South America.

Despite recent advances in modeling forest-rainfall relationships, the current understanding of changes in observed rainfall patterns resulting from historical deforestation remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed how 40 years of deforestation has altered rainfall patterns in South America as well as how current Amazonian forest cover sustains rainfall. First, we develop a spatiotemporal neural network model to simulate rainfall as a function of vegetation and climate inputs in South America; second, we assess the rainfall effects of observed deforestation in South America during the periods 1982-2020 and 2000-2020; third, we assess the potential rainfall changes in the Amazon biome under two deforestation scenarios. We find that, on average, cumulative deforestation in South America from 1982 to 2020 has reduced rainfall over the period 2016-2020 by 18% over deforested areas, and by 9% over non-deforested areas across South America. We also find that more recent deforestation, that is, from 2000 to 2020, has reduced rainfall over the period 2016-2020 by 10% over deforested areas and by 5% over non-deforested areas. Deforestation between 1982 and 2020 has led to a doubling in the area experiencing a minimum dry season of 4 months in the Amazon biome. Similarly, in the Cerrado region, there has been a corresponding doubling in the area with a minimum dry season of 7 months. These changes are compared to a hypothetical scenario where no deforestation occurred. Complete conversion of all Amazon forest land outside protected areas would reduce average annual rainfall in the Amazon by 36% and complete deforestation of all forest cover including protected areas would reduce average annual rainfall in the Amazon by 68%. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for effective conservation measures to safeguard both forest ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices.

A Spatiotemporal Survey of Tikjda Forest Dynamics Over A 34-Year Period by Aerial Photographs

Abstract Obtaining accurate forest cover information and dynamics of land occupation, through time, such as the spatial extent and pattern of disturbance and recovery is essential knowledge and assistance for forest managers and a crucial basis for the protection and conservation of current forest resources. Because most recent researches have focused on forest field survey and monitoring, a land classification containing information on forest cover dynamics is critically needed. Over the last decades, advances in remote sensing technology have enabled an accurate classification of different land covers from several sensors and remotely sensed data. We presently retained Tikjda forest (Djurdjura southerner, Algeria) as a case study to investigate the possibility of aerial photos classification and to analyze the historical dynamics of the area using a change detection analysis of multi-temporal data. To classify the study area’s main cover types, we used photographs collected over a period of 34 years (i.e., from 1983 to 2017). The results revealed that in 2017, Tikjda forest was composed of forest areas (24.1%), degraded areas (49.7%), and barren areas (26.2%). Throughout the investigated period, the analysis revealed a notable increase in barren areas (+9.8%), and degraded areas (+14.4%), While forest areas experienced a significant decrease (−24.2%). Moreover, the results confirm the potential of aerial photographs for an accurate classification of forests.

Ecological Resources of Boreal Forests for Greenhouse Gas Absorption and in Adaptation to Global Warming (for the Paris Climate Change Agreement)

The forests of the Oka basin were used as an example in an experiment to solve numerically the dual-purpose task set by the Paris Climate Change Agreement (2015): to assess CO2 absorption from the atmosphere by forest communities under the current global warming and forest adaptation to climate change. The regulation processes of the carbon cycle by the forest cover, with the effect of mitigating the predicted warming, were revealed with the help of empirical–statistical modeling. The adaptation potential and role of forests in carbon adsorption and conservation were assessed. The proposed index of elastic–plastic functional stability of forest ecosystems was used as an adaptation indicator. Forest sustainability as a direct environmental factor in greenhouse gas absorption was estimated in statistical terms. An unambiguous idea of the significant increase in the ecological resources of boreal and nemoral forests was obtained: their adsorption capacity increased with an increase in the adaptation potential. During the predicted 100-year period, the overall elastic–plastic stability of forest formations should increase in the region, especially at the current velocity of global warming. Due to this fact, a significant increase in the ability of boreal and, to a lesser extent, nemoral forests to absorb greenhouse gases should also be expected. Based on the obtained results of regional prediction modeling, coupled study of the adsorption capacity of forest biomes and their adaptation to the changing climate is effective.

The effects of climate and forest cover variability on the hydrological regulation of an eastern Andean Cusiana river sub-basin

The hydrologic regulation analysis on a basin scale requires the understanding of the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of the climate regime and the land cover. The Cusiana river sub-basin (4992 km2) is part of the Colombian Orinoco River basin and its important because of the ecosystem services it provides. However, there is limited knowledge about the factors that govern its hydrological functioning. In this study we aimed at describing the relation between the forest cover and the hydroclimatic tendencies with the hydrologic regulation of this basin. For this, we evaluated rainfall and evapotranspiration spatial variability and the temporal tendencies of these variables and streamflow employing the Mann-Kendall test for a dataset covering from 1980 till 2020. Streamflow data was obtained from various gauging sites at different points along the main streambed between 290 and 3135 m a.s.l. We also evaluated the basin's forest cover changes between 2003 and 2019 using official land cover classification maps. With the hydroclimatic and land cover analyzes we created potential scenarios of extreme dry and wet years and of deforestation and restoration. These extreme scenarios were forced in the previously calibrated and validated Seasonal Water Yield module of the InVEST model to evaluate their effects on base and quickflows. Results show that there are no homogeneous tendencies in the rainfall, evapotranspiration, or streamflow within this basin. Furthermore, streamflow tends to decrease in the basin segments that show an increase in forest cover. The model outputs suggest that the magnitude of the baseflow decrease under a deforestation scenario is up to 3.6 times larger than the increase in baseflow under a forest cover restoration scenario, and that the quickflows can increase up to 1.4 times more in a combined wet year and deforestation scenario, than in an average year under current forest cover. From our results we identify that the spatial relation between land cover, climate and hydrologic regulation must be explicitly evaluated for the design of water resources management plans for any Andean River basin.

