Reforestation Research Articles

The enduring world forest carbon sink.

The uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) by terrestrial ecosystems is critical for moderating climate change1. To provide a ground-based long-term assessment of the contribution of forests to terrestrial CO2 uptake, we synthesized in situ forest data from boreal, temperate and tropical biomes spanning three decades. We found that the carbon sink in global forests was steady, at 3.6 ± 0.4 Pg C yr-1 in the 1990s and 2000s, and 3.5 ± 0.4 Pg C yr-1 in the 2010s. Despite this global stability, our analysis revealed some major biome-level changes. Carbon sinks have increased in temperate (+30 ± 5%) and tropical regrowth (+29 ± 8%) forests owing to increases in forest area, but they decreased in boreal (-36 ± 6%) and tropical intact (-31 ± 7%) forests, as a result of intensified disturbances and losses in intact forest area, respectively. Mass-balance studies indicate that the global land carbon sink has increased2, implying an increase in the non-forest-land carbon sink. The global forest sink is equivalent to almost half of fossil-fuel emissions (7.8 ± 0.4 Pg C yr-1 in 1990-2019). However, two-thirds of the benefit from the sink has been negated by tropical deforestation (2.2 ± 0.5 Pg C yr-1 in 1990-2019). Although the global forest sink has endured undiminished for three decades, despite regional variations, it could be weakened by ageing forests, continuing deforestation and further intensification of disturbance regimes1. To protect the carbon sink, land management policies are needed to limit deforestation, promote forest restoration and improve timber-harvesting practices1,3.

Recreation in suburban forests – monitoring the distribution of visits using the example of Rzeszów

Recreation in suburban forests – monitoring the distribution of visits using the example of Rzeszów

Same streams in a different forest? Investigations of forest harvest legacies and future trajectories across 30 years of stream habitat monitoring on the Tongass National Forest, Alaska.

The effects of timber harvest practices and climate change have altered forest ecosystems in southeast Alaska. However, quantification of patterns and trends in stream habitats associated with these forests is limited owing to a paucity of data available in remote watersheds. Here, we analyzed a 30-year dataset from southeast Alaska's Tongass National Forest to understand how these factors shape stream habitats. First, we examined differences between broad management classes (i.e., harvested and non-harvested) that have been used to guide stream channel restoration goals. Second, we assessed associations between intrinsic landscape characteristics, watershed management, and timber harvest legacies on aquatic habitat metrics. And third, we examined trends in stream habitat metrics over the duration of the dataset to anticipate future management challenges for these systems. Small effect sizes for some harvest-related predictors suggest that some stream habitat metrics, such as pool densities, are less responsive than others, and management practices such as protecting riparian buffers as well as post-harvest restoration may help conserve fish habitats. Large wood densities increased with time since harvest at sites harvested >50 years ago, indicating that multiple decades of post-harvest forest regrowth may contribute large wood to streams (possibly alder), but that it is not enough time for old-growth trees (e.g., spruce, Picea, or hemlock, Tsuga,), classified as key wood, to develop and be delivered to streams. The declining trend in key wood (i.e., the largest size class of wood) regardless of management history may reflect that pre-harvest legacy old-growth trees are declining along streams, with low replacement. The introduction of wood to maintain complex stream habitats may fill this gap until riparian stands again contribute structural key wood to streams. Trend analyses indicate an increasing spatial extent of undercut banks that may also be influenced by shifting hydrologic regimes under climate change.

Social Media as a Lens for Citizen Science: Investigating Visitor Contributions in a Forest Recreational Area

The primary challenge in collecting biodiversity information using citizen science is to encourage a diverse range of people to participate. This is crucial in fostering a Nature Positive society. Social media approaches have the potential to engage not only nature lovers but also a wider range of citizens, including those indifferent to nature. However, current understanding of the traits of individuals who contribute to widely prevalent social media platforms is limited and insufficient. This study focuses on individuals who contribute to a forest recreational area and the photos they share on a popular social media platform; it sheds light on the untapped potential of social media as a source of citizen science data and contributor sources. We developed a taxonomy of 22 classifications for 1066 photographs that illustrate human–ecosystem interactions and identified the relationship between these subjects and the history of social media activities of the 136 photo contributors. Our findings indicate that different behavioral styles exist among different types of visitors regarding their posting behavior and associated forest recreation types. This can encourage future contributions to the recruitment of citizen scientists and the collection of biodiversity information at small spatial scales.

