Reduction In Forest Area Research Articles

The Bionomic Equilibrium Model for Balancing Forest Conservation and Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract: The objective of this study is to balance forest conservation with economic growth while accounting for the rate of deforestation. The methodology employed in this research utilizes a mathematical modeling approach, specifically adopting the logistic model to represent forest growth rates. In addition, numerical analysis is applied to illustrate the impact of economic activities on forest areas. The data used in the study consist of deforestation rates in Indonesia from 2000 to 2021. The findings indicate that the rate of economic activity in forested areas is directly proportional to the reduction in forest area. If the rate of deforestation due to economic activity approaches the forest growth rate, the likelihood of forest area reduction increases, and forest depletion will occur if the two rates become equal. To resolve the dilemma between forest conservation and economic growth, this study proposes a solution consisting of three key steps: (1) establishing a minimum forest area that is strictly protected from economic exploitation; (2) setting the ratio between forest growth rates and economic activity rates as a primary foundation for ensuring sustainable forest conservation and economic development; and (3) calculating environmental costs, such as reforestation, based on the proportional relationship between deforestation rates and forest growth rates. Keywords: Deforestation, Environmental Cost, Economy, Forest, Growth Rate

Impacts of land use/land cover and climate change on landscape sensitivity in Tunca River sub-basin: Use in spatial planning and sectoral decision processes

Managing landscape change is increasingly challenging due to rapid anthropogenic shifts. A delicate balance must be struck between the environment and change to ensure landscapes can withstand these impacts. This study conducted in the Tunca River sub-basin of Edirne province, aims to assess landscape sensitivity by examining the influence of land use/land cover (LULC) and climate change on landscape function processes. For this purpose, a methodology was developed based on ecosystem services to determine landscape sensitivity. The results revealed a LULC transformation that could lead to a 60% reduction in forest areas and a 5% and 20% increase in urban and irrigated agricultural areas, respectively. Water and erosion emerged as the most affected landscape function processes. Future scenarios from 2050 to 2070 indicate noteworthy changes in landscape sensitivity, showing an increase in sensitivity in the upper regions of the basin. The study identified high sensitivity in forested areas, moderate sensitivity in agricultural zones, and low sensitivity in micro-basins near residential areas. Protection and improvement strategies are recommended for areas with high and moderate sensitivity, while use-oriented strategies are suggested for those with low sensitivity. This study also establishes a scientific foundation for guiding the protection and management of ecologically sensitive basin areas, offering insights into the effects of landscape change processes at the micro-basin level in connection with climate change models.

CORPORATE CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE OF FOREST AND LAND FIRE CAUSES

During the globalization era, forest exploitation has become more frequent, one of them is burning land as a cause of rapid reduction in forest area. Forest and land fires caused by human activities can be categorized as legal acts, i.e. those occurrences or events that can trigger legal consequences. Therefore, forest and land burning is not included in ordinary criminal offenses. This research aims to analyze the arrangements for criminal liability for criminal negligence that causes forest and land fires (Ius Constitutum) and to analyze the considerations of the judges for negligence for causing forest and land fires in Decision Number 71/Pid B/LH/2021/PN Snt. The method used is a normative method with a statutory approach, legal concepts and theories. The result of this research is that criminal liability for the causes of forest and land fires can be identified from several legislations that have been established and are applicable at this time, both those committed intentionally and due to negligence, and both those committed by individuals and those committed by corporations. The Judges’ consideration in Decision Number: 71/Pid B/LH/2021/PN Snt, imposed a fine and additional punishment on the defendant that is PT Mega Anugrah Sawit. The judge only recognized the defendant’s guilt due to negligence, while from the facts of the trial there was an element of intent.

ASSESSING ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURE ON LAND USE AND LAND COVER IN THE MAFERE SUB-PREFECTURE IN SOUTH-EAST COTE DIVOIRE

Several hectares of forest disappear every year in Cote dIvoire, particularly in the Aboisso Department. Despite the fight to preserve biodiversity and forest cover, numerous pressures (anthropogenic pressures) continue to be exerted on the forests, leading to their destruction and even increased deforestation. This deforestation has many consequences, including reduced biodiversity and climate change. This study was initiated to gain a better understanding of this reduction in forest area. The aim of the study is to assess the level of forest degradation in the Mafere sub-prefecture. The activities involve mapping and analyzing the dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC). To achieve these objectives, the study is based on satellite images (Landsat 5, 7 and 8) from 1986, 2000 and 2020. The results of LULC dynamics show, on the one hand, a decline in closed forest/swamp forest (96.29%), degraded forest (76.75%), crop/fallow (67.03%) and annual crops (38.35%) and, on the other hand, an increase in cocoa (675.25%), oil palm (193.13%), rubber (14.39%) and housing/bare land (101.26%). The extension of agricultural areas in search of resources (natural and financial), demographic pressures, still traditional cultivation techniques and climate change are the main factors causing the degradation of forests in the Mafere sub-prefecture.