Boosting line intensity map signal-to-noise ratio with the Ly-α forest cross-correlation

ABSTRACT We forecast the prospects for cross-correlating future line intensity mapping (LIM) surveys with the current and future Ly-α forest measurements. Using large cosmological hydrodynamic simulations, we model the emission from the CO rotational transition in the CO Mapping Array Project LIM experiment at the 5-yr benchmark and the Ly-α forest absorption signal for extended Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BOSS), Dark energy survey instrument (DESI), and Prime Focus multiplex Spectroscopy survey (PFS). We show that CO × Ly-α forest significantly enhances the detection signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of CO, with up to $300{{\ \rm per\, cent}}$ improvement when correlated with the PFS Ly-α forest survey and a 50–75 per cent enhancement with the available eBOSS or the upcoming DESI observations. This is competitive with even CO × spectroscopic galaxy surveys. Furthermore, our study suggests that the clustering of CO emission is tightly constrained by CO × Ly-α forest due to the increased sensitivity and the simplicity of Ly-α absorption modelling. Foreground contamination or systematics are expected not to be shared between LIM and Ly-α forest observations, providing an unbiased inference. Ly-α forest will aid in detecting the first LIM signals. We also estimate that [C ii] × Ly-α forest measurements from Experiment for Cryogenic Large-Aperture Intensity Mapping and DESI/eBOSS should have a larger S/N than planned [C ii] × quasar observations by about an order of magnitude.

Maintaining the protective function of mountain forests under climate change by the concept of naturalness in tree species composition

In Swiss mountain areas, the protective function of forests is the predominant ecosystem service having high cultural and economic significance. It is assumed that natural forests or close-to-natural forests, i.e., forests being in the equilibrium with environmental conditions are the most resilient and resistant in regard to disturbances and hence best protecting people and assets on the long run. Here, we estimated the naturalness of the tree species composition by comparing Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI) data with current and future potential Natural forest Site Types (NST). Based on this analysis, we identified species that are under or over-represented in protective mountain forests and derived the subsequent potential for management interventions. The urgency of management interventions is expected be small if all predominant tree species of the idealized potential natural forests are present and only their relative portions in the stand need adjustment. In contrast, interventions are advisable, if predominant tree species of the current and future potential natural forests are absent. Based on NFI data, the tree species composition of 47% of the protective mountain forests were classified as “natural” or “close-to-natural,” while the remaining 53% were classified as “not natural” or “partly natural.” Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.] and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) were the two most over-represented species under current and even more so under predicted future climatic conditions. To date, silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were the two species most frequently absent in protective mountain forests, in which they should prevail. Apart from European beech, the most prominent increase in prevalence is predicted for oak (sessile oak and pubescent oak; Quercus petrea Liebl., Q. pubescens Willd.) and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.). These species were currently missing from more than 75% of the stands, in which they are expected to be dominant under future conditions. Our analysis indicates the need to transform tree species compositions of protective mountain forests to optimize fitness under future climates. Some of these transformations will take place naturally, incited by disturbances, others—the majority of them—will need active management interventions.

Identifying and prioritising traditional knowledge-related strategies within Turkish forest policy: the perspective of forest managers

Forests are an essential part of the lifestyle and income of forest villagers in Türkiye. This interaction between forests and rural society offers considerable potential for the generation of traditional knowledge (TK). However, most of this knowledge is in danger of extinction. This study pursued qualitative and quantitative research methods: a SWOT analysis was created by utilising the related components of current national forest policy documents and sought to create basic strategies which were then prioritised using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) rating approach. The findings showed that TK is tied directly to the main objectives of forestry policy. Social strategies were viewed as the highest priority, emphasising the improvement of local living standards and increasing local awareness and loyalty to their regions. These strategies were followed by organisational and legislation-policy-related issues. However, the close scores of the strategies proved that all are interdependent and have relations with each other, and a holistic approach is required.

