Forest Protection Research Articles

Dynamic patterns and drivers of carbon accrual under different forest restoration approaches.

Dynamic patterns and drivers of carbon accrual under different forest restoration approaches.

BIoindication characteristics of trees in solid protection forest strips depending on intensive agriculture

BIoindication characteristics of trees in solid protection forest strips depending on intensive agriculture

Impacts of China's natural forest protection project on habitat distribution of key protected birds in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Impacts of China's natural forest protection project on habitat distribution of key protected birds in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

THE LIMITS OF PROTECTION: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE CHALLENGES FACED BY FOREST RANGERS IN THE CORDILLERA REGION

A critical component of the success of forest protection activities in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in the Philippines is the strength and capacity of its forest rangers. Despite the region’s vast forestland cover, forest rangers face numerous challenges that hinder the effectiveness of environmental protection efforts. This study reviews existing literature that explores the difficulties encountered by rangers in the field, including inadequate resources, overburdened responsibilities, and the physical and mental demands of working in remote areas. These challenges contribute to delayed responses to violations, difficulties in enforcing environmental laws, and weak support structures for rangers. Findings reveal that while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – CAR continues to implement contextualized forest protection strategies, these field-level obstacles remain a critical barrier to their full implementation. By examining these issues within the global, national and regional context, the study draws attention to gaps that hinder the development of a more effective forest protection workforce. The findings emphasize the need for a more strategic approach to human resource development, including improved welfare support, and institutional reforms. Ultimately, this literature-based inquiry aims to inform planners and guide future researchers in developing a more well-supported forest protection framework for the region.

Understanding local connectivity and complexity in the skeleton of deforestation

Current spatial analyses of deforestation predominantly focus on quantification, often overlooking the geometric and topological configurations that are essential for formulating spatially concrete remedial actions. Skeletons and local connected fractal dimension (LCFD) are established techniques that have been used to summarise geometric features and capture connectivity patterns. The present study analysed deforested areas in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve at three time points from 1990 to 2018. The skeleton captured 62%, 44%, and 40% of the original deforested patches, respectively, and the complexity of connectivity patterns increased over time. A spatially explicit characterisation of the deforested patches was conducted by combining the LCFD and topological descriptors, which enabled the definition of five prioritisation levels for informed decision-making. In addition, we observed an increase in the complexity of pixel neighbourhood relationships over time. In conclusion, the spatial characterisation of the deforestation skeleton serves to further understand the dynamics of deforestation expansion from the local to the regional scale by highlighting complex connections that are significant for forest protection and mitigation efforts.

Understanding Local Peoples’ Deforestation Decisions in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia

Indonesia’s forests are amongst the world’s most biodiverse; they provide critical climate benefits and support human well-being. Yet Indonesia has one of the highest rates of forest loss globally. Much of Sumatra’s remaining tropical forest only exists within protected areas, which are increasingly threatened by small-scale land clearance. Using a case study from Gunung Leuser National Park, we combine factorial survey experiments with semi-structured interviews to examine the effect of four factors on peoples’ decisions to clear protected forest. We found water availability had the strongest effect on clearance; when water was scarce, intention to clear declined. Access to land titles, needing to meet basic needs, and the behavior of others positively influenced intention to clear protected forest. Importantly, how people view land ownership has changed, with an increased desire to obtain official titles to provide land security. We provide useful insights for conservation policy, practice, and protected area authorities.

Effect of Pyrethroids on the Colony Growth and Metabolic Activity of Entomopathogenic Fungi of the Beauveria Genus.

Pyrethroids are chemical insecticides used on a large scale in agriculture, horticulture, and forest protection. In order to reduce their use in IPM, alternative methods of controlling insect pests are introduced, such as the use of biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Species of the Beauveria genus are characterized by a very broad spectrum of action, which is why they are often used to produce preparations based on EPF. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different doses of tested pyrethroids on the colony growth and metabolic activity of EPF from the Beauveria genus. In vitro, the effect of three pyrethroids (deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, and α-cypermethrin) added to SDA medium at a dose 10 times lower than the recommended field dose (A), the recommended field dose (B), and 10 times higher than the recommended field dose (C) on colony growth and metabolic activity of B. bassiana and B. brongniartii was tested. The research carried out showed that pyrethroid insecticides used in the experiment showed various toxic effects towards the tested EPF of the genus Beauveria. The studies conducted showed that on the 20th day of the observation, λ-cyhalothrin used in the recommended field dose limited the growth of B. bassiana to the least extent in relation to the other tested pyrethroids. However, with respect to the fungus B. brongniartii, no toxic effect of this pyrethroid was found. Based on the results obtained, it was found that λ-cyhalothrin used in the recommended field dose and 10 times lower than recommended significantly increased the metabolic activity of B. bassiana. In relation to the B. brongniartii strain, detlamethrin used in each of the tested concentrations significantly affected its viability.

