Reduced-impact Logging Research Articles

Individual tree mortality: Risks of climate change in the eastern Brazilian Amazon region

The mortality of trees in humid tropical forests plays a fundamental role in understanding forest development, particularly after disturbances such as those caused by logging and extreme weather events. The aim of this study was to evaluate estimates of individual tree mortality following Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon at biennial intervals from 2005 to 2012. RIL is based on operations planning, personnel training, and investments in forest management, and harvesting through RIL must: (a) minimize environmental damage, (b) diminish operation cost by increasing work efficiency, and (c) reduce operational waste. A mortality model was constructed based on the estimation of three distance-independent competition-indices (DII) and five models for predicting the probability of individual tree mortality. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test was used to determine the most representative model, from which a Neural Network Autoregressive (NNAR) model was constructed to forecast mortality after RIL. Mortality data was correlated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and climate (Rainfall, Maximum, Minimum, and Average air temperature). The tested models showed similar and accurate estimates with R2 exceeding 0.90, although underestimation and overestimation trends were observed. The NNAR satisfactorily represented species mortality over the simulated years. The period from 2012 to 2014 was characterized by a Neutral and Weak El Niño event, and exhibited the highest mortality value for a 25 cm DBH (diameter at breast height), the smallest DBH class measured in this study. In the correlation matrix analysis, maximum air temperature showed the highest positive correlation with trees mortality. Despite the challenges in estimating individual tree mortality in tropical forests after selective logging, accurate estimates were achieved using traditional regression techniques and NNAR. These results can support technical and silvicultural decisions regarding forest management in the Eastern Amazon region of Brazil.

Forest biomass recovery twenty-four years after conventional and reduced-impact logging in Eastern Amazon

Forest biomass recovery twenty-four years after conventional and reduced-impact logging in Eastern Amazon

High freshwater turtle occupancy of streams within a sustainably managed tropical forest in Borneo

AbstractDespite suffering dramatic declines due to habitat loss and overexploitation, tortoises and freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia remain understudied. Sustainable forest management offers a promising approach for advancing the conservation of threatened turtle populations. This study examines the effect of reduced impact logging (RIL), a sustainable forestry method, on 2 freshwater turtle species. We examined detectability patterns and habitat relationships for the threatened Malayan flat‐shelled turtle (Notochelys platynota) and the non‐threatened Malayan soft‐shelled turtle (Dogania subplana) in 8 streams within a commercial forest reserve between March and July 2019, in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Using single‐species occupancy models, we identified covariates associated with the detection and occupancy probabilities of these species across a post‐harvest recovery gradient (1–21 years since logging). Covariates used in the models were obtained directly from the field or from open‐source remote sensing data. Results for soft‐shelled turtles were inconclusive. In contrast, we found a negative association between monthly rainfall and flat‐shelled turtle detectability. The occupancy probability of flat‐shelled turtles was positively associated with greater distance from logging roads and higher stream flow accumulation. Occupancy probability for flat‐shelled turtles and soft‐shelled turtles was relatively high throughout the reserve (0.79 ± 0.1 [SD] and 0.57 ± 0.22, respectively). These results, suggest that appropriately managed forests, could serve as invaluable conservation areas for imperiled freshwater turtle species in the region.

Role of Forest Conservation in Climate Regulation in Thailand

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyzing the role of forest conservation in climate regulation in Thailand. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Forest conservation in Thailand plays a vital role in climate regulation through biodiversity preservation, carbon sequestration, and maintenance of ecological balance. It acts as a carbon sink, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to regional climate stability by influencing local weather patterns. Conservation efforts also protect watersheds, ensuring sustainable freshwater resources. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Biogeochemical cycles theory, ecosystem services theory & forest resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on role of forest conservation in climate regulation in Thailand. Implementing sustainable practices such as reduced-impact logging, reforestation, and agroforestry promotes forest health and resilience. Strengthening international agreements like the Paris Agreement and regional forest governance frameworks supports global forest conservation efforts.