Land Use Changes and Agricultural Developments in the Tocantins-Araguaia Basin: 1985 to 2022

Objective: To evaluate land use changes and investigate agricultural expansion in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin from 1985 to 2022. Theoretical framework: The Tocantins-Araguaia basin has undergone significant changes in land use and occupation, mainly due to the rapid expansion of agriculture and livestock. This expansion, driven by factors such as the growing demand for food and agricultural commodities, has generated socio-environmental impacts and increased discussion about sustainable use practices in the basin. Methods: Images from the MapBiomas Project were used to generate land use maps and statistical analyses. Results and discussion: The results indicate changes in land use and cover in the basin over the analyzed period. There was a reduction in forest areas, most of which were converted into agricultural areas, which showed significant growth. Analysis of the evolution of agricultural production in the basin revealed an increase in the area allocated to agriculture, mainly for crops such as soybeans, sugar cane and other temporary crops. Research implications: Patterns of change in land use highlight the pressing need to adopt sustainable agricultural development strategies that reconcile food production with the conservation of natural ecosystems and the well-being of family farmers and local communities. Originality/Value: It is important to understand the trends and effects of changes in land use in the basin to guide sustainable natural resource management policies and minimize potential negative effects of these changes on the environment and local communities.

Identification of Land Cover Changes and its Impact on Biodiversity in Kalimantan Island

The land cover change that happens on Kalimantan Island has the biggest contribution to forest area reduction. High population density, clean water crisis, and land carrying capacity degradation in Java Island are among the reasons for the Indonesian National Capital City relocation from DKI Jakarta to East Kalimantan. New capital city development is inseparable from land acquisition activities which can escalate land conversion. The land cover change that is already occurring, coupled with the National Capital City (IKN) development plan, are threats to biodiversity in Kalimantan. To minimize the negative impacts, it is necessary to plan for flora and fauna conservation programs in Kalimantan. This study aims to identify land cover change patterns on biodiversity on Kalimantan and analyze suitable areas for conservation sites based on ecosystem services index, topography, and accessibility. In this study, biodiversity is represented by the ecosystem services index, while the land cover change pattern on biodiversity is represented by changes in the ecosystem services index for biodiversity. Analysis of suitable areas for conservation is determined based on several criteria, (1) very high and high class of ecosystem service indexes, (2) located at more than 9 km from arterial and collector roads, and (3) considering the adjacent grid area. The ecosystem services index in high, and moderate classes has decreased since 1990 – 2020, and land cover changes that dominate this change occur in the conversion of forest class to dryland agriculture, plantations, and other vegetation with lower ecosystem service values.

Analisis Pemanfaatan Ruang Pada Daerah Resapan Air Di Kecamatan Poasia Kota Kendari

The increase in the population in Poasia District Has an impact on the expansion of development land. This can affect the reduction in water catchment areas. This study aims to examine the use of space in water catchment areas in Poasia District. The parameters used to determine the condition of water absorption in this study, namely soil permeability, rainfall, land use and slope then processed using the Scoring, OBIA, and Overlay methods. The results of this study include the condition of water catchment in 2017 was dominated by the critical starting category of 2.850,34 acre (66,42%) while in 2021 the water catchment condition is dominated by the natural normal category covering an area of 1.920,554 acre (44,75%). Land use in water catchment areas in Poasia District in 2017-2021 which experienced the highest increase in area was settlements covering an area of 53,61 acre (36,51%) from an area of 670,91 Ha to 617,31 Ha, while land use which occurred the highest reduction in forest area of 68,26 Ha (46,50%) from an area of 2.570,05 Ha to 2.501,79 acre. Keywords: Water Infiltration, Space Utilization, GIS, Catchment area

The Impact of Land Use Change on The Ecosystem Service Value of The Agricultural Pastoral Ecotone

