Tesso Nilo National Park (TNNP) is a state-protected tropical rainforest national park. This study aims to determine the communication patterns used by national park managers with the community regarding forest protection in the Tesso Nilo National Park area. The method used in this study was a qualitative case study approach. Primary data collection was through in-depth interviews with national park officials and the community. The results showed that the TNNP Office implemented linear and circular communication patterns to communicate with the surrounding forest area community. The two-way circular communication was more effective because it created a feedback process between the TNNP Office and the community. In practice, primary channels were used through outreach activities and dialogue with the community. A more inclusive and dialogical communication approach can increase community participation in forest protection. Regarding media, secondary channels considered adequate were social media, especially Instagram, compared to conventional media such as print and electronic media.

The concept of recognizing the rights of customary law communities is outlined in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia Article 18B paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution which explains that the State recognizes and respects customary law community units and their traditional rights as long as they are still alive and in accordance with developments. public. Customary law communities will be recognized as still alive and in accordance with the development of society and the principles of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The principle of Licensing for the Use of Customary Law Community Forests is a government policy in directing certain activities in protecting Customary Law Community Forests. Licensing instruments can prevent the danger of loss of indigenous communities' forests. The licensing instrument divides a small number of objects. Permits provide direction by selecting people and activities. Control of forests by the state continues to pay attention to the legal rights of indigenous peoples, as long as their existence still exists and is recognized, and does not conflict with national interests and the existence of respect for the rights of indigenous peoples. In this case, the state does not have the legal power to make customary forests into state forests.

Community forestry in Nepal has significantly contributed to forest restoration, livelihood enhancement, and local governance since its initiation in the late 1970s. Despite policy mandates for gender inclusion, women’s effective participation in community forest management remains limited. This study examined the demographic and socio-economic determinants of women’s participation and their perceptions of community forest management in Manakamana Community Forest of Western Nepal. Data were collected from 82 randomly selected women community forest users using household surveys, supplemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of participation, while perceptions were assessed using a Likert scale. Results revealed that out of 10 independent predictors studied age, years of schooling, executive committee membership, and proximity to the Community Forest Office were significant predictors of participation, explaining 53.4% of the variance. Education had the strongest effect, with the probability of participation increasing from less than 5% among uneducated women to more than 90% among those with secondary education or higher. Similarly, old-aged women and women from households with executive committee representation were nearly twice as likely to participate compared to others, while distance to the community forest office posed a strong spatial barrier. Perception analysis showed that women were highly involved in labor-intensive tasks such as plantation programs and forest product collection but were excluded from strategic roles including operational plan preparation, fund mobilization, and monitoring. The study highlights a persistent gap between women’s representation and actual influence in community forestry governance.

Accurate monitoring of forest carbon stocks is essential for effective climate change mitigation. This study aimed to identify the optimal Sentinel-2 vegetation index (VI) for estimating aboveground carbon (AGC) stock in the Raktamala Namuna Community Forest, Nepal. Field data from 53 circular plots (500 m² each) were used to compute AGC based on tree-level dendrometric measurements and species-specific wood density. Ten VIs, including traditional (e.g., NDVI, EVI) and red-edge-based indices (NDVIre1–NDVIre4), were derived from a cloud-free Sentinel-2 Level-2A image (April 7, 2023). Five regression models (linear, logarithmic, quadratic, power, and exponential) were tested for each VI–AGC relationship. The average AGC was 63.88 t·ha-¹. The red-edge index NDVIre1 (using Band 5, 705 nm), modelled with a logarithmic function, yielded the highest predictive accuracy (R² = 0.7205, r = 0.848, p < 0.001), outperforming traditional indices like NDVI (R² = 0.609). This study demonstrates the superior sensitivity of Sentinel-2’s red-edge band (705 nm) to canopy structure in dense tropical forests. The study concluded that the NDVIre1 logarithmic model provides a novel, cost effective tool for operational and scalable carbon monitoring in community-managed forests, directly supporting REDD+ implementation and localized forest management.