Indicators for monitoring reduced impact logging in the Brazilian amazon derived from airborne laser scanning technology

Monitoring reduced impact logging (RIL) activities in sustainably managed forest areas in the Amazon is a costly and complex, yet crucial endeavor. One viable monitoring option is the use of airborne laser scanning (LiDAR), which enables estimating forest structure parameters over large areas in a reduced timeframe with high accuracy. In this study, we propose and assess the applicability of five monitoring indicators for RIL based on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data acquisition in areas under forest concession. Five Annual Production Units (APUs) were investigated within the Forest Management Unit (FMU) III of the Jamari National Forest, located in the Southwest of the Brazilian Amazon. These sites were surveyed by LiDAR in 2014 and 2015 (one year after the exploration). Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), Surface Models (DSMs), and Canopy Height Models (CHMs) were generated for each APU. The proposed indicators were: i. Detection and identification of crown removal in dominant and co-dominant trees above 30 m; ii. Gap detection in the forest canopy; iii. Impacts of Reduced Impact Logging on the Understory; iv. Changes in the vertical canopy profile; and v. Affected areas within Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) and restricted areas. There was a 3.95% reduction in the occurrence of taller canopies after RIL, and a higher occurrence of small gaps (λ > 1), with λ values (2.34) being higher in the area with the oldest logging history (APU 1). Gini coefficient values in all APUs were below 0.5, indicating a low intensity of disturbances in the forest canopy. The shape (γ) and scale (β) parameters of the understory and canopy were not significantly correlated with variables related to selective logging. Restricted areas were considered for the allocation of roads, trails, log landings, and places with slopes equal to or >15%, and the indices of areas affected by RIL in PPAs and restricted areas were <2%. The proposed indicators using LiDAR data show great potential for monitoring managed areas in the Amazon and can be utilized by concession companies and government oversight.

Growth dynamics of an Amazonian forest: Effects of reduced impact logging and recurring atypical climate events during a 20-year study

Although forest management with reduced impact logging (RIL) practices is regarded as a way to generate income from tropical forests without losing their overall conservation values, the behavior of forests following logging is a topic that has been little studied in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon (SWA), where the predominant forest type is open with low density of commercial timber species. This study examined the growth dynamics of a logged forest in the SWA through monitoring of permanent sample plots (PSP) over twenty years post logging. Following logging, the forest fully recovered its original tree density (439. ha−1) and aboveground biomass (AGB) stocks (188.4 Mg. ha−1) but did not recover extracted timber volume in the commercial size class (DBH > 50 cm, 28 m3. ha−1 before logging and 22.6 m3. ha−1 in 2022). Tree growth, recruitment and mortality rates presented a high fluctuation during the monitoring period, increasing immediately after logging (0.43 cm. yr.−1, 4.1 % and 4.7 % respectively), declining five years after, (0.25 cm. yr.−1, 0.7 % and 1.5 % respectively) and presenting a new peak sixteen years after logging (0.35 cm. yr.−1, 3.9 % and 7.4 % respectively) which persisted to the end of the study period. Consequently, forest turnover was very high, with stand half-life and doubling life of 29.6 and 27.2 years, respectively. The results show that in terms of forest dynamics and production, the behavior of logged forests was also affected by atypical climate events, such as recurring droughts across Amazonia. Consequently, in the forest type studied, and under the prescribed logging cycle of 25 years, RIL alone was not sufficient to guarantee the sustainability of long-term production of the main timber species harvested. Following the current growth trend (0.46 m3. ha−1. yr.−1 for trees above 10 cm DBH and 0.22 m3. ha−1. yr.−1 for trees above 50 cm DBH) the time to recover the total commercial volume and commercial volume for trees above 10 cm DBH and above 50 cm DBH would be 34 and 45 years respectively. Our findings suggest the need for adoption of silvicultural treatments to increase forest productivity in areas under RIL in SWA.

Guardians of the green: An essay on the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and its mitigation

The Philippines, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, grapples with the escalating crisis of climate change, evident in rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events. This essay explores the profound yet often overlooked impacts of climate change on the country's forest ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, societal, and economic consequences. Despite forests being perceived as a solution to climate change, they face disruption in composition, structure, and biogeography, endangering biodiversity and essential ecosystem services. Addressing this crisis demands a multifaceted approach. Scientifically grounded strategies, such as conservation, reforestation, and reduced-impact logging, are crucial for mitigating climate change’s impact on forests. The study underscores the pivotal role of technology, policy interventions, and sustainable practices, stressing the importance of a diverse strategy. Legal frameworks, like the National Integrated Protected Area System, need reassessment and strict enforcement. Human activities, identified as primary contributors to climate change, necessitate a shift toward sustainable practices, embracing eco-friendly technologies, and responsible consumption. Furthermore, the essay advocates for global cooperation, technology sharing, and financial support to combat climate change collectively. International collaboration is essential to set common goals, share resources, and address the global impacts of climate change. The urgency of this matter calls for immediate, concerted efforts at individual, national, and international levels to safeguard the Philippines' forests and mitigate broader climate change impacts. The responsibility to act is clear—it is a necessity for a sustainable planet.