A Local-Scale, Post-Fire Assessment in a Double-Burned Area: A Case Study from Peloponnisos, Greece

In the summer of 2021, Greece experienced significant forest fires and mega-fires across multiple regions, leading to human casualties and damage to the natural environment, infrastructure, livestock, and agriculture. The current study aims to assess the ecosystem condition in terms of the natural regeneration and soil conditions of an area burnt by a forest fire (2021), specifically in the Ancient Olympia region situated in West Peloponnese (Ilia Prefecture), Greece. A standardized field sampling methodology was applied to record natural regeneration at chosen sites where a forest fire had also previously occurred (in 2007), resulting in the natural re-growth of the Pinus halepensis forest. Furthermore, an analysis was conducted on the geochemical, mineralogical, and sedimentological properties of soils obtained from this location. The findings of the research demonstrate the decline in the established natural regeneration of the Pinus halepensis forest and the overall tree layer. Species characteristic of post-fire ecological succession were observed in the shrub and herb layers, displaying varying coverage. The examination of soil mineralogy, sedimentology, and geochemistry indicated that the soil characteristics in the area are conducive to either natural or artificial regeneration. Ultimately, recommendations for landscape rehabilitation strategies are provided to inform decision-making processes, considering future climate conditions.

RUSLE‐based scenarios for sustainable soil management: Case studies from Romanian Subcarpathians

AbstractSoil erosion is one of the major threats to soil sustainability and a global environmental issue causing serious losses of the fertile upper layer of soil, affecting land productivity. Among natural processes and human activity factors, the highest sensitivity of soil loss rate is related to climate changes, as well as land cover/land use transformations. The aim of our paper is to assess the efficacy of various land cover and land use management practices under current climate conditions, as a decision‐making indicator in searching for sustainable soil‐use solutions. The approach is focused on two complementary case studies from the non‐arable hilly area of Romanian Subcarpathians and it is based on aggregating and processing Earth Observation (EO) techniques together with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) equation. The workflow follows three stages: (1) the assessment of the present‐day status of soil erosion, as baseline scenario; (2) the analysis of historical soil erosion dynamics within the last 35 years; and (3) the prediction of soil loss rates in different scenarios of changed conditions related to land cover management and support practices against erosion. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of human interventions in soil erosion prevention, mitigation, or conservation. Soil‐improving management through vegetative measures and soil practices, like grazing management and mulching/manure application, together with forest recovery on eroded slopes may reduce soil loss rates by 50%–70%. However, abandoning the land and allowing the environment to change uncontrollably is a regional‐specific strategy that could accelerate soil erosion on the slopes that are already affected, while decelerating on the others by forest and shrubs regrowth. The significance of our research is related to the identification of the optimal soil use strategies that balance the local communities' economic interests with the effectiveness of sustainable soil management practices, thereby assisting in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as indicators for a sustainable future.

Fauna and Flora of Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia: A Brief Documentation

The biodiversity of forests in Negeri Sembilan, such as the Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest, is remarkably diverse and supports a wide array of fauna and flora species. These species play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, pollination, medicinal and providing habitats for other species. The study documented nine (9) plant species of the Kingdom Plantae and family Ebenacae, Dioscoreaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Arecaceae, Rubiaceae, Polypodiaceae, Piperaceae and Poaceae, four (4) fungal species of the kingdom Fungi and family Physalacriaceae, Podoscyphaceae, Omphalotaceae and Amanitaceae and five (5) animal species from the kingdom Animalia and family Trigoniulidae, Zephroniidae, Scincidae, Arebidae and Formicidae. The species abundance in the forest emphasizes the interconnectedness of biodiversity and its role in maintaining the ecological balance. This study integrates ecology, environmental science, and cultural values, providing a holistic framework for managing biodiversity. Preserving the forest biodiversity of Gunung Datuk is crucial for ecological stewardship, safeguarding cultural heritage, and ensuring sustainable development for future generations. This fosters a harmonious coexistence where biodiversity and human needs are harmonized.