Assessing the carbon storage value of kelp forest restoration in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, New Zealand: Lessons from no-take Marine Protected Areas

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions are one of the principal driving forces of climate change. Climate change leads to systematic changes of ecosystems that cause significant impacts on species interactions, ecosystem processes, and result in profound socio-economic consequences. While carbon offsetting of terrestrial forests and their monetary value are well accepted, the carbon offsetting potential and value of coastal and marine ecosystems (Blue Carbon, BC) remains excluded from the international carbon accounting framework. In this study, we estimated the carbon offsetting value of kelp forests (Ecklonia radiata) against urchin barrens (dominated by crustose coralline algae) using the standing stock biomass as a metric. We propose that standing stock biomass is a crucial next step in introducing BC to the general carbon offsetting framework. Our approach is informed by long-term ecological research conducted in a marine reserve, which highlights the potential of utilizing trophic cascades to limit the dominance of urchin barrens in shallow coastal habitats. We found that the value of carbon standing stock in current kelp forests with reforestation in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (HGMP) is worth up to $NZ 7.9 million, based on 2021 carbon market pricing in New Zealand. This simple step towards realizing the value of marine conservation and its multiple benefits to society highlights the missed opportunities when policy and plans do not align with ecology and economics. Including the ocean's contributions to carbon storage is a critical step in using monetization techniques to overcome climate change challenges. Monetizing the carbon offsetting value of kelp forests contributes to establishing funding mechanisms to attract diverse investments in marine ecosystem restoration while providing ecological benefits in ocean governance.

Amazonian vegetation types and indigenous lands threatened by upcoming climate change: Forecast impact for Brazilian biomes

AbstractChanges in vegetation cover due to increasing frequencies of extreme climate events and anthropogenic pressure are already underway; so, predicting the impacts of the near‐future climate will be essential for developing mitigation strategies. We modelled the responses of Brazilian biomes to a future scenario (2070) of steady increases in atmospheric CO2 levels, adding soil data to better represent the multidimensional space of the environmental suitability of each biome. We also assessed the effects of changes in environmental suitability on the Brazilian network of protected areas and projected those effects on 1 km resolution maps. The area predicted to be affected by future climate change in Brazil and the consequent loss of suitable habitat surface is 2.59 Mkm2 – larger than the combined areas of Central America and Mexico – leading the current vegetation to a progressive replacement. We project major changes in the vegetation of the Amazon basin, with the replacement of rainforest by dryer vegetation in the southern and eastern regions of that basin, and the opening of a dry corridor in Pará State. We also project an expansion of 41% of the current caatinga cover in the Brazilian semiarid region, with large losses of suitable habitat surface of the current deciduous forest. Approximately, 37% of the coverage of protected areas in Brazil will be affected – with greater damage to indigenous lands. The speed of current environmental change is now unprecedented for the post‐glacial era, and will almost certainly lead to increased rates of extinction and the collapse of transition ecosystems. We propose the urgent creation of protected areas in regions designed without significant impacts, but contiguous to those that will be more seriously affected by climate change. Those areas will act as refugia preserving biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the cultural heritages of traditional populations.

Urban Stream Corridors and Forest Patches—The Connections: A Case Study of Bloomington, IN

Streams and forests are ecosystems connected through hydrology, but few studies have looked at the connectivity between streams and forests in the context of urban development. City-made decisions affect connections between streams and forests by isolating both ecosystems. Streams are often channelized or buried to increase potential development areas. Forests often become fragmented and may be removed unless protected. Historical choices in land usage affect the sites and sizes of current urban streams, forests, and development. This affects the distribution of impervious surfaces, which separates streams from forests. Despite these barriers to stream/forest interactions, cities can experience stream/forest connectivity. Seven Bloomington watersheds are ranked on their proportions of buried streams, channelized streams, forested hydrology, forested streams, urban forest patch cover, and impervious surface cover, along with the historical presence of urbanization. Watersheds demonstrate stream/forest connectivity, with five watersheds containing 50% or greater forested stream segments. Bloomington canopy cover reduces stormwater runoff by approximately 127 kiloliters per year. These forested areas reduce flooding, reduce nutrient loading, and reduce stream conditions associated with urban stream syndrome. Understanding urban stream/forest connectivity can improve green infrastructure design and green space design, which improve urban resilience and better connect residents to the environment.

Trading wood for water and carbon in peatland forests? Rewetting is worth more than wood production

While traditional forest management systems aim at maximizing timber production, sustainable forest management focuses on the multiple benefits of entire forest landscapes. The latter is now at the top of policy agendas. This calls for learning through evaluation to support the implementation of policies aiming towards multi-functional forest landscapes. The aim of this study is to quantify the economic trade-offs among natural, current, and re-wetted peatland forests using seven indicators, viz. drainage maintenance, rewetting, water retention, wood production, and three types of carbon sequestration as economic indicators. We discuss ways to adapt to and mitigate effect of forest draining on climate change toward securing multi-functional forest landscapes. The cost benefit analysis showed that in a potential natural state, Lithuania's peatland forests would deliver an economic benefit of ∼€176.1 million annually. In contrast, compared to natural peatland forests, the drainage of peatland forests for wood production has caused a loss of ∼€309 million annually. In comparison, peatland forest rewetting is estimated to increase the economic value by ∼€170 million annually. This study shows that satisfying different ecosystem services is a balancing act, and that a focus on wood production has resulted in net losses when foregone values of water storage and carbon sequestration are considered. Valuation of different sets of ecosystems service benefits and disservices must be assessed, and can be used as a tool towards creating, implementing and monitoring consequences of policies on both sustainability and biodiversity.