Management Of Forest Reserves Research Articles

Community resilience in Bondo community, Southern Malawi: balancing energy, water and biodiversity

Purpose This study aims to investigate the intricate relationships between a community energy system, water resources and biodiversity conservation, with a specific focus on augmenting community energy resilience in Bondo. The primary objective is to gain an in-depth understanding of how community members perceive and experience the challenges related to balancing the often-conflicting demands of energy, water and biodiversity conservation within this context. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a qualitative approach to unravel the multifaceted dynamics of community energy systems, water resources and biodiversity conservation in Bondo. Data were collected through focus groups and direct observations, enabling a nuanced exploration of community perspectives and lived experiences. The subsequent analysis of this qualitative data follows established thematic analysis procedures. Findings The study's findings shed light on the formidable barriers that impede rural communities in Malawi from accessing electricity effectively. Even in communities fortunate enough to have electricity connections, the lack of knowledge regarding productive electricity use results in community energy systems operating at significantly reduced load factors. Furthermore, the intricate challenge of managing a biodiversity hotspot persists, exacerbated by the densely populated peripheral communities' continued reliance on forest, land and water resources. These activities, in turn, contribute to ecosystem degradation. Originality/value In a context where government-led management of forest reserves and game reserves has not yielded the expected results due to a multitude of factors, there arises a compelling need for innovative approaches. One such innovation involves fostering partnerships between the government and experienced trusts as lead organisations, providing a fresh perspective on addressing the complex interplay between community energy systems, water resources and biodiversity conservation. This novel approach opens doors to explore alternative pathways for achieving the delicate balance between human energy needs and the preservation of vital ecosystems.

Conservation Awareness Strategies and Threats Affecting Sha-Sha Forest Reserve Management, Osun State, Nigeria

Conservation Awareness Strategies and Threats Affecting Sha-Sha Forest Reserve Management, Osun State, Nigeria

Diversity assessment and listing of birds in Mt. Santo Tomas Forest Reserve in Tuba, Benguet Northern Philippines

Abstract The study identified, listed, and determined birds’ eco classes, conservation status, relative abundance, and endemism while quantifying and comparing species diversity, richness, evenness, and community composition among agricultural areas, pine and mossy forests in Mt. Santo Tomas Forest Reserve in Tuba, Benguet, Northern Philippines. Forty-one species of birds under twenty-five families were listed and identified within the agricultural lands, mossy, and pine forests. Twenty-two bird species are endemic (53.66%) or only found in the Philippines, indicating high endemism in the forest reserve. Of the endemic bird species, two are classified as vulnerable and threatened. Incidentally, ranks 6 and 7 of the ten must-see bird species in the Philippines were also found in the mossy Reserve Forest. The two are the scale feathered malkoha, and the forest spotted kingfisher. Although there were significant differences in species diversity, richness, and evenness among the agricultural areas, pine, and mossy forests, all values are considered high. The high endemism and diversity of birds, their species richness, evenness, and abundance are indicators that Mount Santo Tomas Forest Reserve’s vegetation is still diverse and stable. Therefore, we recommend that the Mount Santo Tomas Forest Reserve Management Council, led by the DENR and Local Government units of Tuba Benguet to continue implementing adequate protection and conservation measures and management strategies.

Livelihood, carbon and spatiotemporal land-use land-cover change in the Yenku forest reserve of Ghana, 2000–2020

Tropical forests are important sources of securing basic human needs (livelihoods) for both the deprived and well-endowed but are also critical for reducing metric tonnes of carbon (tC) emitted from deforestation and land degradation. However, inequalities of human population and land-use land-cover change (LULCC) are existential threats to sustainable tropical forest reserve management and their aboveground biomass carbon stock (AGBCS) in Africa. This study examines the extent of LULCC, AGBCS and perception of livelihood effects on the Yenku Forest Reserve (YFR) in the Central Region of Ghana. Google Earth Engine remotely sensed Landsat data analysis using supervised classification, change detection, mixed with qualitative data from individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with inhabitants were used. The overall classification accuracy was 89.1%, 90.8% and 89.8% for the LULC in 2000, 2010 and 2020 respectively. Farming, charcoal production, hunting and harvesting non-timber forest products were the main livelihood activities impacting LULCC and AGBCS in the reserve. Open degraded forest was estimated at 1627ha, 1764ha, 1784ha out of 2293ha, corresponding to 36,349.6tC, 39,395.70tC, 39,840.0tC respectively in 2000, 2010 and 2020. Dense degraded forest cover yielded the least carbon stock of 938.6tC compared to 39,840.0tC from less dense degraded forest cover. These findings would aid policy decisions toward achieving United Nations land degradation neutrality and sustainable development goals (SDGs) one, ten and fifteen while ensuring YFR sustainability. Deprived forest-fringe communities, traditional authorities and other relevant stakeholders need to actively adopt gendered livelihood objectives to achieve SDGs, carbon and land degradation neutralities within YFR.

