High Conservation Value Forests Research Articles

Enhancing Forest Conservation Efforts: Mapping of High Conservation Value Forests in the Republic of Moldova

Enhancing Forest Conservation Efforts: Mapping of High Conservation Value Forests in the Republic of Moldova

Historical maps improve the identification of forests with potentially high conservation value

AbstractThe EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 aims to better protect natural ecosystems with high biodiversity and climate change mitigation potential. To achieve this goal, it is crucial to identify forests worth protecting, such as those characterized by long continuity and old age. Here, we propose a robust approach that combines historical maps from the mid‐19th century with remote sensing data to identify areas that have been forested for over 150 years, aiming to reduce the need for detailed and time‐consuming field investigations in potential conservation areas. We tested this approach in a 20,000 km2 region in the Polish Carpathians, an area likely containing many unprotected forests of high conservation value, where historical maps from the mid‐19th century are representative of much of Central Europe. Our results showed that an area of approximately 4200 km2 has been continuously forested since at least the mid‐19th century. Currently, 50% of these forests are outside protected areas, representing an important conservation opportunity. More generally, our approach can support the identification of valuable forests worth protecting before they are lost and provide useful insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the ongoing debate on the challenges of improving forest conservation in the Carpathians, and Europe more widely.

The conservation value of forests can be predicted at the scale of 1 hectare

To conserve biodiversity, it is imperative to maintain and restore sufficient amounts of functional habitat networks. Therefore, the location of the remaining forests with natural structures and processes over landscapes and large regions is a key objective. Here we integrated machine learning (Random Forest) and open landscape data to scan all forest landscapes in Sweden with a 1 ha spatial resolution with respect to the relative likelihood of hosting High Conservation Value Forests. Using independent spatial stand- and plot-level validation data, we confirmed that our predictions correctly represent different levels of forest naturalness, from degraded to those with high and associated biodiversity conservation values. Given ambitious national and international conservation objectives and increasingly intensive forestry, our model and the resulting wall-to-wall mapping fill an urgent gap for assessing the achievement of evidence-based conservation targets, spatial planning, and designing forest landscape restoration.

A Preliminary Study of Diversity and Distribution of Family Rubiaceae in Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP), Kelantan

This study was conducted to identify the diversity and distribution of Family Rubiaceae in Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP), Kelantan. Rubiaceae family is one of the broad and important families of flowering plants in the botanical and has potential for human, medicinal uses and other functions. This species has been found in various places in Malaysia, but in Kelantan which has only a few recorded data related to Rubiaceae. The main objective of this study is to measure the diversity and distribution of Family Rubiaceae in Gunung Stong State Park (GSSP), Kelantan using a random sampling method. It shows Rubiaceae family that was recorded at GSSP consists of 9 species with 41 individuals belonging to 6 genera. The diversity index for Family Rubiaceae was determined using Shannon Wiener -Index (H’) was calculated at 1.60 and Simpson’s Index (D) was 0.67. Species collected, recorded, and compared with several characteristics such as vegetative, flower, and fruit. Hence, the result presented was intended for the stakeholder to update the database to assist stakeholders in managing high conservation value forests (HCVF).

The Filtering Effect of Oil Palm Plantations on Potential Insect Pollinator Assemblages from Remnant Forest Patches

Extensive oil palm plantations worldwide are dependent on insect pollination, specifically by introduced African weevils (Elaidobius spp.). The effectiveness of these weevils has been questioned following poor pollination and yield loss in Malaysia. Indigenous thrip (Thysanoptera) species, and moths (Lepidoptera) in the genus Pyroderces, may also be pollinators of oil palm, while the role of bees (Hymenoptera) and flies (Diptera) is unknown. The potential of native pollinators remains uncertain because of the almost total clearing of forest habitat from oil palm landscapes. In this study, we investigate the value of small high conservation value (HCV) forests as sources of potential native insect pollinators of oil palm in northern Sarawak. We further examine the filtering effect of oil palm-dominated landscapes on the species assemblages of six potential pollinator insect orders: Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. Orders differed in both species composition and abundance between forest and oil palm plantations, with an average of 28.1% of species unique to oil palm. Oil palm presented a soft permeable boundary to Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. Their species richness and abundance differed little between habitats with distance, despite species turnover. In contrast, oil palm presented a harder boundary to Diptera with a decline in both species richness and abundance with distance into oil palm. The abundance of the oil palm weevil (Elaedobius kamerunicus) was low compared to the native dominants, but similar to levels displayed by native thrips that may be pollinators of oil palm. The functional diversity of well-known pollinator guilds—bees and flies—was similar in forest and oil palm, suggesting that potential pollinators may yet exist among native orders of insects. Contrary to the prevailing opinion, even small forest patches in oil palm landscapes may provide native pollinator pressure.

