Illegal Logging Research Articles

The Role, Obstacles, and Challenges of the Forestry Police in the Pesapa FMR’s Work Area

This research examines the role of the Forestry Police and the obstacles and challenges they face in combating illegal logging in the Pesapa FMR’s Work Area. Employing empirical research methods, it utilizes primary and secondary data from April to June 2023 in Batulappa Sub-district, Pinrang Regency, Indonesia. The study then analyzes the acquired data qualitatively to describe the problem and answer the research objectives. The findings reveal that the Forestry Police in the Pesapa FMR’s Work Area encounter several obstacles and challenges in executing forest protection. These obstacles include limited functional officers and equipment, the extended area of the protection forest requiring safeguarding, and the Batulappa community’s lack of understanding about forest boundaries and functions. Another emerging factor is the suboptimal law enforcement by the Forestry Police, especially in illegal logging cases involving local communities. Therefore, the Head of the TIU of Sawitto FMU is recommended to increase the number of functional officers and ownership of Forestry Police equipment in the Pesapa FMR’s Work Area. Furthermore, a continuous education program on the importance of forest conservation and the dangers of illegal logging for the Batulappa community must also be implemented. The Local Government must also seek alternatives for agricultural and plantation land use. Lastly, the Forestry Police must show a more substantial commitment to handling illegal logging cases, reinforcing the Government’s dedication to forest protection.

Human Footprint on Natural Systems: Missing Post-war Scenario in the Urban Context of Damascus

All regions in Syria have witnessed a decline in green spaces due to the spread of illegal logging operations and a decline in interest in agricultural wealth due to the need for construction with the growing population during the past decade. In addition to the burning and destruction of many of them due to the war actions that took place during the period of the Syrian crisis, a war that affected the urban, architectural, and human fabric of the city alike, Damascus lacks sufficient green spaces compared to the cement blocks and its external facades considering global climate change. This unjust urban expansion, accompanied by the impact of the fires caused by the war, damaged humans and environment, extending from the heart of the city to its countryside and contributing to the erosion of its Ghouta in particular, the lung and living breath of Damascus, According to what we observe today, the dominance of the cement mass in the city plan of Damascus, with the lack of balance between it and the green space of gardens, public spaces, and public places.

Ownership and governance of tree resources on cocoa farms: A case study in Brong-Ahafo and Western Regions of Ghana

Cocoa is important for the economy and rural development of Ghana. However, small-scale cocoa production is the leading agricultural product driver of deforestation in Ghana. Uncertain tree tenure disincentivizes farmers to retain and nurture trees on their farms. There is therefore the call for structures that promote tree retention and management within cocoa farming. We examined tenure barriers and governance for tree resources on cocoa farms. Data was collected from 200 cocoa farmers from two regions using multistage sampling technique. Information was gathered on tree ownership and fate of tree resources on cocoa farms, tree felling permit acquisition and associated challenges and illegal logging and compensation payments on cocoa farms. Results suggest 62.2% of farmers own trees on their farms. However, these farmers may or may not have ownership rights over the trees depending on the ownership of their farmlands. More than half of the farmers indicated they require felling permits to harvest trees on their farms, indicative of the awareness of established tree harvesting procedures. Seventy percent of the farmers have never experienced illegal logging on their farms. There is however the need to educate the remaining 30% on their rights and build their compensation negotiation powers for destructions to their cocoa crops. This study has highlighted ownership and governance issues with cocoa farming and it is important for the sustainability of on-farm tree resources and Ghana’s forest at large.

Updated Positions of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation in Matters of Qualification of Environmental Crimes

Analysis of the positions of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation on the qualification of environmental crimes, set out in the updated guidelines, makes it possible to determine the main directions of law enforcement practice in this area. They allow us to determine the main directions of law enforcement practice in the field of combating environmental crimes. It has been established that the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation correctly perceives the criticism of the scientific community and actively implements the advanced positions of the doctrine of criminal law into guiding explanations, promptly studies and generalizes the emerging law enforcement practice for more effective protection of public relations related to the environment. It is noted that approaches have been developed relating to the legal assessment of a socially dangerous act constituting illegal logging of forest plantations, criteria for the legality and illegality of logging activities (in terms of the grounds for logging activities), assessment of damage from illegal hunting, and the differentiation of Art. 260 and 1911 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, confiscation of funds and instruments for committing environmental crimes, etc. Separately, the changed approaches to determining the subject of illegal logging of forest plantations are considered, to which the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation includes forests on agricultural lands, about which there were previously different legal positions. There is a fairly consistent practice of using confiscation of property, which, on the one hand, makes it possible to deprive the guilty of the opportunity to reoffend and complements the punitive effect of punishment, but on the other hand does not contradict the principles of justice and legality. The main conclusion was made that criminal policy in the field of environmental protection as a whole has the right vector of development, and the adopted changes and additions to the guidelines are well justified, timely and contribute to the optimization of law enforcement activities.