Variable shifts in bird and bat assemblages as a result of reduced‐impact logging revealed after 10 years

Abstract Selective logging is the most widespread driver of land‐use change in biodiverse and carbon‐rich tropical forests. However, the effects of selective logging on biodiversity are less than those associated with other drivers of forest degradation. A suite of recent research has shown that reduced‐impact logging (RIL) results in few or no changes to biological assemblages. But because this logging technique is relatively new, most studies have only considered short‐term impacts. We address this research gap by quantifying changes in biodiversity assemblage as a result of RIL over the longer term. We comprehensively sampled bird and bat assemblages pre‐logged, 1 year after, and 10 years after RIL in Guyana, using a before‐after control‐impact (BACI) sampling design. We compared bird and bat assemblages in each timeframe, and additionally appraised the impact of time since logging, and the number of trees harvested across the suite of species which we further divided between different feeding guilds, disturbance sensitivity and vertical stratification of forest use. We found that 1 year after logging only minor changes could be detected, but 10 years later richness had slightly declined in some groups, while others had shown complete recovery. Nectivorous and insectivorous birds, and carnivorous bats declined in richness, while carnivorous birds, showed a clear recovery to a state akin to pre‐logging. This indicates that for some niches a subtle, but long‐term relaxation effect may be occurring, whereby extinction debts are realized long after the initial disturbance, while other groups have either recovered or not changed after logging. Assemblage changes were also predicted by vertical stratification of forest use, with avian species using the understorey and mid–upper levels of the forest being most affected. Synthesis and applications: Our study demonstrates how best practice forestry and logging can maintain healthy vertebrate populations over the long term. Forestry concessions that adopt techniques of low‐harvest RIL and are managed for their long‐term timber provision through extension of regeneration times beyond 10 years after harvest, are likely to benefit from the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity, while also making a valuable contribution to the global conservation estate.

LoggingLab: An R package to simulate reduced-impact selective logging in tropical forests using forest inventory data

Even where Reduced-Impact Logging (RIL) practices are applied, selective logging causes substantial damage to tropical forests. To further reduce selective logging damage, the practices that cause the most damage need to be identified and alternatives tested. To this end, we developed the R package LoggingLab, a spatially-explicit and individual tree-based selective logging simulator and demonstrated its functions using data from French Guiana. LoggingLab explicitly simulates damage during each stage of the selective logging process taking into account topography and hydrography, which are main constraints on logging. Most LoggingLab parameters can be easily adjusted to a wide range of local contexts. LoggingLab can also be coupled with forest dynamics models to simulate the long- term effects of different selective logging scenarios.

Recruitment models after reduced impact logging in the Amazon rainforest

Recruitment models in rainforests are important for studies on forest management sustainability and can guide the assessment of remaining stocks and timber harvesting. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate recruitment after Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) by using two categories of models: a distance-independent individual-tree model (ITM) and a matrix model of forest dynamics or transition matrix (TMM). Data from continuous inventories conducted in a Dense Ombrophilous Forest in Paragominas, Pará state, Brazil, were utilized. Two transects of 9 ha each were installed at an area with Reduced Impact Logging, the data was collected in 2005 (nine months after logging), then in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012. Considering a period of 8 years after RIL, the individual tree-based model and transition matrix give consistent predictions of the recruitment in the study area. However, we observed slight superiority by the ITM, which presented values closer to the real ones for the total number of trees per hectare.

KERUSAKAN TEGAKAN TINGGAL PADA TEKNIK REDUCED IMPACT LOGGING DI INDONESIA: TINJAUAN SISTEMATIS

Forest harvesting in the natural production forest management in Indonesia is mostly carried out using conventional logging techniques and causes serious damage to residual stands and soil resources. One of the efforts made to reduce this environmental damage is the application of reduced impact logging (RIL) techniques. This study aimed to collect and analyze research results related to the damage to residual stands caused by RIL in the natural production forest management in Indonesia. This study used a systematic review method. A systematic literature search was carried out at data sources such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, and SINTA, which were published between 1996-2021. All studies reported that applying RIL techniques can reduce the damage to the residual stands.