Small carnivore diversity in forest patches around oil palm plantation in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Solina ID, Mukhtar E, Novarion W, Dahelmi. 2023. Small carnivore diversity in forest patches around oil palm plantation in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1824-1832. The accelerating rates of forest conversion into agricultural land are the main driver for biodiversity loss. How biodiversity, particularly secondary consumers, can adapt to different agricultural schemes is critical to conservation planning. Currently, small forests within oil palm plantations should receive more attention, especially as they are habitats for small carnivores, and it is still unknown how they respond to habitat change. We analyzed camera trap data from 2015 to 2018 in key High Conservation Value (HCV) forests in South Solok, West Sumatra: Kencana Sawit Indonesia company (forest patch A) and Tidar Kerinci Agung company (forest patches B and C). LecoS is used to collect landscape metrics data then evaluated using the Generalized Linear Models (GLM) to assess the impact of fragmentation on the presence of small carnivores in forest patches. The model with the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) value was the one we regarded to be the most acceptable. We found 12 species of small carnivores belonging to 4 families; six species were identified in patch A, ten in patch B, and only three in patch C. We identified that land covers are the most important parameter on the presence of small carnivores in oil palm plantations in West Sumatra based on GLM results. Due to the importance of forested regions to small carnivore diversity, we recommend increasing forest connectivity into and across oil palm landscapes.

One park, two owners—Inconsistencies in forest stewardship

AbstractAppropriate management of European spruce forests in this time of climate change is a significant challenge. Uniform principles of quality forest practice must be applied, essentially in forests that are valuable from a conservation point of view. However, this may be problematic in protected areas with mixed ownership and disparate priorities. Managerial decision‐making is often based on personal knowledge, previous experience, priorities other than conservation, or political influence. Clear management guidelines at the European and national levels are lacking in many protected areas. In this article, we use data from the Šumava NP to elucidate varied management approaches applied by state and private municipal owners in forests of high conservation value. We used high‐resolution aerial photographs to evaluate the effects of forest management practices applied, and compared the status of spruce habitats before and after a major windstorm and large‐scale bark beetle outbreak. We found that follow‐up forest management measures have significantly affected forests in the Šumava NP negatively. However, changes are not equally spread across the area of study, with forest ownership important for the type and intensity of changes. Kašperské Hory Municipality, managed their forests more as a productive commercial forest as contrasted to the state owned forest. We compare our findings with experiences from other Central European national parks with similar forest management challenges. Options for improving and unifying the management of conservation‐valuable forests held in state and private ownership are discussed in the conclusion. Wide political consensus and stability together with long‐term mutual trust and a willingness to collaborate among conservationists, forest managers and forest owners were recognized to be essential for the successful achievement of conservation goals.

Testing the Applicability and Credibility of the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) Toolkit: A Systematic Global Review

Testing the Applicability and Credibility of the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) Toolkit: A Systematic Global Review

Spared, shared and lost\u2014routes for maintaining the Scandinavian Mountain foothill intact forest landscapes