Diversity of Edible Fruit Species in Gunung Leuser National Park Area, Aceh Tamiang

Aceh Tamiang Regency, located in the northern part of Sumatra Island with an area of 1.957.02 km², is part of the Leuser Ecosystem, famously known as the Gunung Leuser National Park-TNGL. The remarkable biodiversity in TNGL has earned it recognition as a national park and wildlife sanctuary. Threats to this biodiversity include illegal logging, land conversion, hunting, and wildlife trafficking. This study aimed to identify the diversity of edible fruit species in the Aceh Tamiang region of TNGL as an initial step in conservation and utilization efforts for fruit biodiversity. The genetic resources of edible fruit plants in this area hold significant potential for enhancing the quality and quantity of fruits in Indonesia. Hence, conservation and sustainable management are crucial for fruit plant development. The research was conducted in Bandar Pusaka, Tamiang Hulu, and Tenggulun. The exploration discovered 81 species of edible fruits from 27 families. Tenggulun had the highest number of species (61 species), followed by Bandar Pusaka (53 species) and Tamiang Hulu (44 species). Species like Mangifera odorata Griff., Garcinia mangostana L., Pometia pinnata J.R. Forst. & G. Forst., and others were found in all locations. The highest diversity index was in Tenggulun (HI 3.31), followed by Bandar Pusaka (2.88), and the lowest in Tamiang Hulu (2.39). Species evenness ranged from 0.63 to 0.81, indicating moderate and stable evenness levels. Species dominance was low, with values ranging from 0.007-0.009.

DNA barcoding of an endangered plant species, salvadora oleoides

Salvadora oleoides Decne is an endangered plant species. This species is important as the plant is used for multiple purposes. Natives use the plants for their medicinal needs in treating rheumatic pains and coughs, and many others. This species is threatened by over-exploitation and deforestation or illegal logging, as well as its very slow growth rate, so the accurate identification of this species is important. Knowledge about threats or even distribution is limited, making identifying species more difficult. Therefore, this research aimed at DNA barcoding of endangered species Salvadora oleoides to assess their potential at the meaningful taxonomic level. This study aims to amplify the rbcL and matK genes in Salvadora oleoides collected from the different regions of Pakistan. The plant DNA isolation was carried out by the CTAB method. PCR analysis was performed, which showed amplification of both rbcL and matK regions. The amplified products were purified and sent for sequencing. The results revealed a 100% sequencing rate for rbcL; however, the matK amplified product was not sequenced due to the high heterozygosity in this region, which might result in polymerase slippage during the Sanger sequencing method. The rbcL sequence was checked for homology by BLASTn and then submitted to NCBI for GenBank accession. The accession number assigned to Salvadora oleoides was OP046316 for rbcL. Keywords: DNA Barcoding, Medicinal Plants, matk, rbcl, BLAST, Species Identification.

Forest Defenders: Explaining the Violent Politics of Illegal Logging in Romania

Romanian environmental activists have been subjected to violent attacks for protecting their forests from illegal logging. This article traces the drivers of this conflict, revealing complex relationships between corrupted institutions, economic dependence, and cultural beliefs entrenched in Romania’s religion and recent history. Examining the drivers of environmental conflict in new democracies and new EU members – like Romania – may help reveal weaknesses and opportunities in EU structures in the context of nature conservation and environmental protection.

The importance of forests in the environment

The importance of forests in the environment

Chainsaw Sound Detection Using DNN Algorithm

Deforestation and illegal logging stand as important environmental problems. In this paper we propose a DNN architecture for sound recognition of chainsaw detection. Various parameters need to be tuned in order to identify the sound of chainsaw but not to produce too much amounts of false positive detection. The task is challenging as different sound emerge in the forest.

Revolutionalizing Forest Monitoring and Conservation Using Internet of Things (IoT): The Challenges and the Opportunities

Over some decades, advancement has come to the way forest is being monitored. The process of monitoring the forest area have advanced beyond human-power into technology. Nigeria forests have experience degeneration from illegal logging to encroachment resulting from population growth and agricultural activities. The wildlife species are endangered due to human illegal activities in the forest area. Manual monitoring has achieved some results in keeping the forest safe but there is a need for more effective and real time forest monitoring. Therefore, digital technology should be analyzed for monitoring. Many forests departments in some countries have shifted to the Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time forest monitoring and conservation. IoT devices are devices that utilizes sensors to capture information about activities going on in the forest area and alert the monitoring personnel of any illegal activities through an electronic device connected to computer. IoT system collect data from the forest and send them to the cloud server for storage and analysis of activities that are going on in the forest area. This have helped forest officers in curbing many issues like illegal logging and forest fires. It has also helped in conserving wildlife within the forest. This paper discussed some IoT devices for real time forest monitoring and conservation. This manuscript also discussed the components of IoT devices and how they benefit forestry.