Rainfall partitioning in Amazon Forest: Implications of reduced impact logging for hydrological processes

Sustainability is related to the exploitation of a resource without depleting it. To reduce environmental damage, sustainable forest management practices through low-impact exploration have been encouraged. However, studies that provide information for understanding the rainfall partitioning are incipient. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Sustainable Forest Management on rainfall partitioning and the maintenance of forest hydrology processes in the Jamari National Forest - southwest Brazilian Amazon. We examined the throughfall, stemflow, net precipitation and interception loss variability over 13 months in both an unlogged and logged (1625 and 1450 ind ha−1, respectively) Amazon Forest. Despite the higher tree density in the unlogged forest, the dendrometric attributes did not show significant differences between stands. Results indicate that throughfall exceeded rainfall on 54% and 42% of months in unlogged and logged forest, respectively. In the unlogged forest, net precipitation indicated that more water than that from rainfall reached the forest floor (105.6% = 102% throughfall + 3.6% stemflow). The logged forest showed a lower amount of rainfall, with 91.0% reaching the soil floor by net precipitation (89.8% throughfall + 1.7% stemflow). Especially in the dry season, net precipitation was 175% higher in unlogged forest. The amount of stemflow highlighted that the unlogged forest has more stemflow than the forest subjected to reduced-logging practices, i.e., the logged forest lost 4261 L m−2 BA−1 y−1 by stemflow, which is a reduction of 65%. For both stands, the total basal area-scale stemflow yield was higher on D<30 trees. The results reinforce that we need a better understanding of the impact of sustainable forest management on the ecohydrology processes in the Amazon Forest, as well as their implications for rainfall partitioning, especially in the context of climate changes at the local scale.

Rainfall Partitioning in Amazon Forest: Implications of Reduced Impact Logging on Litter Water Conservation

This study aimed to investigate how sustainable forest management can affect litter hydrological properties. We investigated the net precipitation, litter mass, water-holding capacity, effective water-holding and retention capacity, maximum water retention and water content in unlogged and logged forests over 13 months in the Amazon Forest, where reduced-impact logging is allowed. The mean litter mass was similar for unlogged and logged forests. The litter water-holding capacity was 220% for unlogged and 224% for logged forests, and for fractions followed: unstructured &gt; leaves &gt; seeds &gt; branches for both forests. The effective water-holding capacity was 48.7% and 49.3% for unlogged and logged, respectively, and the effective water retention was 10.3 t·ha−1 for both forests. The effective water retention in the rainy and dry seasons accounted for 12.5 t ha−1 and 7.2 t ha−1 for unlogged and logged, respectively. The maximum water retention was slightly greater for logged forests (16.7 t ha−1) than unlogged (16.3 t ha−1). The litter water content had 40% less water in the dry season than in the rainy in both forests. In general, there were no significant differences in litter storage and hydrological properties between stands. This suggests that reduced-impact logging did not significantly affect the hydrological dynamics of the litter layer in the Amazonian forests studied.

Diametric Growth of a Forest under Reduced-Impact Logging in the Eastern Region of the Brazilian Amazon

Growth is a component of forest dynamics that encompasses changes in species composition, interactions between species, and stand structure. We evaluated the effect of the presence of lianas, crown shape, and light exposure on the periodic annual increment of trees (PAI) in two phytophysiognomies: the ombrophilous dense forest and the ombrophilous open forest with lianas. This study was conducted in the eastern Brazilian Amazon in 13 permanent monitoring plots of 50 m × 50 m (2500 m2) in the same annual production unit. The area has been subjected to reduced-impact logging from 2014 to 2016. The increment in tree diameter varied significantly between both forests (opens forests: 1.28 cm yr−1; dense forests: 0.82 cm yr−1). Light exposure influenced the increment in tree diameter in the ombrophilous open forest with lianas, while the crown shape and light exposure significantly affected the ombrophilous dense forest. Our study emphasizes the usefulness of the periodic annual increment in exploring the differences between contrasting phytophysiognomies in a single annual production unit in the Brazilian Amazon that is subject to reduced-impact logging.