FORESTRY AND STAND MENSURATION CHARACTERISTICS OF OAK STANDS IN RECREATIONAL AND HEALTH FORESTS OF THE LEFT-BANK STEPPE

The study of forestry and stand mensuration characteristics of oak stands in the recreational and health forests of the Left-Bank Steppe was carried out based on forest management materials. The distribution of oak stands in recreational and recreational forests of the region by location, origin, forest types, age groups and classes, health status classes, and relative completeness was analyzed. Indicators of the use of forest site capacity by modal oak stands within forest areas of green zones around settlements (forestry part of forests of green zones) were calculated. It was found that oak groves in the recreational and recreational forests of the Left-Bank Steppe occupy an area of more than 73 thousand hectares or 39% of the total area of recreational and recreational forests of the Left-Bank of Ukraine. Artificial oak plantations predominate, the share of which is 52.9%. Sprouted oak stands occupy 42.5% of the area, and natural seeded stands occupy 4.6%. The largest reserve (195 m3·ha–1) is characterized by natural seed stands. Forests in the conditions of dry birch and sapwood predominate — 25,9 thousand hectares, which is 35.4% of the total area of oak stands in study region. In terms of area and stock, medieval plantations prevail, the share of which is 60.7% of the total area and 56.6% of their total stock. The predominance of oak stands growing according to the II and III site classes (62.7%) and characterized by a relative completeness of 0.7–0.8 (63.7%) was noted. It was established that the relative completeness of oak stands, starting from the VII age class, gradually decreases. The rate of use of forest plant potential by oak trees within the forests of green zones around settlements (forestry part) compared to local highly productive stands amounts to 76%. Losses of wood due to the insufficient degree of use of land fertility were estimated at 916.7 thousand m3.

Soil phosphorus continues to re‐equilibrate over 60 years of forest development in the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory in the southeastern US Piedmont

AbstractLand use changes and reforestation impact soil phosphorus (P) distribution over extended periods. This study examines P distribution in forest development from 1957 to 2017 at the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory in South Carolina. Tracking changes in 0–60 cm mineral soil P fractions through six samplings in eight continuously uncut plots and eight plots cut in 2007 (replanted in 2009), we hypothesized an increase in soil organic P (Po) over time in uncut plots, at the expense of HCl‐extractable P (i.e., Ca‐P). This hypothesis is based on the expectation of a transfer of P from easily accessible forms, possibly from historic fertilization to organic reservoirs within the soil. Meanwhile, we expect to lose Po in cut plots due to disturbance and residue decomposition, and increase bioavailable Mehlich‐III extractable P (Mehlich‐III P), resin inorganic phosphorus (Pi), and HCO3 Pi. Results revealed a continued decrease in Mehlich‐III P in uncut (38.7–15.7 µg g−1) and cut plots (25.2–17.7 µg g−1) within the 0–7.5 cm range. NaOH‐Po in uncut plots remained stable, while in cut plots, it increased by ∼4 µg g−1 in the 0–7.5 cm soil layer. Slowly cycling Po (NaOH‐Po) increased during forest regrowth in the cut plots, aligning with rising soil organic carbon and decreasing soil pH. Soil P changes indicate minor declines in available fractions during the initial three decades, with the HCl extractable (Ca‐P) fraction experiencing the highest depletion. In the later three decades, P associated with NaOH extraction (i.e., iron [Fe] and aluminum [Al] bound P) declined, although estimated mineral soil P removals during this period were less than accumulated P in tree biomass and forest floor. The total soil P decline from 1990 to 2017 was 34 kg ha−1, suggesting a growing role of P recycling from debris decomposition in supplying soil P to plants.

Hematological and plasma profiles and ticks and tick-borne pathogens in wild Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus)

BackgroundThe endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) is the largest native carnivorous mammal in Taiwan. Diseases, poor management, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction are serious threats to the survival of bear populations. However, studies on the impact of diseases on bear populations are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of free-ranging Formosan black bears and investigate the occurrence of ectoparasites, blood parasites, and vector-borne pathogens.MethodsFormosan black bears were captured in Yushan National Park (YNP) and Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area (DSY) in Taiwan. Blood samples were collected from each bear for hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry using a hematology analyzer. Parasites and pathogens were detected using a thin blood smear with Wright–Giemsa staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Additionally, macroscopic ectoparasites were collected from bears to detect blood parasites and other pathogens. Moreover, the relationships between the bear variables (sex, age, and occurrence of parasites or pathogens), ectoparasites, and infectious agents were also analyzed.ResultsIn all, 21 wild bears (14 in YNP and 7 in DSY) were captured and released during the satellite tracking studies. Hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry indicated significant differences in white blood cells (WBC), segments, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels between foot snare and culvert-captured bears. Additionally, there were significant differences in total plasma protein (TPP), creatinine, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ levels between male and female bears. Moreover, pathogen-infected bears had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; 30 min and 1 h) and globulin levels than uninfected bears. In total, 240 ticks were collected from 13 bears, among which eight adult tick species were identified, including Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Amblyomma testudinarium, Ixodes ovatus, Dermacentor taiwanensis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes acutitarsus, Amblyomma javanense, and nymphs belonging to Haemaphysalis spp. PCR revealed that 13 (61.90%) and 8 (38.10%) bears harbored Hepatozoon ursi and Babesia DNA, respectively. Among the ticks examined, 157 (65.41%) and 128 (53.33%) samples were positive for H. ursi and Babesia, respectively.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of wild Formosan black bears and investigate ectoparasite infestation and Hepatozoon and Babesia spp. infection. In conclusion, these findings may serve as a reference for monitoring the health and population of locally endangered bears.Graphical