Characterization of self-guided trails on the Xihuingo Volcano, state of Hidalgo (Mexico)

Objective: hiking allows us to appreciate nature; it is also an environmental education tool, causing social changes which can be directed towards behaviors and decisions in favor of environmental protection. The objective of this study was to generate the necessary information in order to hike the trails of the Xihuingo Volcano (state of Hidalgo, Mexico), self-guided and with safety.Design/Methodology/Approach: the methodology consisted of monitoring the guidelines established for the preparation of the Topographic guide, as well as those considered in the Excursion information method (MIDE) and the processing of tracks with global positioning system (GPS) receivers, using a geographic information system as interface.Results: data on local history, culture and biodiversity were obtained. As well as descriptions, time estimates, and profiles of the routes; with the identification of places of interest in maps; and digital files to be used in GPS receivers.Limitations of the study/Implications: the limitations in the data are related to the precision margin of the GPS receivers during the recording of the information (±3 m). As well as the number of records on biodiversity at the time of consultation.Findings/Conclusions: data obtained highlight the wide biological diversity located at the site, with important representation of endemic and native species, some of them in status of ecological risk. These species can be the basis for the creation of a tourism project for the benefit of the local people. Such a program would face the ecological problems derived from mining, illegal logging, and grazing observed in the area, as a strategy for the conservation of the natural environment.

Impact of forest governance and enforcement on deforestation and forest degradation at the district level: A study in West Bengal State, India

According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the world loses 1.0 ​× ​106 ​hm2 forest land through deforestation annually. About 1.6 ​× ​106 people who depend on forests for livelihood are negatively affected by deforestation and forest degradation. The paper attempts to study the impact of forest governance, enforcement and socio-economic factors on deforestation and forest degradation at the local level in West Bengal State, India. The study was based on questionnaire survey data during 2020–2021 collected from three western districts (Purulia, Bankura, and Paschim Medinipur) where deforestation and poverty rates are higher than other districts in West Bengal State. The total number of selected villages was 29, and the total sample households were 693. A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect data, and a questionnaire was followed. Forest governance and enforcement indices were constructed using United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) methodology and a step-wise logistic regression model was used to identify the factors affecting deforestation and forest degradation. The result of this study showed that four factors (illegal logging, weak forest administration, encroachment, and poverty) are identified for the causes of deforestation and forest degradation. It is observed that six indices of forest governance (rule of law, transparency, accountability, participation, inclusiveness and equitability, and efficiency and effectiveness) is relatively high in Purulia District. Moreover, this study shows that Purulia and Bankura districts follow medium forest governance, while Paschim Medinipur District has poor forest governance. The enforcement index is found to be highest in Purulia District (0.717) and lowest for Paschim Medinipur District (0.257). Finally, weak forest governance, poor socio-economic conditions of the households, and weak enforcement lead to the deforestation and forest degradationin the study area. Therefore, governments should strengthen law enforcement and encourage sustainable forest certification schemes to combat illegal logging.

Augmented reality implementation as a media for product promotion to reduce paper use

The use of paper as a media for product promotion is still widely used by companies in introducing their products. Promotional media used include brochures and flyers which are indeed printed to be distributed to potential customers. This way of promotion has an impact on the large number of paper-based promotional media which are then discarded after viewing. As it is known that paper comes from trees, currently, there are many environmental problems originating from illegal logging of forest trees and deforestation, which have an impact on ecosystems and the natural environment. During the current use of technology, the use of product introduction promotional media can use Augmented Reality (AR) technology. With AR, potential consumers can see 3D objects from products being marketed so that paper use can be reduced. In building AR, we use Game Engine Unity and Vuforia to be able to display 3-dimensional objects. This research is also based on Android as the base of the operating system. For the case study, we use four furniture products such as tables, chairs, and sofas as a subject of implementation. The purpose of this research is to reduce the use of paper as a medium for product promotion. The results of the research are in the form of media applications for promotion of Augmented Reality-based furniture products. Testing uses black box testing to test the performance of the AR along with testing various marker conditions, such as in low light and high light condition.