Social forestry for a good life? The uneven well‐being benefits of Indonesia's social forestry scheme

Abstract The Indonesian government has scaled up its devolution of forest management to local communities in the form of social forestry, with the aim of improving forest management while delivering nature‐based well‐being (including livelihood) benefits for local communities. We investigate the varied well‐being impacts of social forestry management rights—an expression of human–nature relationships—and how these are distributed among different social groups in Indonesia. In a study conducted in four different village locations with social forestry management right permits in Indonesia, we employed a mixed methods approach comprising interviews (semi‐structured and life story) (n = 80), focus group discussions (in‐person and online) (n = 44) and a survey of 100 households in each site (n = 400). We identified local conceptualizations of, and priorities for, well‐being. Our findings indicate that access to land and livelihood capitals that support productive and diverse livelihoods is central to well‐being. Good social relations are crucial for securing and utilising land to sustain a livelihood, and in turn, to achieve a good life. Material and social elements underpin other interconnected well‐being dimensions, including being able to perform religious pilgrimages, contribute to cultural and spiritual practices and provide security for one's children's future. Further, we found that social forestry secured land access, improved access to agricultural inputs and information, and diversified livelihoods of those who knew they were involved in social forestry—aligning particularly with material well‐being priorities valued locally. However, disparities in access to information meant that most villagers (67%) in areas granted social forestry permits knew little about the scheme. Active social forestry participants were from more well‐off households, while many less privileged people faced exclusions to participation and benefits. Unclear institutional processes, exclusionary enrolment practices and limited access to information hindered social forestry's potential to contribute to well‐being more broadly, risking increasing social inequalities locally. Policy implications: Our findings suggest the need for measures to ensure well‐being benefits from social forestry are distributed equitably. This is essential to avoid exacerbating social inequalities and to foster greater support for forest protection. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Ecological programs changed the forest landscape pattern in the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2020

ContextThe Yellow River Basin (YRB) is a key ecological barrier in China. The Natural Forest Protection Program (NFPP) and Grain for Green Program (GGP) are ecological restoration programs implemented in response to the deterioration of China’s ecological environment. It is essential to understand how the NFPP and GGP protect forest resources to appreciate how they support the restoration of the forest ecosystem in the YRB.ObjectivesEvaluating the effects of the two ecological programs on forest resources provides a solid scientific basis for maintaining the forest ecosystem’s stability in the YRB.MethodsBased on the 30 m resolution land cover products in 2000, 2010, and 2020, this study analyzed the dynamic changes of landscape patterns in the YRB from 2000 to 2020 through GuidosToolbox spatial analysis software.ResultsIn the past 20 years, the area of cropland in the YRB decreased by 4.13%, while the area of forest and grassland increased by 1.34% and 0.56%, respectively. The core area, which is important for maintaining the stability of the forest ecosystem, increased by 0.55%. The area with low fragmentation increased by 0.91%. In the natural forest, the core area increased by 1.20%. In the range of the GGP, 28.20% of cropland area was transferred out, of which over 80% was converted to forest and grassland.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrated an improvement in forest area and quality of the YRB between 2000 and 2020. The NFPP and GGP have greatly aided in the restoration of the forest ecosystem, which will support the ecosystem’s high-quality development in the YRB.