Intact forest landscapes harbor significant biodiversity values and pools of ecosystem services essential for conservation, land use and rural development. Threatened by fragmentation and loss by transitions to industrial clear-cut forestry, those landscapes are of pivotal interest for protection that secures their intact character. With wall-to-wall land-cover data, we explored opportunities for maintaining intact forest landscapes through comprehensive spatial planning across a 2.5 million hectares boreal to sub-alpine forest region along the eastern slopes of the Scandinavian Mountain range. We analyzed forest and woodland types that are protected, need protection or potentially can be subject to continued forest management. We established that the fraction of already clear-cut forest is very small and that the forest landscape of the Scandinavian Mountain foothills contains a high proportion of protected high conservation value forests, covering almost 2 million ha, and that over 500,000 ha (27%) remains unprotected and may be subject to future protection or continued adapted forest management. We found evident north to south differences with respect to forest landscape configuration, distribution of unprotected forests and land ownership. With a focus on non-industrial private landowners, we conclude that sustainable land-use requires integrative, multi-functional approaches that rely on further protection, forest and forest landscape restoration and a much larger share of continuous cover forestry than presently. Our results provide input into ongoing policy implementation and green infrastructure planning in the context of securing intact forest values and integrative opportunities for rural livelihood and regional development based on multiple value chains.

The legacy of pine introduction threatens the fuel traits of Patagonian native forests

The introduction of non-native pine plantations and subsequent pine invasion are increasingly affecting native and high conservation value forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Pine invasion changes forest fire regimes, even in protected areas. However, most research evaluating the impact on fuel of this invasion on South American habitats has focused on steppe ecosystems; few studies have investigated whether pine-dominated areas are more flammable than native forests, how invasion age influences flammability, and whether areas dominated by mature pines from invasion and plantation have a similar impact on fuel. Here, we analyzed the fine fuel traits of the understory of different-aged post-fire invasions, plantations of Pinus radiata, and nearby native vegetation in a forest reserve (Patagonia, Argentina). Community composition shifts towards pine-dominated areas increased fire risk by affecting the quantity, distribution, composition, and condition (live or dead) of the fuel. Flammability levels increased with time since invasion. The oldest invasion had a higher load of the most flammable fuel than the adult plantation. Our results show that community composition shifts towards pine-dominated areas can increase fire risk by producing more pyrophytic habitats, and suggest that early removal of post-fire invasions can prevent increased fire risk on a landscape scale. Our results highlight the importance of considering the intrinsic characteristics of an invasion context when evaluating the impact of non-native species, and the need to be cautious when extrapolating the impacts of plantations to invasions.

Diversity of Freshwater Fish in Fragmented Forest of Wilmar Oil Palm Plantation, Miri, Sarawak

The study was conducted in the river system located at Wilmar oil palm plantation in Miri, Sarawak. The objective of the study is to determine the fish species diversity and composition in the streams and rivers in the oil palm plantations. Fish were sampled using a variety of fishing methods, including, scoop nets, cast net, and gill nets of different mesh sizes (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.75 and 4.0 cm) from 2 to 7 of February 2014. A total of 326 individual fish including 32 species of native fishes and one species of non-native fish from 19 genera, seven families and five orders were collected from seven locations. The cyprinid fish represented 62.20% of the total fish caught and was found in all the rivers surveyed. About six endemic species in Borneo such as Barbonymus collingwoodii, Barbodes banksi, Barbodes sealei, Hampala bimaculata Nematabramis borneensis and Nematabramis everetti were identified. However, only one species from families Bagridae, Balitoridae, Clariidae, and Hemiramphidae was sampled from the study sites. The higher fish species composition found in streams and rivers of the oil palm plantation landscapes could be attributed to the conservation of some areas of the plantation as high conservation value forest (HCVF) status, which have provided suitable habitat for fish species within the plantation aquatic environments.