Community participation and sustainable forest management in the Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira District

Community participation is central to the sustainable management of forest reserves. However, forest reserves in the Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira District are disturbed by rural people even under collaborative forest management, which threatens forest sustainability. The study analysed the socio-economic importance of the reserves to the forest fringe communities, participation levels of the communities in reserve protection, and challenges stakeholders face in ensuring sustainable forest management (SFM). The study adopted a descriptive study design to assess community participation in SFM. Both simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample for the study. Questionnaire, interview schedule and focus group discussion guide were employed for the primary data collection. The main findings of the study were that forest fringe communities enjoyed some benefits from the forest but this was not enough. Their participation in SFM was only by upholding the forest by-laws. However, a major challenge was the farm raiding by elephants from the forest reserve. Community participation in SFM was at the 'lowest levels. Some of the challenges encountered by stakeholders in SFM were non-cooperation of community members and access restriction to forest resources. The study recommends that government should not only legally recognise forest ownership rights but also build the capacity of communities to allow higher community participation levels in SFM.

Tree Diversity, Conservation Status and Utilization Potentials of Shasha Rainforest Reserve, Southwestern, Nigeria

An inventory of the entire tree species ≥10cm diameter at breast height (dbh) was carried out within Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) investigation 133 Shasha in Osun State, Nigeria. This study was carried out to ascertain the tree species diversity, conservation status and utilization potentials in the study area. The results were obtained from 16 sample plots of 50×50m in four tracts located through cluster sampling technique. In all, an average total of 295 stands distributed among 66 tree species and 28 families were encountered. High value of Shannon-Weinner index H'=3.73 and Evenness of E=0.89 were obtained for the reserve. At present, only few trees have attained the merchantable size of 48cm dbh. The 63 tree species in the study site were categorized into four groups namely, stable, vulnerable, endangered and threatened status. The result revealed that stable group had 1.59%, vulnerable 4.76%, endangered 44.44% and threatened 49.21%. Result of the Utilization potentials revealed that utility classes 7 - 8 accounted for 55.6% (comprises of tree species with no potential use for sawn timber), while 45.4%. of trees in classes 1 – 6 comprises of trees with timber potentials. This study highlighted species population diversity, conservation status and utilization potentials of the study site and called for ecological application in the management of forest reserves in Nigeria.

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A PILOT REDD+ PROJECT FOR MASITO COMMUNITY FOREST RESERVE, KIGOMA, TANZANIA FOR 2012-2017: REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MANAGEMENT PLAN

Motivation/Background: Forest management planning is an important condition for ecologically sustainable and economically efficient forest use. The current paper presents review of previous forest management plan for implementation of a pilot REDD+ project for Masito Community Forest Reserve, , Tanzania for the period 2012-2017. Method: The work mainly involved review of relevant documents enriched by discussions with project management. Results: The description of the review is presented under twelve major sections, namely: 1. of previous forest management plan document; 2. of the previous forest management plan; 3. in implementing the previous forest management plan; 4. encountered during the implementation of the previous plan; 5. that affected the implementation of the previous forest management plan; 6. of existing forest resources; 7. reserve management activities; 8. resources for forest reserve management; 9. adjacent communities; 10. and initiatives for revenue generation; 11. linkages and co-operation, and; 12. resources for management of the forest reserve. Conclusions: The review was the basis for the activities planned for the forest for 2012-2017. Also, the review should be used as baseline information for assessment of achievement of the planned activities.

Assessing Kambui Hills North Forest Reserve Community’s Participation in Forest Reserve Management and Sustainability in Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone

This paper explores Kambui Hills North Forest Reserve (KHNFR) community’s participation in forest management and sustainability in Kenema District as a case study. Crucial issues examined were the forest reserve management strategies used by forest communities, participation of stakeholders in forest sustainability and livelihood activities of forest communities in the KHNFR. For sampling technique, six (6) forest communities were randomly sampled. From the sampled communities, forty two (42) respondents were sampled from the study communities. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the field and focus group discussion guide. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that there was a Core Forest Management Plan operated by the communities and stakeholders but the District Forest Office (DFO) does not follow its prescriptions strictly. It also indicated that the involvement of forest communities in the management of KHNFR was very small and low income generating livelihood activities. It was therefore recommended that forest communities in the KHNFR should be provided with alternative livelihood sources so as to empower them play the role of co-managers of the forest reserve.