Species diversity of socio-economic importance in the Kebe Block Forest, Cameroon: Local perceptions and conservation implications

Abstract. Inimbock SL, Chimi CD, Ngomeni AF, Enamba CY, Pouomogne YG, Caspa RG, Tsemo DC, Ngueguim EC, Yonga G, Noutanewo P, Misse CA, Mala WA. 2023. Species diversity of socio-economic importance in the Kebe Block Forest, Cameroon: Local perceptions and conservation implications. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 155-162. Forest areas dedicated to research and education, such as the Kebe Block Forest (KBF), Cameroon, have a high plant diversity, some of which are of socio-economic importance to local populations. Knowing that the objectives of the KBF are well defined, this study aimed to identify forest plant species of socio-economic importance to the local populations living around the KBF. Also, this study aimed to propose strategies that reconcile the local population's well-being and the preservation of the KBF. Given the high dependence of local communities on the forest, a socio-economic survey was carried out in 51 households. Therefore, 40 species of socio-economic importance were found, and six products and services, namely food, medicinal products, raw materials for handicrafts, edible caterpillar species, timber, and income generating, were identified. For 86% of the local people, the availability of these plant species has decreased significantly compared to 10 years ago; the main causes identified were illegal logging (32%) and agriculture (21%). According to occurrence frequency citation, Baillonella toxisperma Pierre (65%), Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill. (38%), and Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Heckel (30%) were identified as the flagship socio-economic plant species that local people would like to introduce into their farms to ensure their sustainability. Identifying plant species of socio-economic importance, their availability, and their threats provides substantial information that could help the authorities manage the KBF to plan conservation activities better, considering the local population's well-being.

Comparative Evaluation of Community Participation in Ecotourism Development in Borgu and Zurguma Sector of Kainji Lake National Park, Niger State, Nigeria

Generally, the problems associated with national park management in Nigeria include loss of wildlife habitats, poaching, overhunting, and illegal logging and grazing. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate the numerous challenges facing National Park Management in Nigeria using the Kainji Lake National Park as a case study using personal interview and administration of structural questionnaire to select one hundred and ninety four (194) respondents from the total population and data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of demographic characteristics of respondents sampled indicates that the male respondents were dominant (75.7%) and majority of the 51.4% of the sampled populations’ falls between age group 35-44 years. The finding further revealed that majority of the respondents was married (71.0%). 59.8% of the respondents had tertiary education while 40.2% had secondary education. Also, majority of the respondents are Muslims (71.0%) while 29.0 are Christian. Majority of the respondents (52.3%) had worked between 11-20 years while ≥21 are the least with 17.8%. The major challenges confronting Kainji Lake National Park as identified by the park staffs are insufficient fund and lack/shortage of manpower.The effects of these challenges on Wildlife management are reduction in management practices, makes work difficult and reduction in wildlife population. The measures taken in managing the identified challenges in the study area are provision of incentives/bonus to the staff, adequate funding, provision of modern equipment and facilities etc. The study therefore concludes that for effective conservation of biodiversity to be achieved in this premier national park of Nigeria, the identified challenges must be addressed.

Challenges Facing National Park Management: A Case Study of Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria

Generally, the problems associated with national park management in Nigeria include loss of wildlife habitats, poaching, overhunting, and illegal logging and grazing. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate the numerous challenges facing National Park Management in Nigeria using the Kainji Lake National Park as a case study using personal interview and administration of structural questionnaire to select one hundred and ninety four (194) respondents from the total population and data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of demographic characteristics of respondents sampled indicates that the male respondents were dominant (75.7%) and majority of the 51.4% of the sampled populations’ falls between age group 35-44 years. The finding further revealed that majority of the respondents was married (71.0%). 59.8% of the respondents had tertiary education while 40.2% had secondary education. Also, majority of the respondents are Muslims (71.0%) while 29.0 are Christian. Majority of the respondents (52.3%) had worked between 11-20 years while ≥21 are the least with 17.8%. The major challenges confronting Kainji Lake National Park as identified by the park staffs are insufficient fund and lack/shortage of manpower.The effects of these challenges on Wildlife management are reduction in management practices, makes work difficult and reduction in wildlife population. The measures taken in managing the identified challenges in the study area are provision of incentives/bonus to the staff, adequate funding, provision of modern equipment and facilities etc. The study therefore concludes that for effective conservation of biodiversity to be achieved in this premier national park of Nigeria, the identified challenges must be addressed.

Wood volume is overestimated in the Brazilian Amazon: Why not use generic volume prediction methods in tropical forest management?