A Review of Forest Ecosystem Services and Their Spatial Value Characteristics

Forests provide a variety of resources and benefits, but only a few, such as timber, are traded on the markets. Ecosystem service valuation is a method for quantifying the non-market benefits of forests to understand the full costs of forest management. This review examines the forest ecosystem service valuations over the past 20 years, with a particular focus on their spatial modeling. The literature review method is designed to provide a systematic, explicit, and reproducible outcome concerning the valuations of forest ecosystem services and the contextual setting of these valuations. The findings suggest that there is a huge variation in the values reported for similar ecosystem services but that carbon sequestration, recreation in forests, and hydrological services, such as watershed protection and flood prevention, are the ecosystem services that are consistently valued highly in the reviewed studies. In the last ten years, studies have more frequently modeled ecosystem services in spatial terms.

A Measurement of Perceptions of the Forest Ecosystem among Visitors to the AL-Sunut Forest Reserve in Khartoum, Sudan

The present study aimed to understand visitors’ perceptions of the ecosystem service functions of the AL-Sunut Forest Reserve, as well as their recreational activities. Here, the impact of respondents’ socioeconomic status on visitors’ perceptions was statistically analyzed by t-tests and ANOVA (SPSS software v26). Meanwhile, multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the relationships between factors shaping respondents’ perceptions of the AL-Sunut Forest during recreational activities. A total of 441 visitors were randomly selected and questioned through a questionnaire survey during February and March 2020. The results showed that visitors believed the recreational forest site was important and valuable and were willing to revisit it. Visitors also demonstrated a particular understanding of the ecosystem services provided by the forest ecosystem. There were significant differences in perceptions of ecosystem services among visitors of different backgrounds. The findings indicated that 79% of participants responded positively towards the importance of environmental education compared with any other education. In addition, 90% of respondents believed that habitats and natural resources such as forests must be protected. The results of the recreational activities of visitors showed that they acquired the most benefits when experiencing picturesque scenery and walking. Overall, the present findings can pave the way for decision-makers to develop a unique plan focusing on forests to implement an exhaustive approach to assessing the value of ecosystem services while emphasizing the general public’s welfare. The study’s results can also contribute to the future management of the AL-Sunut Forest.

Exploring the influence of activity participation on the economic value of nature-based recreation in the Sierra Nevada

A more comprehensive understanding of how recreational values and forest visitation rates vary across different activities enables forest managers to tailor conservation and management strategies to align with preferences among visitors, ensuring more effective allocation of budgetary resources. However, current research often focuses on only a few recreational activities, resulting in limited insights for forest managers. This study aims to expand the nature-based activities considered so that management can better serve the broader public. We conduct a travel cost analysis using a large survey-based dataset to estimate the value of nature-based recreation in national forests in the Sierra Nevada region and assess how these values differ across main activities. We categorize recreational activities into five broad groups (Passive, Active, Camping, Winter, and Other) to offer a comprehensive view of recreational preferences. A truncated negative binomial regression accounting for endogenous stratification is used to analyze the relationship between the number of trips to the forests, travel cost, activity categories, and socio-demographic variables. Our results suggest a mean consumer surplus (CS) of $65 per visit per person to national forests in the Sierra Nevada. Aggregated over annual per person visits, the total CS is approximately $313.3 million per year. Our findings reveal variations in CS across activity groups, with winter activities (e.g., skiing, snowboarding) and active activities (e.g., hiking, fishing) attracting the highest number of visits, and the highest total CS. Our results provide valuable insights for national forest managers, facilitating the strategic allocation of limited resources to recreational activities that maximize societal welfare.