Participation of stakeholders in sustainable management of a state-owned forest reserve in kwara state, nigeria

Purpose: The study evaluates participation of stakeholders in sustainable management of Odun Forest Reserve, a government owned reserve located in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The reserve is under the management of the State Forestry Department with dominance of Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea. 
 Methodology: Stakeholders selected for this study include the rural dwellers, the timber contractors and designated staff of the Kwara State Department of Forestry. Structured questionnaire was used for collection of primary data.
 Findings: The products collected in the reserve include timber, firewood and leaves. Majority of the rural dwellers did not participate in the decision making relating to Odun Forest Reserve (87,5%), prevention of illegal exploitation (80,0%) and in the management of Odun Forest Reserve. Concerted efforts are required by the State Forestry Department to involve the local stakeholders in the management.
 Research Limitation: Entry into the reserve is by authorization or payment of levy to the Department of Forestry.
 Originality: The development of the area as a whole will eventually enable the realization of the goal of sustainable forest reserve management. Participation will give the stakeholders the sense of ownership necessary for sustainability and protection against illegal activities.

Spatial characteristics and economic value of threatened species (Khaya ivorensis)

Khaya ivorensis (K. ivorensis), one of the most valuable tropical hardwood species indigenous to West and Central Africa, has been classified as a threatened tree species. However, information on its remaining population and distribution are limited. We mapped the current K. ivorensis spatial distribution, modelled the spatial autocorrelation and estimated its economic value using volume estimation and market pricing. The study was conducted in Odigbo and Irele local government areas (LGA), Ondo State, Nigeria. Spatially, localities of 97 K. ivorensis were identified across the study area and can be added into a wide range of datasets from local to global inventories. Large trees in diameter and height were statistically clustered in the north of Odigbo and assumed to relate with forest reserve management. Estimated median tree volumes were 0.39 m3 and 0.31 m3 in accordance with the allometric volume function and specific volume function, respectively. The economic values of wood varied approximately from US$111,208 to US$72,081. Findings from this study are a valuable resource for conserving this species and other threatened tree species.

Community Perspective on State Forest Management Regime and its Implication on Forest Sustainability: A Case Study of Chobe Forest Reserve, Botswana

ABSTRACT Forest management regimes have evolved worldwide over time in a quest to protect and conserve forests. This paper analyzed local communities’ perspectives on the existing management regime for the Chobe Forest Reserve, Botswana. The study draws from a combination of triangulated data sources comprising household survey and focus group discussions. A total of 183 respondents from three communities were randomly sampled for the household survey, complemented with focus group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic analyses were used for analyzing data. Communities’ perspectives were expressed through three central aspects underpinning the management regime: (1) level of satisfaction on state forest management regime, (2) willingness to partake in conservation activities, and (3) consultation and involvement in decision-making. Generally, the satisfaction scores showed that communities were ambivalent on the performance of the Chobe Forest Reserve management regime. Moreover, focus group discussants argued for inclusiveness of management approaches. This manifests from the locals’ exclusion in the management and conservation of the forest, resulting in the formulation of regulations which infringes on the locals’ right to access and use of forest resources for livelihood sustenance. This calls for a swift shift away from the longstanding tradition of local community exclusion but to inclusive participatory approaches.

Livelihood Dependence and Forest Reserve Management in Ijaiye Forest Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria

Livelihood Dependence and Forest Reserve Management in Ijaiye Forest Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria

Multi-temporal forest cover change detection in the Metchie-Ngoum Protection Forest Reserve, West Region of Cameroon