Potensi Tumbuhan Berkhasiat Obat di Hutan Penam Ketungau Kabupaten Sintang

Forests are a source of plant biodiversity whose existence and benefits are very large for humans, one of which is medicinal plants. The purpose of this study was to identify the types and analyze the potential of medicinal plants found in the Penam Ketungau Forest, Empaka Kabiau Raya Village, and Karya Bakti Village, Sintang Regency. This study uses a survey method with a sampling design in the form of systematic sampling with random start. A cluster is made in the form of a square and at each corner and in the middle a plot is made (5 plots) with the shape of a circle (radius 17.8 m). Each plot contained 5 circular subplots in the form of a seedling subplot with a radius of 1 m, 2 m stake, 5 m pole, and 17.8 m tree. The plant species obtained were identified and potential data (density and relative density) at each growth stage were analyzed. The results obtained 45 species of medicinal plants, and the species with the greatest potential were at the seedling level (6000 individuals/Ha (29.27%)) and saplings (2375 individuals/Ha (37.25%)) namely Hopea mengerawan Miq, Dryobalanops Dyer oblongifolia at the pole level (40 individuals/Ha (25%)) and Hopea borneensis at the tree level (43.21 individuals/Ha (13.46%)). The still good condition of the forest, the large potential, and the variety of medicinal plant species identified in the Penam Ketungau Forest indicate the success of the efforts made by the community around the forest and the Sintang District Government in maintaining and protecting the Penam Ketungau Forest, so that in the future it is necessary to improve the status of the Penam Ketungau Forest. become a High Conservation Value (HCV) forest.

Using historical spy satellite photographs and recent remote sensing data to identify high-conservation-value forests.

High-conservation-value forests (HCVFs) are critically important for biodiversity and ecosystem service provisioning, but they face many threats. Where systematic HCVF inventories are missing, such as in parts of Eastern Europe, these forests remain largely unacknowledged and therefore often unprotected. We devised a novel, transferable approach for detecting HCVFs based on integrating historical spy satellite images, contemporary remote sensing data (Landsat), and information on current potential anthropogenic pressures (e.g., road infrastructure, population density, demand for fire wood, terrain). We applied the method to the Romanian Carpathians, for which we mapped forest continuity (1955-2019), canopy structural complexity, and anthropogenic pressures. We identified 738,000 ha of HCVF. More than half of this area was identified as susceptible to current anthropogenic pressures and lacked formal protection. By providing a framework for broad-scale HCVF monitoring, our approach facilitates integration of HCVF into forest conservation and management. This is urgently needed to achieve the goals of the European Union's Biodiversity Strategy to maintain valuable forest ecosystems.

IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE FORESTS WITHIN POTENTIAL NATURA 2000 HABITATS: CASE STUDY VRANICA MOUNTAIN

UDK: 630*9:502.1(234.422 Vranica)
 Nature conservation and sustainable management of forest resources become more important in Bosnia and Herzegovina, driven by the accession process toward the European Union as well as other international processes directed toward responsible management of forest resources. The forest certification has been widely adopted in the forestry sector and it implies meeting the sustainable forest management standard, whereas identification and proper management of high conservation value forests are one of the basic requirements. The NATURA 2000 ecological network is to become an important driver of reforms in the field of nature protection and forestry sector, due to the designation of new sites in forest area, which are under the responsibility of forestry institutions. This paper illustrates the scientific understanding of identification and management processes related to high conservation value forests that were proposed within potential NATURA 2000 habitats. The paper is based on analysis of main guiding principles for site designation and the role of the cross-sectoral approach applied identification and management of sites with high conservation value attributes. The case study research design was selected focusing on the Vranica Mountain due to recent activities implemented in this site. The in-depth face-to-face interviewing was used to collect qualitative data containing the key stakeholders' attitudes regarding the harmonization of NATURA 2000 habitats with the high conservation value forests – (HCVF), as well as the involvement of stakeholders in the processes of cross-sectoral cooperation. Results of this paper can be useful for the key forest and nature protection policy-makers, as well as to those responsible for managing of protected areas, or other stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in the process of identification and management of HCVFs and NATURA 2000 sites. Harmonisation of guiding principles and cross-sectoral cooperation during the identification and management of HCVFs and NATURA 2000 forest habitats enables the proper implementation of conservation and management measures based on sustainable forest management activities.