Benefits of tropical peatland rewetting for subsidence reduction and forest regrowth: results from a large-scale restoration trial

Drainage and deforestation of tropical peat swamp forests (PSF) in Southeast Asia cause carbon emissions and biodiversity loss of global concern. Restoration efforts to mitigate these impacts usually involve peatland rewetting by blocking canals. However, there have been no studies to date of the optimal rewetting approach that will reduce carbon emission whilst also promoting PSF regeneration. Here we present results of a large-scale restoration trial in Sumatra (Indonesia), monitored for 7.5 years. Water levels in a former plantation were raised over an area of 4800 ha by constructing 257 compacted peat dams in canals. We find peat surface subsidence rates in the rewetted restoration area and adjoining PSF to be halved where water tables were raised from ~ − 0.6 m to ~ − 0.3 m, demonstrating the success of rewetting in reducing carbon emission. A total of 57 native PSF tree species were found to spontaneously grow in the most rewetted conditions and in high densities, indicating that forest regrowth is underway. Based on our findings we propose that an effective PSF restoration strategy should follow stepwise rewetting to achieve substantial carbon emission reduction alongside unassisted regrowth of PSF, thereby enabling the peat, forest and canal vegetation to establish a new nature-based ecosystem balance.

Regulation of soil organic carbon dynamics by microbial communities during reforestation of Chinese fir plantations after clear‐cutting

AbstractReforestation after forest clear‐cutting is an effective measure to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration; still, the soil C balance under reforestation and the role of microbial communities in that process remain to be determined. Samples of organic (0–2 cm) and mineral (2–10 cm) horizons were collected from the 7‐, 15‐, 20‐, 29‐, and 36‐year‐old forest stands of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) after plantation clear‐cutting in subtropical zone under the condition of phosphorus limitation. Particulate organic carbon (POC), mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC), microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), and enzymatic activities for C, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) acquisition were analyzed. The lowest contents of POC (10%) and MAOC (13%) in the organic horizon were found in 7‐year‐old stands due to the slow tree regrowth and extensive decomposition of SOC in the first years of forest regrowth. POC (2.0×) and MAOC (0.8×) increases in the organic horizon with forest age were attributed to the stand development and accumulation of above‐ and belowground litter. The organic horizon had a higher POC:MAOC ratio than the mineral (0.7–1.1 vs. 0.2–0.5), indicating lower SOC stability in the first one. The ratio of POC:MAOC increased with the Gram‐positive to Gram‐negative bacteria (G+:G‐) ratio, pointing out that microbial communities developed a specific community structure and substrate utilization strategies of organic matter under plantation restoration. The increase of total PLFAs and the G+:G‐ ratio was closely linked with the microbial C and P limitations, indicating that microorganisms shifted community structure to slow‐growing species and increased their content to cope with the C and P restrictions. In the soils of young plantations, microorganisms were limited by C and P; however, the C limitation was alleviated in the 36‐year‐old plots in the organic horizon due to increased litter input, whereas the P limitation was not. This discrepancy between C and P limitation suppressed the decomposition of litter entering the soil, which was seen in decreased specific activity of C degrading enzymes and led to the accumulation of POC in the organic horizon. Thus, soil C sequestration under reforestation of Chinese fir can be controlled by the amount of litter entering the soil and by metabolic C, N, and P limitations that force microorganisms to shift community structure and change their activity.

Community-managed forests can secure forest regrowth and permanence in human-modified landscapes

Deforestation can impair ecosystem functions, reduce biodiversity, and accelerate climate change. One strategy proposed to decrease deforestation and promote recovery of degraded areas involves community management of forests: entrusting local communities to manage forest reserves. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains poorly understood. Here, we assess the impact of community forest management in the Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs) of the Greater Gombe Ecosystem (GGE), Tanzania, using Landsat satellite images from multiple dates (2006, 2013, and 2021) to assess the extent to which 16 VLFRs promoted forest regrowth and permanence. We detected a 66 % forest cover increase in VLFRs but a 22 % decrease in identified areas not under any form of protection (unprotected area) in the village land. The Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) statistical analysis showed that assigning an area as a VLFR was associated with a 24.3 % forest-cover gain compared to unprotected village land (β = 0.243, SE = 0.0761, P<0.001). Patrolling by local community members, following village regulations, has a positive impact (β=0.04, 95% CI: [0.02, 0.06]) on promoting forest cover persistence. Nonetheless, of land reforested between 2006 and 2013 in the VLFRs, 11 % suffered re-clearing by 2021. Ensuring further forest regeneration and persistence of these reserves thus requires additional measures.