Certified forest management and conservation of medium and large-sized mammals: biodiversity, trampling, browsing and seed removal in the Argentine Austral Yungas

Timber extraction is one of the most widespread human activities in forested environments, and subsequent environmental degradation and impacts on wildlife have been extensively studied. Reduced impact logging under certification standards could help reconcile forest production with biodiversity conservation. However, whether this is a convenient strategy for the conservation of the medium and large-sized mammal assemblage of the Argentine Austral Yungas remains unknown. Here, we compared species richness, diversity and composition, sign frequency and species identity of medium and large mammals considering body mass and trophic guilds, as well as three mammal-plant interactions (seedling trampling, plant browsing and fruit removal) between an area under logging certification and a similar unlogged area (control). Our results indicate that, 3–4 years after logging stopped, 16 of the 32 variables analyzed showed no changes between the logged area and the control (species composition, richness and 2 diversity indices, frequency of herbivores and omnivores, frequency of 7 species, browsing rate in the 2 lowest strata and trampling rate). In the logged area, we found a higher frequency of medium-sized mammals and 5 mammals species, a higher browsing rate in the upper stratum and a higher fruit removal rate. However, we also found a lower frequency of carnivores, large mammals, and of six mammal species. Although in our study we found certain species-specific differences, with a predominance of generalist species and certain reduced biological interactions in the logged compared to the unlogged area, we propose that forest intervention under responsible management may help to conserve a significant proportion of medium and large-sized mammal diversity of the Argentine Austral Yungas. Effective forest management, which balances the conservation of natural resources with sustainable use, is a crucial solution to preserving biodiversity. Both environmental and governmental organizations should prioritize and support this approach as a way to mitigate deforestation and promote responsible use of our forests.

Changes in floristic diversity and stand damage of tropical forests caused by logging operations in North Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Matangaran JR, Anissa IN, Adlan Q, Mujahid M. 2022. Changes in floristic diversity and stand damage of tropical forests caused by logging operations in North Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6358-6365. Selective cutting of natural forests in Indonesia has been going on for decades. As a consequence, such activities cause disturbances in vegetation cover indicated by changes in diversity and evenness, forest stands damage and mortality of juvenile trees. This research aimed to determine changes in diversity and evenness of vegetation before and after harvesting at seedling, saplings, poles and tree levels, stand damage and forest opening, the number of natural regeneration, and the relationship between felling intensity and forest opening. The research was conducted in a logging concession applying Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) in North Kalimantan by restricting timber cutting to only commercial trees with a diameter of more than 50 cm. The result found 38 tree species in the research plot with average logging intensity of 6.5 trees per hectare. Before and after harvesting, it was found that there were slight changes in diversity and evenness indices at seedling, sapling, pole and tree levels. The percentage of stand damage was 17.8%, and the percentage of forest opening was 19.76 %, which was comparably lower than logging practices in other areas. Nonetheless, we found a strong positive relationship between felling intensity and forest opening. The findings of this study provide another evidence that it is necessary to implement reduced impact logging to reduce damage to forest ecosystems due to selective cutting in the tropical region. It is important to limit the number of trees logged per hectare in order to reduce logging damage and forest opening, minimize impacts on tree species diversity and facilitate natural regeneration.

Emission factor for emission reduction estimation in reduced impact logging

Indonesia has a forest area of 125.92 million hectares and Production Forest has the largest area, which is approximately 55% of the total forest area of Indonesia. To ensure sustainability of forest management, the use of a logging system that provides minimal damage is highly desirable. Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) as one of the logging systems can minimize the impact of damage due to logging. It is important to provide the emission factor for emission reduction estimation in RIL to support achievement of Indonesian NDC target for net sinker in 2030. This research aims to estimate the emission factor of stands stock in forest concession areas that have applied conventional logging systems and RIL. The circular plot was used to conduct a vegetation survey in concessionaries areas in Central Kalimantan Province and the data collected were then analyzed further for carbon stock and emission factor for emission reduction. The results of the research in study sites showed that emission factor for emission reduction estimation in RIL compare to conventional logging (CL) amounted 30.03 tonC/ha and equivalent 110.2 tonCO2eq/ha or 55.71%. Thus, this value can be used as emission factor to estimate the emission reduction locally in RIL compare to the CL in Central Kalimantan.