Understanding the dynamics and relationships among ecosystem services value (ESV) and land use change (LUCC) has great importance to achieve sustainable development. In this study, taking Jishishan County as the research area, based on land use and socio-economic data from 2010 to 2020, estimate the ESV and explore the impact of LUCC on the ESV at the grid scale. The results indicate that:(1) From 2010 to 2020, Jishishan County was deeply affected by urbanization, resulting in a continuous decrease in arable land and forest land. (2) The Ecosystem Service Value (ESV) of Jishishan County showed a trend of decreasing firstily and then increasing over the past 10 years; Grassland is the main contributor to ESV.(3) The spatial differentiation of ESV is obvious, showing a pattern of low in the middle and high in the periphery. (4) The growth of ESV during the research period comes from the increase of grassland and water area, and the loss of ESV and the impact of urbanization expansion are related to the reduction of forest area.

Status and Numbers of the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos L.) in Bulgaria.

Until recently, the Bulgarian bear population (Ursus arctos L.) was considered one of the significant ones in Europe and one of the few with more than 500 bears. While the numbers of some neighboring populations may be increasing, the Bulgarian population has been on a downward trend since the early 1990s. The probable numbers of the species at the end of the 1980s was about 700-750 individuals. Calculations based on field data from national monitoring and statistical analysis show probable numbers in Bulgaria in 2020 of about 500 individuals (data for the autumn state). This decline is mostly related to poaching due to weaker control activity, the reduction of forest areas and habitat fragmentation. The preservation of the Bulgarian population, which, together with the other Balkan populations and the Apennine bear, has a unique gene pool, is particularly important from the point of view of preserving the biodiversity of the species in Europe.

Wood and carbon credits trade in the Republic of Srpska

The reduction of forest areas globally and the growth of roundwood production are two key characteristics that have marked the wood market over the past twenty years. In 2019, 3.97 billion m3 of roundwood was produced in the world, or 14% more than in 2000. Asia is the leading continent with a share of 30.6% in global roundwood production. It is followed by North and South America with 28.9% and Africa with 19.4%. The share of Europe is 19.2%, and Oceania 1.9%. Observed by countries, the largest producers of roundwood in the world are the United States, India, China, Brazil and the Russian Federation, which in 2019 produced 1.64 billion m3 or 41.3% of total world production. Roundwood production in Europe, including the Russian Federation, had a similar growth trend as globally. In the period 2000– 2019, production increased by 187 million m3 , from 628 million m3 in 2000 to 815 million m3 in 2019. The largest producers of roundwood in Europe, after the Russian Federation, in 2019 were: Germany (76.2 million m3 ), Sweden (75.5 million m3 ), Finland (63.9 million m3 ), France 49.9 million m3 ) and Poland (44.1 million m3 ). The region of Southeast Europe participated with 3.1% in the total production of roundwood in Europe in 2019. In order to preserve forest ecosystems and prevent the placement of illegally felled trees, a global forest certification system has been established. Areas under forests that have been certified, and thus the amount of wood that is placed on the market with some of the certificates, are growing from year to year. According to the United Nations report, the total area under certified forests in the middle of 2019 amounted to 434.5 million ha globally. When it comes to state-owned forests in Republika Srpska, they are certified according to the FSC certification scheme. In 2019, the cut wood mass amounted to 3.07 million m3 and compared to 2000, it was higher by 4%. The average annual growth rate of wood production in the observed period was 0.46%. Forestry and wood processing in Republika Srpska account for about 6.5% of the employed population and participate with the same percentage in the gross national income, which in itself speaks of the importance of this resource for the economy and population of Republika Srpska. The concept that carbon stored in forest ecosystems has its own monetary expression and marketability provides opportunities to generate carbon credits as a relatively new type of goods, giving developing countries (such as Bosnia and Herzegovina) opportunities to achieve multiple economic and financial benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to focus the economic interests of the forestry sector not only on wood assortments, but also on other types of goods, in order to simultaneously direct forestry towards the leading economic trends of green, circular and bioeconomy. Although they are significantly lower in terms of volume and turnover of carbon credits, the trends indicate a great perspective for the development of voluntary markets, especially for project activities within the forestry sector. Simultaneously with the declining trend in regulated markets within the CDM mechanisms, growth is envisaged for voluntary markets in terms of volume, monetary value and number of participants. It is crucial for the Republika Srpska to intensify efforts aimed at the development of human resources, in order to create preconditions for global trends monitoring and identification of optimal opportunities for the forestry sector and other sectors. It is certain that constant changes are expected in future, and in order to be included in this type of market flows, it is necessary to develop effective instruments for a constant monitoring and evaluation of market trends.