The attitude towards the forest and satisfaction with life of Polish students.

The aim of the study is to determine the connection between the attitude towards the forest and life satisfaction of students. The study was conducted on a sample of 650 students from Polish universities using The Satisfaction With Life Scale and an original questionnaire measuring the approach towards the forest-LAS scale. There are 3 subscales which measured: the perceived benefits from spending time in the forest; the degree of involvement in exploring the forest and working to its advantage; fears connected with the forest. The scale indicated good psychometric properties. Its reliability expressed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient is at the level of 0.90 (0.93 for Benefits scale; 0.87 for Involvement and 0.79 for Fears). The results of the statistical analysis have led to conclusions confirming the relationship between life satisfaction and the results of LAS scale. People satisfied with their lives are more involved in exploring the forest, they enjoy more benefits connected with forest recreation and express fewer fears. Forestry students are characterised by the highest involvement and the lowest level of fears connected with the forest. As far as life satisfaction is concerned, they are in the lead among Polish students just behind students of medical and artistic studies.

Peri-urban forests: an exploratory study of users' recreational activities: The case of the El Meridj-Est recreational forest in Constantine, Algeria

Peri-urban forests are wooded areas under the influence of urbanization and are becoming increasingly attractive as recreational areas for urban populations. This study focused specifically on the El Meridj-Est recreational forest, located in Constantine, the capital of eastern Algeria. This study selected this forest as the main case study because of its distinction as the region's most frequented woodland site. This research aimed to understand the practices of 350 users of this forest and to identify the determining factors behind the high affluence at El Meridj. This study also examined their individual and family perceptions, expectations, and concerns, adopting a methodological approach combining detailed qualitative and quantitative social survey techniques. This study fills a research gap in the field of peri-urban green space management with regard to social interactions and recreational activities in these spaces. It also highlights the importance of taking local specificities into account when studying recreational spaces. These results, potentially generalizable to other similar geographical and cultural contexts, offer practical perspectives for the management and conservation of peri-urban forests while minimizing the negative impacts of anthropogenic pressures leading to the degradation of these natural environments.

The Role and Importance of Protected Forest Areas in the Preservation of Lake Baikal

The article is devoted to identifying the role and importance of forest systems of specially protected natural territories –– the Baikal-Lena Reserve and the Baikal National Park in the conservation of Lake Baikal. The analysis of the formation of anthropogenic impact on the Baikal natural territory of industrial and recreational processes is carried out. The differences between the legal regime of the reserve and the national park and the identity of their goal-setting are revealed. The analysis of the characteristics of forest systems of protected areas that ensure the conservation of biodiversity of the plant and animal world, a variety of landscape conditions conducive to the development and habitat of animals. The role of forest systems in the preservation of Lake Baikal is shown. It is proved that the recreational use of protected areas has a negative impact on their condition. In order to restore disturbed areas of forest and soil, protect against fires and protect the environment in general, it is necessary to ensure the balance of environmental and economic interests by charging a fee for the use of the forest fund, identifying sources of income from forest recreation through appropriate measures. In order to prevent the negative impact of protected areas on the preservation of the Baikal system, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of management of these territories.

Senses, emotions and wellbeing in forest recreation and tourism

ABSTRACT Outdoor tourism can provide nature therapies. Implementation research for mental healthcare aims to establish psychological mechanisms and specify designs, doses and durations for medical trials. As one component, we tested simultaneous links from senses to emotions, and emotions to self-perceived wellbeing, for 524 tourists at 27 forest reserves in China. We used quantitative surveys, in person, with: 5-point Likert-type scales to measure links; free-text descriptions of their most memorable sensory and emotional experiences during these forest visits; and 7-item Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and 10-item Kessler stress index (K10) to measure mental health and wellbeing. We found that Chinese forest tourists perceive strongly (p < 0.00001) that sensory experiences drive emotions, and emotions determine wellbeing. Senses reported were: sight by 86%, sound by 36%, smell by 41%, touch by 18%, temperature by 42%, and humidity by 20%. The number of senses engaged during forest experiences ranged from 1, for 39%, to 6, for 9%. The K10 stress-reduction measure of wellbeing was significantly (p = 0.0272) but weakly (R 2 = 0.009) correlated with the number of senses engaged. Future research on mechanisms for mental health benefits to outdoor tourists, and tourist choreography by tour guides and trail signs, should therefore focus on intensity of senses and emotions.