Особенности формирования лесной подстилки в условиях старовозрастной лесной полосы каменно-степного опытного лесничества

The integral indicator of long-term effects of forest-forming species on soil is the stock of forest litter. In protective forest shelterbelts, the reserves of litter are estimated at 30 658.54 thousand tons, including in the forest-steppe natural zone – 11 306.76 thousand tons. The aim of this work - to characterize the features of forming forest litter in old-age forest shelterbelt. The object of study is the main forest protection belt № 43. Author of the planting of Morozov G.F., year of planting -1899. The forest belt is a mixed plantation, with the first storey of which takes up the Quercus robur L., and Acer platanoides L. of the leftmost generation and the Ulmus pumila L. form predominantly the second storey. The forest litter of the studied biozone of the forest belt is a full-profile one and consists of three subhorizons. In the forest edge zones, the construction of the plant litter is simplified and includes a humid subsounder only in a fragmentary way. The average capacity of forest litter in the protective forest belt was 6±0.5 cm, in the central part this value can reach 11 cm, with a significant variability (V = 15-41%). The litter of the forest belt is a significant amount of ash. The ash content was 21.35%. The distribution of total carbon and nitrogen is characterized by a clear peak in the forest litter, with further decline in the top mineral deposits and decrease in depth. The C/N ratio is 21, indicating a slow-decomposing forest litter. Total carbon reserves under the forest logging industry are 165 t/ha in 0-30 cm and 272 t/ha in 0-60 cm. The litter contains about 6% of total carbon stocks in a 0-60 cm layer. The data obtained by the authors can be used in biogeochemical monitoring of carbon cycle in anthropogenic ecosystems of Voronezh region.

Population Urbanization and Urban Water Security in China: Challenges for Sustainable Development Under SDGs Framework

ABSTRACTChina's rapid population urbanization over recent decades has posed significant challenges to sustainable urban development, particularly in ensuring water resource security. Within the sustainable development goals (SDGs) framework, this study explores the multidimensional mechanisms underlying population urbanization and water resource security by integrating spatial and econometric analyses. Spatial kernel density estimation and obstacle degree model were employed to assess the dynamic trends of population urbanization and water resource security across China. Subsequently, econometric analyses using random effects models, difference‐in‐differences models, and spatial durbin models were conducted to evaluate causal relationships and spatial dependencies. Empirical results demonstrate that China's population urbanization enhances water resource security largely due to the agglomeration effect of population density and improved water infrastructure development. However, regional economic growth often occurs at the expense of environmental quality, highlighting the critical need for strengthened protection of wetlands and forests and enhanced regulation of industrial wastewater discharge. Further analysis confirms that: (1) the impact of population urbanization on water resource security remains consistent with the benchmark regression results in both short‐term and long‐term effects; (2) population density and years of education positively moderate the relationship between population urbanization and water resource security; (3) spatial heterogeneity is evident, showing negative externalities from population urbanization in eastern and central provinces on neighboring regions' water resource security, whereas population urbanization in western provinces significantly improved local water resource security without significant externalities. Based on these insights, this study proposes targeted management strategies to mitigate negative spillovers, enhance regional cooperation, and integrate water resource governance into sustainable urban planning.

Evaluating the Environmental Impact of Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System of Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Forest Management

In response to increasing environmental threats, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has implemented the LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection System to enhance forest law enforcement in the Philippines. This study assessed the level of implementation and environmental impact of the LAWIN Patrol System in Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), focusing on forest conservation and biodiversity outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, the study surveyed 79 stakeholders, including forest rangers, data managers, and community leaders. Results revealed a very high level of implementation, with Patrol Planning and Implementation rated the highest. Forest cover increased overall from 2015 to 2023, with Sarangani showing the largest gain. However, South Cotabato recorded a net forest loss. Trends in threatened species varied significantly, highlighting inconsistent biodiversity outcomes. ANOVA indicated no significant difference in implementation by role, but differences emerged by conservation area type. Regression analysis showed LAWIN components explained 31.5% of the variance in forest cover change, with Data Management as the only significant predictor (p = .0268). In contrast, no significant relationship was found between LAWIN implementation and the number of threatened species, suggesting external factors influence biodiversity protection. The findings underscore the effectiveness of data-driven monitoring in reducing deforestation but reveal limitations in biodiversity conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for stronger integration of ecological, technological, and socio-political dimensions in forest management strategies.