Taxus, commonly known as Yew, is an ecologically vulnerable but economically valuable medicinal tree widely harvested in Nepal for the production of 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB III), a key precursor of the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel. Despite its growing commercial importance, systematic assessments of the Taxus value chain remain limited. This study analyzes the structure, factor dynamics, governance systems, and economic performance of the Taxus value chain in Makwanpur District of Nepal. Using a mixed-method approach, we mapped actor roles, examined costs and margins, and evaluated determinants of value-chain performance. Results showed a strongly hierarchical, buyer-driven chain in which collectors perform the most labor-intensive tasks yet capture less than 5% of final value. Local and district traders mediate quality control, aggregation, and pricing, while processing industries retain the highest value share through technologically intensive extraction of 10-DAB III. Harvesting practices, although largely selective, exhibit inconsistent adherence to sustainable pruning guidelines, posing ecological risks to a slow-growing species with poor natural regeneration. Regression analysis revealed that value chain performance is significantly influenced by timely raw-material availability, farmers’ socio-economic conditions, trader education, processing quality, and policy clarity, whereas pre-processing treatment at the household level showed no significant effect. Overall, the study highlights structural inequities, ecological vulnerabilities, and governance bottlenecks within the Taxus value chain. Strengthening Community Forest User Group (CFUG) oversight, improving post-harvest handling, enhancing market transparency, and streamlining regulatory procedures are critical for advancing sustainable management while improving livelihood benefits for forest-dependent communities.

The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the performance of agroforestry systems in the Community Forest (HKm) scheme, as implemented by the Argo Makmur Lestari Forest Farmers Group in Tulungagung, East Java. A qualitative descriptive approach was utilised to facilitate the collection of data through field observations and in-depth interviews with farmers and group administrators. The results indicate that the agroforestry system in KTH AML has been adopted by some farmers, with motivations including income diversification, labor efficiency, strengthening social relations, and increasing soil fertility. The present study has demonstrated that the implementation of agroforestry systems has a beneficial effect on the environment, as evidenced by the increase in plant biodiversity (12 species) in comparison to monoculture systems (1 species). Additionally, the pH level of soil in agroforestry systems (5.5–6.5) exceeds that of soils cultivated under monoculture systems (4.5–5.5). This finding suggests that the agroforestry system has the potential to enhance soil fertility. Nevertheless, the advancement of agroforestry adoption remains encumbered by challenges, namely the reliance on established corn commodity infrastructure and the inadequate access to agroforestry commodity markets. It is imperative that the internal strength of the KTH AML institution is reinforced, in conjunction with the external assistance programs, in order to expedite the transition from monoculture systems to agroforestry systems. These findings carry significant implications for the development of contextual and responsive agroforestry models.

Understanding inter- and intraspecific interactions is central to community ecology. Using data from two censuses of a subtropical secondary forest in Huangshan, China, we analysed survival rate for over 54,000 saplings across 83 species. We quantified four neighbourhood density indices, conspecific (CI), heterospecific (HI), phylogenetic (PhyI), and functional (FunI), to test how neighbour density influences tree survival. In parallel, we calculated neighbourhood diversity along species, phylogenetic, and functional axes to test how neighbour diversity shapes species' survival probabilities spanning four different spatial scales. Generalized linear mixed models revealed that HI and FI significantly decreased survival, highlighting intense interspecific competition in early successional stages. In contrast, PhyI positively affected survival, suggesting habitat filtering among related species. Neighbourhood diversity exhibited scale-dependent effects. Finally, we identified species with high specific leaf area and phosphorus content grew faster but experienced higher mortality. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating phylogenetic and functional neighbourhood metrics to understand demographic processes and community assembly, particularly in recovering forest ecosystems.