The Amazon has a range of species with high potential for sustainable timber harvesting, but for them to be utilized globally, the merchantable wood volume must be accurately quantified. However, since the 1950s, inadequate methods for estimating merchantable timber volumes have been employed in the Amazon, and Brazilian Government agencies still require some of them. The natural variability of the Amazon Forest provides an abundance of species of different sizes and shapes, conferring several peculiarities, which makes it necessary to use up-to-date and precise methods for timber quantification in Amazon Forest management. Given the employment of insufficient estimation methods for wood volume, this study scrutinizes the disparities between the actual harvested merchantable wood volume and the volume estimated by the forest inventory during the harvesting phase across five distinct public forest areas operating under sustainable forest management concessions. We used mixed-effect models to evaluate the relationships between inventory and harvested volume for genera and forest regions. We performed an equivalence test to assess the similarity between the volumes obtained during the pre-and post-harvest phases. We calculated root mean square error and percentage bias for merchantable volume as accuracy metrics. There was a strong tendency for the 100% forest inventory to overestimate merchantable wood volume, regardless of genus and managed area. There was a significant discrepancy between the volumes inventoried and harvested in different regions intended for sustainable forest management, in which only 22% of the groups evaluated were equivalent. The methods currently practiced by forest companies for determining pre-harvest merchantable volume are inaccurate enough to support sustainable forest management in the Amazon. They may even facilitate the region's illegal timber extraction and organized crime.

Comparison of Technical and Operational Conditions of Traditional and Modern Charcoal Kilns: A Case Study in Italy

The global charcoal trade is steadily growing, with high-income countries importing significant quantities of this material from regions where its production is often associated with severe environmental issues, including forest overexploitation, illegal logging, and environmental pollution. Promoting local charcoal production in high-income countries is crucial to addressing these challenges. In this study, we have chosen to focus on the European context, specifically emphasizing Italy as a case study. Our study aimed to comprehensively compare five distinct charcoal production systems, including both traditional and modern solutions, with a specific focus on evaluating the quality of the resulting charcoal. Additionally, improvements were evaluated to enhance production efficiency. Traditional systems cannot satisfy production requests, resulting in inefficiencies in manpower, costs, times, and yield. Conversely, recent innovations consider mobile and stationary kiln prototypes. Mobile kilns offer flexibility and cost savings but require operator expertise, limit automation, and have long cycles. In contrast, stationary systems operate continuously, increasing productivity and efficiency, despite higher investment costs. Notably, charcoal quality showed minimal differences. These findings highlighted the potential of new technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce cost and environmental impact, and promote sustainable charcoal production.

Russian Invasion: Rapid Assessment of Impact on Ukraine’s Forests

The War has had serious effects on Ukraine’s forests, in the form of direct damage and fires caused by various munitions. Important damage, though, includes extensive minefields, dud ordnance, and booby traps which are causing forests to be closed to all activities. A study using remotely sensed data reveals that in 2022, more than 70,000 ha of the forests suffered severe destruction and damage due to shelling, fires, and illegal logging by occupying forces. Substantial efforts and innovative strategies are needed to address reforestation and restoration in the face of future climate change. In much of the steppe region and adjacent areas, forests and shelterbelts have been under stress already. The loss of shelterbelts in these regions can compromise future harvests due to rising droughts, sandstorms, soil erosion, and other environmental challenges Important damage, though, is not visible in drone images: extensive minefields, dud ordnance, and booby traps are causing forests to be closed to all activities. Simply completing damage assessments and developing plans for addressing these issues will be an enormous task, involving all agencies, private groups, and local governments concerned with forests, and with international support. Difficult decisions on priorities will be required. Planning is underway on an international basis for programs of demining, bolstering fire management systems, and initiating restoration programs. An overstressed forest fire control system will need to be redesigned to handle future challenges. Shelterbelts will in many instances recover naturally on their own as it will be too hazardous for active restoration measures until demining is done, a task that will take decades. Full restoration of normal, safe activity in the rural areas and forests will only be achieved generations in the future. This paper presents a rapid assessment of the immediate issues and important longterm concerns.

Humorous Approaches to Environmental Issues

This article highlights the civic role of humour as revealed by the analysis of two Romanian online satirical publications (Times New Roman and Cațavencii). The analysis will emphasise different humorous strategies and the crisis narratives deployed by the journalists, in accordance with the profile of the publication. While a ludic frame is preferred for the Times New Roman authors, the authors from Cațavencii use aggressive humour or articles with humorous insertion in order to make accusations against public or private power structures. Satirical publications are not only meant to entertain the public, but also to raise awareness to critical issues such as the environmental aspects (for example, climate change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, etc.). The analysis will also tackle the appraisal of humorous articles by the public and the risk entailed by the lens of humour on the public’s perception of the topic: illegal logging in Romania.