Does Planting Trees Really Fight Climate Change? A Research Paper Exploring the Role of Reforestation in Combating Global Warming

Abstract Tree planting has emerged as a widely promoted strategy for mitigating climate change, often portrayed as a natural solution for capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide. This research paper critically examines the extent to which afforestation and reforestation efforts contribute to combating climate change. Drawing on recent scientific findings, global carbon sequestration data, and satellite monitoring advancements, the study explores both the potential benefits and limitations of tree planting as a climate mitigation tool. While trees do absorb and store significant amounts of CO₂, the overall impact varies greatly depending on species selection, geographic location, biodiversity considerations, and the longevity of carbon storage. Moreover, the paper highlights ecological risks such as soil carbon loss, biodiversity disruption, and albedo changes that may counteract climate gains if tree planting is poorly planned. The research concludes that while planting trees can play a valuable role in climate action, it must be integrated with broader strategies including emissions reduction, forest protection, and ecosystem restoration to be truly effective. Strategic, science-based implementation is essential to ensure that reforestation efforts deliver genuine and lasting climate benefits. Keywords : Afforestation,Carbon Sequestration,Climate Change Mitigation,Reforestation

Верификация данных дистанционного зондирования Земли с целью определения надземной фитомассы насаждений в Воронежской области

The development of Earth remote sensing methods, neural network technologies, creation of machine learning models, etc. will allow developing new algorithms, indicators and criteria that will significantly increase the efficiency of forest monitoring and help reduce financial costs. The basis for the work was the verification of ultra-high- and high-resolution satellite imagery data based on in-situ survey materials conducted on permanent test plots in the Voronezh region. The generated elements of training samples using a neural network classifier allow for automated, highly accu-rate determination of forest stand taxation indicators based on remote sensing data. When verifying the amount of aboveground phytomass calculated based on remote sensing data and in-situ survey materials, significant similarity of the presented results was revealed. In 67% of cases, the average phytomass values determined by different methods did not differ significantly from each other (at a significance level of p<0.05). Reliable differences were found in decid-uous stands with high horizontal canopy density, the presence of a second tier and abundant understory vegetation. As a result of the work, a theoretical basis was laid for further research in conducting remote monitoring in the field of for-est conservation, protection and reproduction. The material of the work is useful in building multidisciplinary practical work in the areas of restoration of biological diversity of phytocenoses, as well as ensuring the integrity and ecological stability of forests, under modern trends in carbon cycles and climate changes.

A lightweight Deeplab V3+ network integrating deep transitive transfer learning and attention mechanism for burned area identification

Complete and accurate burned area map data are needed to document spatial and temporal patterns of fires, to quantify their drivers, and to assess the impacts on human and natural systems. To achieve the the purpose of identifying burned area accurately and efficiency from remote sensing images, a lightweight deep learning model is proposed based on Deeplab V3 + , which employs the combination of attention mechanism and deep transitive transfer learning (DTTL) strategy. The lightweight MobileNet V2 network integrated with Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) is designed as the backbone network to replace the traditional time-consuming Xception of Deeplab V3 +. The attention mechanism is introduced to enhance the recognition ability of the proposed deep learning model, and the deep transitive transfer learning strategy is adopted to solve the problem of incorrect identification of the burned area and discontinuous edge details caused by insufficient sample size during the extraction process. For the process of DTTL, the improved Deeplab V3 + network was first pre-trained on ImageNet. Sequentially, WorldView-2 and the Sentinel-2 dataset were employed to train the proposed network based on the ImageNet pre-trained weights. Experiments were conducted to extract burned area from remote sensing images based on the trained model, and the results show that the proposed methodology can improve extraction accuracy with OA of 92.97% and Kappa of 0.819, which is higher than the comparative methods, and it can reduce the training time at the same time. We applied this methodology to identify the burned area in Western Attica region of Greece, and a satisfactory result was achieved with. OA of 93.58% and Kappa of 0.8265. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the improved Deeplab V3 +in identifying forest burned area. which can provide valuable information for forest protection and monitoring.