Accuracy of pixel-based classification: application of different algorithms to landscapes of Western Iran

Scenarios for monitoring land cover on a large scale, involving large volumes of data, are becoming more prevalent in remote sensing applications. The accuracy of algorithms is important for environmental monitoring and assessments. Because they performed equally well throughout the various research regions and required little human involvement during the categorization process, they appear to be resilient and accurate for automated, big area change monitoring. Malekshahi City is one of the important and at the same time critical areas in terms of land use change and forest area reduction in Ilam Province. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the accuracy of nine different methods for identifying land use types in Malekshahi City located in Western Iran. Results revealed that the artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm with back-propagation algorithms could reach the highest accuracy and efficiency among the other methods with kappa coefficient and overall accuracy of approximately 0.94 and 96.5, respectively. Then, with an overall accuracy of about 91.35 and 90.0, respectively, the methods of Mahalanobis distance (MD) and minimum distance to mean (MDM) were introduced as the next priority to categorize land use. Further investigation of the classified land use showed that good results can be provided about the area of the land use classes of the region by applying the ANN algorithm due to high accuracy. According to those results, it can be concluded that this method is the best algorithm to extract land use maps in Malekshahi City because of high accuracy.

Assessing the Impact of Deforestation on Decadal Runoff Estimates in Non-Homogeneous Catchments of Peninsula Malaysia

This study calibrated the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) model to predict decadal runoff in Peninsula Malaysia and found a correlation between the reduction of forest area, urbanization, and an increase in runoff volume. The conventional SCS-CN runoff model was found to commit a type II error in this study and must be pre-justified with statistics and calibrated before being adopted for any runoff prediction. Between 1970 and 2000, deforestation in Peninsula Malaysia caused a decline in forested land by 25.5%, resulting in a substantial rise in excess runoff by 10.2%. The inter-decadal mean runoff differences were more pronounced in forested and rural catchments (lower CN classes) compared to urban areas. The study also found that the CN value is a sensitive parameter, and changing it by ±10% can significantly impact the average runoff estimate by 40%. Therefore, SCS practitioners are advised not to adjust the CN value for better runoff modeling results. Additionally, NASA’s Giovanni system was used to generate 20 years of monthly rainfall data from 2001–2020 for trend analysis and short-term rainfall forecasting. However, there was no significant uptrend in rainfall within the period studied, and occurrences of flood and landslide incidents were likely attributed to land-use changes in Peninsula Malaysia.

Assessment of change in forests land, carbon stock and carbon emissions of KPK, Pakistan for past three decades using geospatial techniques

Abstract Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation is a mechanism to cut down GHG emissions and protect the threatened forest ecosystems. Pakistan is suffering from high forest degradation and deforestation rates, but recent plantations under BTTAP have created a significant impact. This study was designed to identify the LULC changes, forest sequestration and emissions from forest degradation in the forest hub districts (Malakand, Mardan, Lower Dir and Upper Dir) of KPK, Pakistan using Landsat imageries. LULC changes were analyzed from 1990 to 2020. In addition, the amount of carbon sequestration and emissions from forest degradation were also calculated. Results of the analysis showed forest area reduction from 1990 to 2009, followed by a sharp increase in the next decade (2010–2020) by 56%. Around 836 km2 of land was found to be covered with forests during BTTAP. The net change was a 32% increase in forest land over three decades. The study offers important information which environment managers and decision-makers can utilize to encourage the plantation of trees and save existing forests in the country to combat climate change.

The Impact of Decreasing Forest Areas on Increasing Global Temperatures

Forests act as a producer of oxygen which is essential for the survival of living things. Degradation of forest areas causes the extinction of various species. It creates a greenhouse gas effect that impacts global warming, triggering regional climate change. This study aimed to determine the effect of decreasing forest area on increasing the annual average temperature in the world. The data used in this study are world forest area data and world average yearly temperature during the 1990-2020 period, with the addition of carbon emission data as a control. The analytical method uses Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The results obtained in this study, namely a decrease in every 1 km2 of forest area, will have a positive impact on increasing the annual average temperature. There was a significant influence in 1990-2010 with an increase in the country's average temperature of 0.0037225oC. An increase in carbon emissions of 1 ppm increases temperature by 1.046833oC. The results of this study illustrate that the reduction in forest area increases temperature, which triggers global climate change. Particular policies are needed from the government to maintain forest sustainability so that the ecosystem is maintained.