Climate change and the conflicts in Darfur have severely impacted crop production, forestry and range land which lead to sever implications in household income, safety, coping strategies, and overall food security. The current study was conducted in three localities in West Darfur State (WDS) during 2019 with aim to asses’ climate change vulnerability by using the NDVI and Aridity Index (AI) and to study the impact of climate change on crop production, forestry and range species in the targeted localities. Three methods were used (1) Remote sensing method (2) Focus group discussion and (3) Key informant interview (KII). According to MODIST and LAND SAT-8 data 87% from El Geneina locality area was classified as non-vulnerable and 13% as slightly vulnerable. Kerenik locality is classified as non- vulnerable to climate changes. 0.5% from the locality area is classified as moderate vulnerable, 13.3% as slightly vulnerable, while 86.2% from the total area was classified as non-vulnerable. For Sirba locality 87.5% of the locality is classified as non-vulnerable, 12.3% as slightly vulnerable and 0.2% as moderately vulnerable. The results from focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview showed that the crop production, forest cover and range conditions were highly affected by climate change. The targeted localities experienced drought spells during the periods 84, 85, 86, 85, 2002 and 2018 beside 2003 war. The consequences include; shortage of water, shortage of foods, dust storms, bush fires, crop failure, dead of trees, loss of livestock, food gap, famine and death of children and elder people. In response to the challenges of climate change, households adopted many coping strategies which include: migration to big cities, selling assets, borrowing money, reduce food consumption, requesting social support and use of seeds of grasses and trees as famine foods. The recommendation that suggested by the local communities to improve crop production include; provision of improved seeds, pesticides and fertilizers, mechanization especially intermediate technologies, strengthen ofagricultural extension. For forestry sector the recommendation include; establishment of village nurseries and community forestry, shelter belts and wind breaks, provision of improved stoves and solar energy. For range and forage sector the recommendation include; planting and protecting of fodder trees, seed broadcasting, provision of veterinary services and capacity building in range improvement and management.

Smart forestry, the strategic use of digital tools, Earth Observation (EO) systems, drones, mobile GIS applications, and integrated data platforms and is becoming increasingly important for effective forest governance in Kenya. Forest ecosystems across the country face persistent pressures from illegal logging, charcoal production, encroachment, and climate-driven disturbances, creating a need for faster, more transparent, and data-driven management. In response, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and partners have adopted a suite of digital innovations including satellite-based forest-cover monitoring, drone-supported reconnaissance, mobile data-collection tools, and a national Forest Information System (FIS) that integrates licensing, real-time inventory, and automated alerts. These digital systems have already yielded measurable gains, including a documented reduction in illegal logging cases between 2020 and 2024 and greater participation of Community Forest Associations (CFAs) through mobile reporting of forest health, fire outbreaks, and encroachment. Pilot deployments in Kericho and Baringo show that drones enhance coverage of inaccessible sites and reduce operational costs by up to 35 percent, while emerging digital marketplaces and blockchain-style traceability systems are improving value chains for legal timber and non-timber forest products. Despite this progress, structural barriers—such as weak rural Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure, high device and data costs, and low digital literacy—continue to limit widespread adoption. The paper recommends targeted investments in digital infrastructure, public–private partnerships, capacity-building programs, and policy support to scale up smart forestry nationwide. Integrating digital tools into routine operations offers a transformative pathway toward sustainable forest management, enhanced accountability, a stronger forest-based economy, and progress on Kenya’s climate, restoration, and biodiversity commitments.

The previously published liverwort checklist of Laos, one of the least-studied countries in Asia, was titled “Listing the Unknown”, based on the fact that only 66 species are known for such a landscape-diverse country. Our collection revealed 39 genera and 76 species, 62 of which are newly recorded species to the country, bringing the total number of known species to 128. Among the reported genera, there are 22 liverwort genera new to Laos, all of which could have been expected in this area. Although new data expands the species list, the total number of species recorded remains inadequately small. The presented studies are based primarily on collections at lower elevations (below 500 m above sea level), in strongly modified secondary forest conditions, and are of interest specifically as an example of the liverwort flora of heavily modified, anthropogenically disturbed habitats of rather dry tropical forest communities. The provided checklist includes data on the ecological conditions of the collected species and their altitudinal range. Further research on the liverwort flora of Laos should be conducted in the upper altitudinal zones of the north and the east of the country.