Assessment of high conservation value forests in the Tolshmenskoye lease base in the Vologda region

The purpose of the research was to identify, research and assess high conservation value forests (HCVF) and representative areas allocated in the lease base of the enterprise. The object of the research is forest areas of special conservation value in the lease base of the logging enterprise LLC Tolshmenskoye. The subject of the research is the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the high conservation value forests stands. The research was carried out on four stationary objects, which are represented by coniferous stands. The share of conifers in the composition of the stand is from seven to nine units. The researches were based both on the research performed of forest management and reporting documentation of the enterprise, and on the basis of field research materials. The choice of research objects is due to the fact that these plantations perform the function of preserving biological diversity and are excluded from economic activity, which allows for long-term monitoring observations to assess quantitative and qualitative changes in the structure of forest stands and make conclusions about their performance of target functions. The results of the survey showed that the population of trees is characterized by high classes of sanitary assessment. In terms of health, most tree species show no signs of weakening. The number of healthy specimens according to the objects of research and according to the breed composition is quite high (at least 67%). No significant anthropogenic impacts have been identified. The number of undergrowth varied greatly according to the objects of research. The undergrowth is heterogeneous in composition. At the same time, aspen and spruce occupy the dominant position in the emerging tree canopy.

Managing and protecting of endangered Rafflesia species in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

Rafflesia is the most magnificent and largest flower in the world. In Southeast Asia, the species becoming endangered due to anthropogenic activities such as logging, conversion of forest into large-scale agricultural areas, urbanization and unsustainable ecotourism. This paper has specifically highlighted the efforts that have been taken by the Kelantan State Forestry Department (KFD) in ensuring the sustainability and survival of this gigantic flower in its natural habitat. A survey by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) shows that many populations of Rafflesia were situated in the forest reserves under the administration of KFD, such as in Lojing, Mt. Chamah, Mt. Basor and Mt. Stong. A lot of initiatives have been implemented by KFD such as organising scientific expeditions and the establishment of the High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF). In July 2011, the State Government of Kelantan declared an area of 404 ha (1,000 acres) bordering Sg. Berok Forest Reserve in Lojing Highlands as the Rafflesia Preservation Area. This recognition by the state government resulted from collaboration efforts of UMK, KFD and South Kelantan Development Authority (KESEDAR). To date, KFD has established a total of two HCVFs in Kelantan and a new area of 50 ha in Compartment 1, Lojing Forest Reserve has also been dedicated for the protection of Rafflesia. This paper was also briefly discussed several issues and challenges in conserving Rafflesia in Kelantan such as the expansion of large-scale agricultural plantation, participation of local community, tourism and income generation, international and internal funds for conservation works, and provide an integrated tourism and management plans. Hopefully, this effort will lead to the establishment of a centre of excellence in nature conservation, ecotourism and scientific research of Rafflesia in Kelantan.

A LabVIEW-based fire monitoring software using multi-criteria AHP approach for detecting geolocation of wildfire

High Conservation Value Forests or botanical parks are critical forested areas that need to be appropriately managed and protected against fire, as they contain large concentrations of biodiversity-which includes endangered or threatened species–which are very sensitive to fire outbreaks. Thus, early detection and rapid responses are so important in combating and containing fire in these areas. As such, a lot of innovative methods are used for the containment and combating of fire. This paper proposes a stand-alone program called FireLocator created by LabVIEW that can detect in real-time the geolocation and behavior of fires by superposition of detection areas through state-of-the-art multispectral infrared detectors using wireless transmitters and mathematical modeling algorithms at a very early stage with maximum spatial resolution. In this context, four alternative models for the optimum positions of detectors in pilot control area are analyzed with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Experimental results demonstrated that preferred alternative model for FireLocator program has the highest percentage with 38.22% based on the AHP algorithm that validates the model used in this study. Moreover, FireLocator outperformed other fire monitoring systems and provided high spatial resolution (up to 3 m) which assisted in determining fire behavior and the geolocation of the fire in a minimum pilot area of ~ 3598.9 square meters.