Оценка эволюции ландшафтов Cамотлорского нефтегазового месторождения

The Samotlor oil and gas field in Western Siberia, one of the largest in the world in terms of oil reserves, has been developed since 1969. Natural forest and marsh landscapes are experiencing the strongest anthropogenic pressure due to the creation of a dense network of cluster drilling sites, roads connecting them with pipelines, enterprises for primary oil refining, lines of communication. Oil production and transportation activities during the development of the Samotlor field are accompanied by pollution of the territory and degradation of vegetation, and a reduction in forest areas. To identify the dynamics of natural forest-bog landscapes, which manifests itself in a change in the ratio of forest and swamp areas, we used a comparison of a survey topographic map at a scale of 1:200 000 in 1980, showing the distribution of forests, as well as passable and impenetrable swamps, with modern high-resolution satellite images, according to which deciphered the boundaries of forests and various types of swamps-raised ridge-hollow, ridge-lake-hollow and lowland. Comparison of materials from different times was carried out on a 7.5×13.5 km site southeast of Lake Samotlor. A comparison of maps compiled in 1980 and 2019 shows that the area of forests here has almost tripled; Herbaceous-shrub communities with small islands of residual forests formed on the site of reduced forest tracts. Among the swamps, a reduction in the areas of lowland fen was revealed, their localization along the shores of lakes, with the expansion of the areas of raised bogs. In place of the impenetrable swamps of 1980, ridge-lake-hollow complexes of raised bogs were formed, with wide distribution of ridge-hollow. It has been shown that, along with the negative processes of anthropogenic deforestation, ecosystem pollution and vegetation degradation, during the development of the deposit there is an increase in the drainage of the territory, accompanied by a local increase in greenery, which is additionally promoted by the tendency to climate warming.

Characterization of Land-Cover Changes and Forest-Cover Dynamics in Togo between 1985 and 2020 from Landsat Images Using Google Earth Engine

Carbon stocks in forest ecosystems, when released as a result of forest degradation, contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To quantify and assess the rates of these changes, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends that the REDD+ mechanism use a combination of Earth observational data and field inventories. To this end, our study characterized land-cover changes and forest-cover dynamics in Togo between 1985 and 2020, using the supervised classification of Landsat 5, 7, and 8 images on the Google Earth Engine platform with the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. Overall image classification accuracies for all target years ranged from 0.91 to 0.98, with Kappa coefficients ranging between 0.86 and 0.96. Analysis indicated that all land cover classes, which were identified at the beginning of the study period, have undergone changes at several levels, with a reduction in forest area from 49.9% of the national territory in 1985, to 23.8% in 2020. These losses of forest cover have mainly been to agriculture, savannahs, and urbanization. The annual change in forest cover was estimated at −2.11% per year, with annual deforestation at 422.15 km2 per year, which corresponds to a contraction in forest cover of 0.74% per year over the 35-year period being considered. Ecological Zone IV (mountainous, with dense semi-deciduous forests) is the one region (of five) that has best conserved its forest area over this period. This study contributes to the mission of forestry and territorial administration in Togo by providing methods and historical data regarding land cover that would help to control the factors involved in forest area reductions, reinforcing the system of measurement, notification, and verification within the REDD+ framework, and ensuring better, long-lasting management of forest ecosystems.

Spatial Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Changes for A Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation: Factors for Potential Implementation of Buffer Zone for FRIM Natural Heritage Site, Malaysia

There will be nearly 2 billion new residents by 2030 due to human migration and population growth, yet the consequences of both current and future urbanization on biodiversity conservation are poorly known. However, an increase in the awareness of the consequences on the role of biodiversity in sustaining livelihoods and human wellbeing has been translated into the various movements, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), especially SDG15 and SDG3. Conservation areas (CAs) have become one of the solutions to uphold ecosystem sustainability for biodiversity conservation. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the changes in land use and land cover (LULC) surrounding the CA - Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Natural Heritage Site, Malaysia. The objectives were: 1) to quantify the changes of LULC, 2) to construct the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), of FRIM and the surroundings, thus representing the Malaysian terrestrial CAs and, 3) to suggest LULC changes- based criteria for CA buffer zone (CABAs). The data used were spatial data and satellite images and, ERDAS Imagine and ArcGIS software to execute the analysis. The study revealed a reduction in forest areas and addition in built-up (housing) and water bodies. There was an encroachment of built-up area (housing) into the FRIM. Therefore, the study suggested buffer zones for FRIM, a shield to prevent the stresses caused by urbanization and encroachment activities that may jeopardize the intactness of the conservation areas. The study also provided an effort to formulate a more effective strategy for enhancing sustainable development to the policymakers.