Globally, forest reserves are threatened by human induced deforestation and forest degradation. Within the Congo Basin, substantial deforestation has been quantified over the past years following the recent advancement in remote sensing and GIS applications in forestry research. Satellite images and ground based data are used to map deforestation, forest degradation and disturbances and their corresponding drivers. In Cameroon, recent studies show a general increase in deforestation over the past years. In most forest reserves of the Western Highlands, forest cover loss is basically as a result of rising population of in-situ and nearby settled communities. The Metchie-Ngoum Protection Forest Reserve (PFR) is but one. The study evaluates forest cover changes in the Metchie-Ngoum PFR using remote sensing and ground observations. It was revealed that forest cover though remained relatively stable over the study period (1984–2015), witnessed much degradation resulting to 36.11% estimated secondary forest cover by 1984. Secondary forest also experienced a cumulative loss to clearings/farms and built-up area from 1984 to 2000. The year 2000 was the most alarming. Forest loss is linked to oil palm expansion, increase population and built-up area and settlement related activities like logging. Faced with such rising threat on forest reserves, only a concerted action can guide sustainable forest management and conservation. The study thus recommends the design and implementation of a guided forest conservation policy which gradually applies proper sensitization, frequent visits by eco-guards, less intimidation, participatory forest mapping and the incorporation of forest communities in the sustainable management of forest reserves.

Population Structure and Regeneration Status of Most Abundant Medicinal Woody Plants in Mabira Central Forest Reserve Management Zones

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Assesment Of Management Strategies For Selected Forest Reserves In Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Forests reserve management strategies should provide comprehensive forest working plan for each Forest Reserve, consolidate the existing forest reserves, carry out periodic National Forest Resources inventory, Involve communities in the management of forest reserves with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, promote equitable benefit sharing and designate roles and responsibilities amongst stakeholders, protect the Forest Estate from fire and encroachment, encourage multiple-use concepts in the management of forest reserves. Most of these management strategies are mostly only protected on paper, as the forest continues to be subjected to official and unofficial unsustainable logging, and virtually unrestrained firewood and plant collecting. This study assessed the management strategies for selected forest reserve schemes in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. The study analyzed the respondents’ socio demographic characteristics, their level of knowledge on the forest reserve management and level of agreement on the identified Government policies for forest reserve maintenance.Forty (40) questionnaire packs were administered on the workers of Onigambari forest reserves (10), Oluyole Local Government Area, Oso forest reserve (5) and Ijaye forest reserve (5), Akinleye Local Government Area, Moniya, the staff and students in the university of Ibadan, department of forest and forest products (4), the neighboring communities around the forests (4) and the staff in the ministry of Agriculture, Natural resources and Rural development, Ibadan (12). Likert scale was used to rank the knowledge level of the respondents, simple descriptive statistics such as frequency mean and percentages was used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. To test the hypothesis, Pearson correlation demographic analysis was used to test the significant relationship between the selected demographic variables and the dependent variables. The result of the findings showed that some of the selected demographic variables such as marital status (r = 0.670**; p < = 0.01), occupation (r = 0.544**; p < =0.01) and years of occupational experience (r = 0.382*; p< 0.05) respectively exhibited a significant relationship with the dependent variable that is perception of level of knowledge on the forest resource management). This implies that all the demographic variables have decisive influence on the dependent variable. Furthermore, the status of management of selected forest reserves in Ibadan was discovered to be inadequate and the stakeholders have proper knowledge of the forest resources management and the policies.There is need for incentives so that stakeholders and other practitioners can adequately use their knowledge to improve on forest management in the study area.

An assessment of the effects of forest reserve management on the livelihoods of forest fringe communities in the Atwima Mponua District of Ghana

ABSTRACTThe effect of forest reserve management on the livelihoods of forest communities is an important, yet poorly researched issue. This study examines the effect of management on the livelihoods of communities living near the Tano-Offin forest reserve in the Atwima Mponua District of Ghana. Information was gathered from one hundred and fifty forest fringe community members in Atwima Mponua District using semi-structured questionnaires. In addition, interviews were undertaken with staff from the Forest Services Division at Nkawie, the Atwima Mponua District Assembly, and a Non-Governmental Organization. We found that the communities in the study area have limited livelihood pathways due to restrictions on their access to forest resources. Furthermore, over 70% of respondents had incomes below the international poverty line of US$ 1.90 a day which was largely attributed to limited access to forest resources. We conclude that forest fringe communities in the study area and more widely across Ghana are likely to have undesirable livelihood outcomes and we stress the need for policies to involve forest fringe communities as principal participants in the process of policy formulation and decision-making regarding management of forest reserves.