Research on Protective Forest Change Detection in Aral City Based on Deep Learning

Protective forests play a crucial role in ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where they provide irreplaceable ecological functions such as windbreaks, sand fixation, soil and water conservation, and climate regulation. This study selects Aral City in Xinjiang as the research area and proposes a method that integrates high-resolution remote sensing data (GF-2) with a Spatiotemporal Attention Neural Network (STANet) model to improve the accuracy of protective forest change detection. The study utilizes GF-2 remote sensing imagery and employs a spatiotemporal attention mechanism to incorporate spatial and temporal information, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods in processing long-term time-series remote sensing data. The results demonstrate that the combination of GF-2 imagery and the STANet model effectively detects protective forest changes in Aral City, achieving an F1-score of 83.64% and an accuracy of 78.52%, indicating significant detection capability. Spatial analysis based on the change detection results reveals notable changes in the protective forest area within the study region, with a decline in vegetation coverage in certain areas. This study suggests that the STANet method has strong application potential in protective forest change detection in arid regions, providing precise spatiotemporal change information for protective forest restoration and management. The findings offer a scientific basis for ecological restoration and sustainable development in Aral City, Xinjiang, and are of great significance for improving protective forest management and land use decision-making.

The Role of Instagram Social Media on the @tahuradjuanda.official account (Descriptive Study of Tourism Promotion & Environmental Preservation in the Ir.H. Grand Forest Park Area)

In everyday life, the presence of technology is inseparable. The development of technology for now has a huge impact. Social media is one of the technological developments that has a role to provide convenience for humans to communicate. Social media is one of the best ways to promote a tourist spot, one of the social media that many people have recently loved is Instagram. Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with millions of users actively sharing photos and videos. One of the tourist attractions in Bandung is the Ir. H. Djuanda Grand Forest Park. Through Instagram, the management of the Botanical Forest Park can introduce various natural attractions, such as protected forests, trekking trails, and diversity of flora and fauna by utilizing existing features on Instagram, such as stories, reels, and hashtags, managers and users can jointly build a positive image of the Ir. H. Djuanda Botanical Forest Park area as an environmentally friendly tourist destination. Through this approach, it is hoped that public awareness of the importance of maintaining the natural beauty and ecosystems in the area will increase, supporting sustainable conservation efforts

Large-scale interviews and plot-based data reveal declining yields of the prized matsutake mushrooms in the major producing areas of China.

Large-scale interviews and plot-based data reveal declining yields of the prized matsutake mushrooms in the major producing areas of China.

Transformation in the Forest Ecosystem of Northeastern China Driven by Human Factors Over the Past 1600 Years

AbstractHuman‐driven degradation of forest ecosystems has profoundly altered land cover, disrupted ecosystem functions, and contributed to climate variability. Understanding long‐term changes in forest composition and resilience is crucial for developing effective, evidence‐based restoration strategies. This study presents a 1,600‐year paleoecological reconstruction of forest dynamics in northeastern China, based on sedimentary pollen records from Sihailongwan Maar Lake. The findings reveal that from 480 to 1930 CE, natural factors primarily governed forest dynamics, allowing for a stable adaptation of mixed coniferous and broadleaved species to climate fluctuations. However, since 1930 CE, human activities have become the dominant force, leading to significant shifts in forest structure, reduced coniferous populations, and a substantial decline in ecological resilience. This study provides an ecological baseline based on naturally driven forest dynamics, offering essential guidance for restoring a resilient mixed coniferous‐broadleaved forest structure. Furthermore, these recommendations emphasize the importance of strengthening forest protection, limiting logging, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts. However, as global warming continues to accelerate, the ecological baseline derived from historical dynamics may become less applicable. This necessitates the establishment of new baselines that take future ecological changes into account.

Formulation and Implications of the Job Creation Law on Legal Protection in Indonesia's Forestry Sector

The forestry sector is significantly impacted by the Job Creation Law, which alters the legal framework governing the sector. This paper explores the formulation of forestry policies under the Job Creation Law and examines its implications for forest protection in Indonesia. A normative juridical research method is employed, focusing on the analysis of relevant theories, doctrines, and statutory regulations. Key changes in forestry sector regulations include the confirmation of forest areas, determination of forest area size, modifications to the designation and function of forest areas, the utilization of production and protected forests, business permits, non-tax state revenues (PNBP), use of forest areas outside forestry activities, and the roles of central and regional governments in forest protection. Additionally, the law revises prohibitions on activities leading to forest destruction and adjusts sanctions and procedural laws concerning forest-related criminal cases. These changes raise concerns regarding the potential for increased forest area conversion, reduced community involvement in forest management, and weakened sanctions, particularly the removal of absolute liability, which may undermine effective forest protection.