The COVID-19 pandemic as a consequence of sustainable changes in the planet’s biosphere

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has demonstrated the development of new global biological, biophysical and epidemiological processes able to change human environment and cause signifi cant demographic, social and economic consequences. The explanation of the pandemic as caused by accidental transmission of the virus from animal to human does not seem convincing and does not correspond to the scale of the planetary biological shifts that have occurred as a result of the pandemic. The authors of the article develop a hypothesis that links the causes of the COVID-19 pandemic with global environmental problems and damages of the biocoenosis of large ecosystems on the planet. The disastrous reduction of forest areas throughout the continents has led to a growing disproportion of the plant kingdom, animals and the expansion of viruses in biosphere. The mechanism of viral infections propagation has changed under conditions of violation of the stability of the biocoenosis and the fi lling of large ecosystems with viruses. Along with the traditional methods of infection transmission from person to person, the physical features of viruses and their correlations to the nanoworld have become signifi cantly important. Literature data and the results of our own research suggest that viruses have wave properties and are capable of creating stable resonance systems and an electromagnetic fi eld. Presumably, the energy of the electromagnetic fi eld determines the mechanism for filling ecosystems with viruses, “competitive relations” with other representatives of the microcosm, and the process of self-limitation of viral expansion. The article for the first time touches upon the issues of the interaction of viruses within the framework of viral and viral-bacterial microbiocenosis, the persistence of viruses in the human body and the development of chronic diseases. The study of the mechanisms of virus expansion, the patterns of emergence and contagion suggests newopportunities for understanding the nature of new viral infections and the development of methods to resist them.

Pengembangan Tanaman Anggrek di Kawasan Wisata Hutan Pinus Motilango Kecamatan Tibawa Kabupaten Gorontalo

Orchid is one type of ornamental flower plant that has many types spread throughout the world, including Indonesia. The original habitat of orchids is forests or areas that have high humidity, rich in organic matter. Reduction of forest area makes several types of orchids threatened with extinction so that efforts are needed for conservation and protection. Motilango pine forest tourism found several types of orchids, but the surrounding community did not know the prospect of orchid plants if they were developed properly. The purpose of the activity is to educate the local community and tourism managers to cultivate orchids to become a source of family income. The method used is discourse method and discussion. Participants consist of communities around the area, village officials and pine forest tourism managers. The material presented consisted of an introduction to the characteristics of orchids, prospects, methods of propagation and cultivation of orchids. The result of the activity is that there is an increase in participant knowledge about orchid plants. There are two types of orchids that are commonly found in the tourist area of Motilango pine, namely the dove orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) and the ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata) which are easily propagated by separating seedlings. Orchid growing media that is widely available in the area is coconut husk.

Estimation of potential soil erosion reduction using GIS-based RUSLE under different land cover management models: A case study of Pale Municipality, B&H

Spatial assessment of soil erosion is an important indicator of ecological soil change and global environmental changes. This is especially true for countries with rich forest cover such as Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this study, the risk of soil erosion was assessed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and the impact of changes in the forest ecosystem, current conditions were compared with possible future forest management scenarios, and measures and solutions were proposed to reduce soil erodibility in vulnerable areas of the Pale Municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The studied area is at increased risk of soil erosion due to natural conditions (mountain relief, climate change, and the frequency of extreme climatic events—drought and heavy rains, which occur more and more frequently in a short period of time) and due to anthropogenic factors, such as large-scale deforestation and conversion of mountain areas for tourism purposes, tracing and construction of ski slopes and ski resorts in general, and expansion of settlements. All this leads to threats to water conservation areas, landslides, floods, forest fires, and additional reduction of forest areas due to drying of forests and expansion of settlements. GIS as a tool provides us with a quick and accurate way to find possible solutions to problems resulting from the intensive use and inadequate monitoring. In this study, we have tried to offer possible solutions and show the benefits that can be obtained by varying the factors that affect soil erodibility and depend on vegetation cover, that is, land use (C-factor). This study presents the application of RUSLE methods in combination with GIS for the purpose of planning economic activities, such as winter tourism development in the community of Pale. An increase in soil loss due to inappropriate land use was found, with the average annual soil loss due to deforestation in the ski area increasing to 909.43 t ha−1 year−1.