Conserving Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve: Sustaining Urban Nature in a Rapidly Developing Landscape

Conserving Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve: Sustaining Urban Nature in a Rapidly Developing Landscape

Abstrak: The degradation of watersheds (DAS) due to critical land is a primary environmental challenge in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, leading to increased flooding, erosion, sedimentation, and disruption of water resources. This study aims to describe the strategy and implementation of Forest and Land Rehabilitation (RHL) programs in the province, with a focus on the priority Tondano Watershed. Using a descriptive qualitative methodology based on secondary data from government reports and relevant literature, this research outlines the comprehensive framework for RHL, from long-term planning (RURHL-DAS) to annual operational plans (RTnRHL). Key activities include professional seedling procurement, extensive community socialization, and on-ground rehabilitation through community forests (hutan rakyat). Implementation data for 2024-2025 shows the rehabilitation of 217.12 hectares, combining seedling provision (37.12 ha) and community forests (180 ha). The findings highlight that a synergistic approach, integrating ecological restoration with socio-economic benefits through agroforestry and community empowerment, is crucial for the success and sustainability of rehabilitation efforts. The study concludes that effective RHL in North Sulawesi requires strong cross-sectoral coordination, systematic planning, and active local community involvement to restore ecological functions and enhance community resilience. .

Ongoing forest degradation in Tara Gedam dry Afromontane church and communal forest, northern Ethiopia

Abstract Forest communities that have a positive flammability feedback to fire can enter a ‘landscape trap’ if disturbance levels are too frequent. It is not known whether this landscape trap constitutes an alternative stable state, or whether a forest can return to its original state when disturbance levels are reduced. Here, we examine a likely landscape trap caused by the frequent burning of a 528,343 ha forest environment in Australia and previously shown to have a positive fire-flammability feedback. We ask whether the now flammable landscape can be returned to its original low-flammability state, or if the transition is irreversible in the warming climate. Using site-specific empirical models of biophysical and climatic influences on fire frequency, we predict fire frequency up to the year 2100 for three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways in the context of different management approaches. A warming climate primarily increased wildfire area in our study area by increasing the frequency of synoptic changes, likely reflecting increased rates of escape from suppression firing efforts. Declining winter rainfall had the opposite effect, reducing wildfire area consistent with trends in other seasonally dry environments. The overall effect of warming was therefore a small but significant increase in wildfire area that was more severe under higher GHG emission scenarios. In contrast, removing prescribed burning and incentives for suppression firing had an effect size 2-5 times larger than did the increasing emissions scenarios, demonstrating that the landscape trap was reversible even under the worst-case emissions scenario (SSP3-7.0). Correcting fire management policies immediately reduced annual fire area by 87%, of which 77% was prescribed fire, and 43% of the remaining wildfire proportion was a byproduct of the two policies. This allowed forests to escape their flammable age range, reversing a landscape trap. Our study is the first to demonstrate that such states are reversible.

Tree retention levels and prescribed burning effects on ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in a boreal Scots pine forest

Soil pH and organic phosphorus co-shape the diversity and assembly processes of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in subtropical broadleaved forests

Effects of habitat structure on spatiotemporal dynamics of bird acoustic communities in the urban forest

Temporal dynamics and stability of Collembola communities in Central European forests: the roles of forest management, climate and regional factors

Monitoring restoration areas is crucial for understanding how ecological succession changes over time and whether the trajectories of planted communities are following the desired path of recovery. A functional trait-based approach coupling the functional trajectory analysis (FTA) with species abundance modelling may have a significant potential application in restoration assessment. In the present study, we surveyed a 10-year-old restoration tree community in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, planted in rows (2 × 2 m spacing) and clusters (13 individuals planted 0.3 m apart from each other), called active restoration strategy, and compared to natural regeneration without planting, or a passive restoration strategy. Using a multidimensional analysis of six key functional traits (leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, seed dry mass, wood density, and potential height), we employed FTA to assess the ecological successional trajectories of active row and cluster plantations and compared them to a reference ecosystem (REF) and the passive strategy (baseline). Our results indicated over ten years of succession, natural regeneration in plantations resembled communities in passive strategy, showing more abundance of early successional species (more acquisitive). We found natural regeneration in plantations led the trajectory of the planted communities away from the functional dimension of REF. Regeneration in row plantations exhibited higher potential height and leaf area than in clusters, increasing the distance of trajectory from REF. Based on the abundance of species traits in plantations, we were able to detect which species should be removed (thinning) or replanted (enrichment) to potentially redirect undesirable trajectories. We offer a robust functional approach for monitoring and to guide restoration projects toward desired ecological outcomes.