Contribution of Joint Forest Management in Improving Conservation and Local Livelihood in Rufiji District, Tanzania

This paper attempts to explore the contribution of Joint Forest Management in improving conservation<br />and local livelihood in Rufiji District. The study was carried in three villages (Mkupuka, Mangwi and<br />Muyuyu). Household survey, key informants interviews, focus group discussions, and archive<br />information were used to collect data. A total of 90 households, 10 key informants, and 9 Focus Group<br />Discussion members were involved. Results indicate that 57% of the respondents had the view that<br />local communities around Ngumburuni Forest Reserve did not realize direct benefits from JFM<br />practices. Findings have also revealed that 82.2% of the respondents perceived the increased trend of<br />deforestation after the introduction of JFM, a feature that does not promise sustainability of the forest<br />reserve. Findings indicate that challenges hindered effective management of forest reserve include the<br />increase of human population, expanding agriculture, and insufficient fund. The study concludes that,<br />JFM has failed to show substantial contributions towards enhancing conservation and livelihood of<br />local communities in the study area. It is recommended that for sustainable management of the forest<br />resources there is a need to strengthen the JFM in improving conservation and enhancing local<br />livelihood through conservation awareness, involvement of the local community in implementation of<br />the JFM strategies, to ensure equal distribution of benefits realized from forest conservation, and<br />strengthening patrol of the forest resources.

The management of natural and cultural heritage: a comparative study from Jordan

Heritage management is employed by many countries to facilitate site development as well as to assist in the preservation of heritage. Heritage management is particularly complex because public and private, and sometimes local communities are involved. Despite the fact that some literature is devoted to the protection and management of heritage sites, little research has compared the management practices between natural and cultural heritage and detailed comparative studies that are undertaken from this perspective are rare. Thus this study can be considered as one of the few, internationally, and possibly the first, locally, that compares the management process in the two main types of heritage: cultural and natural. Specifically, this study focuses on two main aspects of the management process, namely: the administrative and heritage legal system and local community involvement, aspects that have not been investigated in any prior research in Jordan. The study selected two case studies from Jordan: Umm Qais as a cultural heritage and Ajloun Forest Reserve as a natural heritage. The researchers adopted two methods in order to collect the required data. Personal interviews and direct observation were carried out at the archaeological site of Umm Qais as a cultural heritage site and Ajloun Forest Reserve as a natural heritage site. The study reveals that while Ajloun Forest Reserve is putting a lot of effort to manage its natural heritage, the main aim at Umm Qais is to attract more tourists. The study establishes that the heritage legal and administrative system in Ajloun forest reserve is stronger than the system applied at the archaeological site of Umm Qais, and that local community involvement is more well rooted in Ajloun Forest Reserve management policies than in Umm Qais. However implementing integrated legislation and involving the local community helps heritage managers towards public action and thoughts. Thus, this study may aid heritage operators to improve their policies in regard of heritage management.

Forest Fringe Communities Participation in Forest Reserve Sustainability in Ghana

The paper investigated the forest fringe community’s participation in forest reserve sustainability in Ghana using Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana as a case study. The key issues examined are the forest reserve management strategies, stakeholder’s participation and livelihood activities of forest fringe communities. Two stage sampling technique was used to sample forty-two respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire in an interview form was used to solicit information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The results of the study indicate that there is a management plan for the forest reserve but Forest Services Division (FSD) does not follow its prescriptions strictly, the involvement of Forest Fringe Communities (FFCs) by FSD in the management of the forest reserve was insignificant and evidence of FSD not establishing income generating activity for FFCs livelihood sustenance. It is therefore recommended that community members should be empowered to play the role of co-managers of the forest reserve and there should be regular visit and interaction between FSD and the FFCs.

Community participation in the management of forest reserves in the Northern Region of Ghana

ABSTRACTThe 1994 forest and wildlife policy of Ghana provides the basis for community participation in forest management through participatory forest management. Even though forest reserves in the Northern Region are said to be managed collaboratively, fringe communities are supposedly involved only in maintenance activities of the reserve boundaries and seedling planting in plantation programmes. The forest reserves are said to be threatened by illegal activities from the fringe communities. This study therefore examined the nature of community participation in the management of forest reserves.It is a mixed method research in which structured interview schedule, in-depth interview and focus group discussion guides were used for data collection. Respondents comprised community members, forestry staff and NGOs. Communities’ participation was found to be passive and tokenistic and limited to boundary cleaning and providing labour on plantations. There is no formal collaboration between communities and Forest Services Division. Prospects to communities’ participation lie in the continuous flow of benefits and their active involvement in management decisions. Active involvement of communities in all decision-making processes, capacity building of communities and forestry staff, incentive schemes and awareness creation are recommended for promoting community participation in managing forest reserves in Northern Region.