Poor science meets political neglect: Land use changes of high conservation value forests in Indonesia

Forest land allocation and use in Indonesia have been politically contested and characterized by poor data and competing interests of different institutions. This study analyzes the process of integrating scientific findings in policymaking about land use and changes. The focus is on the processes related to the changes of Highly Important Forest Zones with Strategic Values (Dampak Penting Cakupan Luas dan bernilai Strategis/DPCLS). DPCLS forests are unique as any changes require approval from the parliament to complement the processes at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and must be based on rigorous scientific evaluation. This study uses the case of Riau Islands (Kepri) Province, previously part of Riau Province, which to date is one of only two Indonesian provinces yet to accept the forest zonings of the Ministry. The province’s strategic positions as exclusive economic and free trade zones make it further interesting in terms of land allocation as land becomes increasingly valuable for other uses. This paper specifically asks how the scientific investigation on the potential land use changes were conducted, how reliable the discoveries are, and how they were utilized in multiple steps at different institutions from the proposal evaluations to the approval stages. Our research indicates that scientific findings have rarely been integrated in policy making regarding DPCLS forests in Kepri Province. In addition, the scientific findings are weak; the institution producing them is heavily dominated by government officials and paid consultants/ experts. The scientific body was only established to fulfill the formal processes required by the regulatory frameworks. Proposals and decisions on the changes of DPCLS forests in Kepri Province are more characterized by political considerations. The “scientific findings” of the current land use in Kepri Province is used as a political commodity (or commodities) to support the interests of actors.

Stakeholder engagement in a Forest Stewardship Council Controlled Wood assessment

Forest certification has become an important element in the trade of forest and wood products in many countries worldwide. We reviewed the Controlled Wood audit process under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which is one of the world’s largest forest certification schemes. We analysed an FSC Controlled Wood audit of logging operations conducted by VicForests (a government owned logging business operating in the Australian state of Victoria) within the Upper Goulburn Water Supply Protection Area. Areas >30° in slope within the catchment are deemed to be High Conservation Value Forests and they are not allowed to be logged. We: (1) analysed the level of performance required to demonstrate compliance with the FSC Controlled Wood Standard; (2) identified conflicts in the interpretation of standard; and (3) assessed the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement. Using a Digital Terrain Model, we found that 160 cutblocks or 75 % of the 214 areas logged between 2004 and 2019 in the Upper Goulburn Water Supply Protection Area were characterized by slopes >30°. Hence, they were steeper than the limits specified under state-based regulation. However, the FSC accredited certification body auditing VicForests claimed that logging was allowed on these slopes. This contradicted the regulatory authority’s interpretation of compliance. It is therefore critical that accredited FSC certification bodies verify evidence submitted in audits, particularly where that evidence is contested by the applicant forest management enterprise. Where state-based regulation is used, consistency in the interpretation of compliance is needed between accredited certification bodies and regulatory authorities. This case study highlights the important role that stakeholders, including those in civil society and academia, can play in certification schemes such as FSC.

Method for Preserving High Conservation Value Forests in the Prichulym Taiga of Tomsk Region During Logging

The paper presents a method to preserve high conservation value forests in accordance with the international certification system of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in the Prichulym taiga of Tomsk region during logging. The taiga landscapes in the area of Prichulym’e are unique due to natural monuments, reserves, and specially protected natural areas with rare species of animals, birds, plants and valuable coniferous stands. These territories included in the forest fund of Tomsk region demand increased attention and systematic control, especially during logging and timber harvesting. At the first stage of the study, forest areas in the operational forests of the Zyryanskiy forestry in Tomsk region, leased by Sibirles OOO for logging and timber harvesting, were investigated. Based on the results of the study, some forest areas were referred to the category of high conservation value forests in accordance with the above-mentioned voluntary international certification system that implies an important function of protecting habitats of rare and endangered species of animals and plants, including those listed in the Red Book and regionally significant species. In such forests, logging and any type of felling are prohibited. Thus, these areas were conditionally excluded from the list of forests allowed for final felling. The results of the independent monitoring performed by the authors allowed the following conclusion: no violations were found in logging activities of Sibirles OOO that leased the parts of the forest in Zyryanskiy district for logging and timber harvesting. On the one hand, such joint activities and monitoring are economically costly; on the other hand, they are important and significant for further identification of the places abundant in unique flora and fauna.