The recovery of logged forests proves that a viable management is possible in the Venezuelan Guayana Shield

Aim of study: To compare the diversity and biomass of logged forests, with different ages after harvesting and the risk of their degradation to liana forests.&#x0D; Area of study: We studied 18 plots at the central zone of the Imataca Forest Reserve (Guayana shield), Venezuela.&#x0D; Material and methods: We used 1-ha plots, to measure individuals with dbh &gt; 10 cm in control plots (0 years) and in logged plots with 3, 9, 12, 15 and 18 years after logging. The main variables evaluated were enlarge importance index (EII), richness (R), Shannon-Weaner index (H´), Alpha Fischer (α), basal area for commercial species (BA_comm), above-ground carbon (C) and lianas abundance at the understory (Lianas_%Au).&#x0D; Main results: Diversity variables (R: 62-77 spp ha-1, p: 0.117-0.838; H´: 2.8-3.4, p: 0.181-0.677; α: 18.6-25.4, p: 0.293-0.922) and biomass (89.6-180.2 MgC ha-1, p: 0.171-0.895) did not have significant differences between control and most of the logged plots. Only the 18 years-old forests had statistically higher values of diversity (R: 81-94 spp ha-1, p: 0.000; H´: 3.8-3.9, p: 0.000; α: 26.8-31.7, p: 0.000), perhaps due to a high impact skidding operation. Commercial species were not recovering after logging.&#x0D; Research highlights: Forest management can be viable in this area, but it requires reduced impact logging techniques and better silvicultural systems to guarantee future harvest of high value commercial timber.

Potential losses of animal-dispersed trees due to selective logging in Amazonian forest concessions

Fruits and seeds are key food resources for most Amazonian mammals and birds. Selective logging is an increasingly dominant land use in the region that can deplete these resources over large areas. However, this potential impact remains poorly studied. Here we assess potential losses of animal-dispersed (endozoochorous and synzoochorous) trees resulting from reduced-impact logging in Amazonian forest concessions. We use data from forestry surveys conducted by concession companies that include the location, identity and fate (logged or not) of large (≥ 40 cm diameter at breast height) individual trees within concessions to quantify absolute and relative losses of animal-dispersed trees in the landscape. We found that most individual trees (66%) within concessions belong to animal-dispersed genera. However, despite their predominance these trees were significantly less targeted for logging than abiotically-dispersed trees so that their losses were much lower than expected based on overall harvest intensities. However, at least ten percent of all large animal-dispersed trees were lost from the entire landscape, with site-level (50-ha plots) losses sometimes exceeding one third of all animal-dispersed trees. Results suggest that the relatively low level of logging for animal-dispersed trees can still deplete frugivore resources in selectively logged forests.

Impact of Productive Activities on Forest Cover Change in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve Region: Evidence and Research Gaps

Background and Research Aims Human activities seeking to satisfy various needs have resulted in deforestation and other forest cover change processes. The Natural Protected Areas are among the most efficient instruments to contain forest loss. The compensation from conservation is not sufficient to compete with land uses with higher economic rent, such as timber extraction and food production. This study summarizes the evidence and identifies research gaps on forest processes caused by productive activities in Mexico’s Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Methods We systematically reviewed the scientific literature investigating forest processes caused by the productive activities in the Calakmul, including the transition zone. We calculated the frequencies of codes on forest processes and productive activities in the entire sample (53), evaluated each code’s significance in the qualitative synthesis and interpretation, and summarized the measurements of forest processes considering only the primary studies (46). Results Deforestation was the most commonly investigated process. Traditional agriculture initially caused deforestation, while livestock and conventional agriculture became more dominant recently with the agricultural intensification policies. Few articles investigated forest degradation experiencing a steady increase from fallow shortening and selective logging. Also, few studies identified forest recovery resulting from long fallows and core zone delimitation. No publications evaluated the forest cover impact of sustainable initiatives. Conclusion The tendency to quantify deforestation on a regional scale masks presence of other forest processes. The rural development programs in Calakmul did not include the environmental perspective, while participation in sustainable initiatives was low. The understanding of productive activities at the local level will allow differentiation of the long-term from temporary forest dynamic. Implications for Conservation To assure resilient and inclusive growth in Calakmul, the reduced-impact logging, sustainable agricultural intensification, improved fallows, and beekeeping should be supported with monetary resources that cover the transaction costs of unsustainable livestock breeding and industrial agriculture.