Sustainable Forest Management Objectives Research Articles

Structure, regeneration and carbon stocks of woody plants in the Litwang’ata village land forest reserve, Southwest Tanzania

Abstract The plant biodiversity status of many village land forest reserves is little known to support meaningful implementation of sustainable forest management objectives in Tanzania. This study was conducted to assess the status of Litwang’ata village land forest reserve in Ludewa district, Southwest Tanzania through 20 square sample plots of 10 × 10 m. A total of 20 woody plant species belonging to 12 families and 19 genera with DBH ≥ 5 cm were identified in the study forest. The most important species with their importance value index were Brachystegia spiciformis (78.02), Brachystegia boehmii (22.05), Faurea saligna (15.18), Uapaca kirkiana (14), Acacia amythethophylla (13.07), Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia (12.76) and Gardenia ternifolia (10.36). The forest had a Shannon diversity index (H´) of 2.27, indicating medium diversity. Stand structure comprised 1,330 ± 523 stems ha–1, basal area of 18.97 ± 6.81 m2 ha–1 and stand volume of 142.36 ± 52.17 m3 ha–1. The mean above- and belowground carbon stocks were 46.97 ± 17.23 Mg ha–1 and 23.90 ± 8.58 Mg ha–1 respectively. The higher tree densities, basal area, stand volume and carbon stocks recorded in this study compared to other Miombo woodlands indicate that Litwang’ata forest is still in good condition, and managment efforts should be strengthened to bolster biodiversity conservation for present and future generations.

Changes of vegetation in coniferous monocultures in the context of conversion to mixed forests in 30 years – Implications for biodiversity restoration

The understorey vegetation of temperate forests harbours a major proportion of terrestrial biodiversity and fulfills an important role in ecosystem functioning. Over the past decades, temperate forest understoreys were found to change in species diversity and composition due to several anthropogenic and natural drivers. Currently, the conversion and restoration of even-aged coniferous monocultures into more diverse and mixed broad-leaved forests are major objectives of sustainable forest management in Central Europe. This forest conversion alters understorey communities and abiotic site conditions but the underlying patterns and processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore, we investigated changes in the Bavarian Spessart mountains in southwest Germany, where we re-sampled 108 semi-permanent plots from four different coniferous stand types (i.e., Norway spruce, Scots pine, Douglas fir, European larch) about 30 years after the initial assessment. On these plots, we recorded understorey vegetation and forest structure, and derived abiotic site conditions based on ecological indicator values of understorey vegetation, followed by multivariate analysis. We found changes in plant communities that point towards a decrease of soil acidity and a “thermophilization” of forest understoreys. Understorey species richness remained constant, while understorey's Shannon and Simpson diversity increased. The observed changes in forest structure explained the temporal shifts in understorey species composition. The understorey species composition did not experience a significant floristic homogenization since the 1990s. However, plant communities exhibited a reduction in species characteristic of coniferous forests and a simultaneous increase in species associated with broad-leaved forests. The increase of specialist species (closed forests and open sites) may have compensated for the detected decrease in generalist species. We conclude that the forest conversion towards mixed broad-leaved forest in the Spessart mountains of the past decades might have masked homogenization trends that are increasingly reported from Central European forest understoreys.

Assessment of Timber Harvest in Ondo State, Nigeria between 2013 and 2019

The high rate of timber harvest from the forest without any replacement is hostile to the achievement of the objectives of sustainable forest management in Nigeria. The study was carried out to investigate the rate of timber harvest in Ondo state, Nigeria. Secondary data on logging activities from both forest reserves and free areas between 2013 and 2019 in the three forestry administrative zones - Akure, Ore, and Okitipupa were collected from the Ondo state department of forestry official records, files and annual reports. Analyses were carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant difference in the number of stems and volumes extracted between 2013 and 2019 in the study area. Results revealed that 49,063 and 8409 stems were harvested from free areas and reserves respectively within this period. It was showed that 118323.0m3 and 19022.1m3 stem volume were also removed from free areas and forest reserves respectively. Generally, there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the number of stems and volumes removed from free areas and forest reserves within these years. The study concluded that unregulated timber harvest is a threat to biodiversity conservation and recommended that conservative measures should be put in place to protect forest areas from deforestation and that more protected area should be established.

The role of women in managing sustainable forestry based on local authority and needs analysis of the local agroforestry system in North Sulawesi

Forests have an important role regarding climate change both in mitigation and adaptation efforts. Indonesia is one of the countries with the most extensive tropical forest systems in the world. However, Indonesia experienced the highest level of forest destruction in Southeast Asia. For this reason, Indonesia needs to apply the principles of Sustainable Forest Management to improve the condition of forests through reducing deforestation without compromising the improvement of the welfare of the surrounding community, both men and women. Previous studies prove the involvement of local communities, both men and women, who consider their local knowledge and wisdom is a determining factor for realizing the objectives of Sustainable Forest Management. Previous studies regarding improving the welfare of forest farmers have ignored the needs of both men and women. Similar studies have not been done much in Indonesia or at the global level. There is less research on local knowledge/knowledge that examines how gender differences determine differences in local knowledge/wisdom that men and women have and their respective needs regarding forest resources. For this reason, this study generally aims to increase knowledge about the differences in local wisdom/knowledge possessed and the perceived needs of both men and women who have the potential to rehabilitate forests while improving their lives. This research is the third study in Barangkalang Sangihe Village, located around the protected forest of Mount Sahendaruman. This study uses qualitative data collection methods concerning local wisdom and the needs of men and women relating to forest resources and management. The principle of triangulation is applied to data collection methods and sources. Data collection is done by interview, discussion and observation. Data sources are farmers and village leaders and social organizations. Data analysis uses a qualitative data analysis approach. The results showed that the subconscious of women in particular and the whole community in general who have absorbed the pattern of forest growth that is diverse, structured from high to lowest creeping, is the superiority of the community around the forest. The superiority of this subconscious can be used as a basic capital to develop forest agriculture (agroforestry) that supports each other (mutualistic symbiosis) with protected forests above. Protection Forest can be maintained well only by the community around the forest who can feel the positive impact of the existence of the protected forest, for example as a source of water and as a source of plant seeds (plasma nuftah). Commercial tree crops managed by farmers in the area around the forest cannot be ignored for their biological function for environmental preservation. Because commercial crops, among others, cloves, nutmeg, coconut, and sago, also perennial plants that have deep roots and are also managed like the growth of forestry plants are not regulated like modern plantations.

Assessment of Forest Certification as a Tool to Support Forest Ecosystem Services

Certification provides a way to demonstrate the positive impacts of sustainable forest management (SFM) on ecosystem services. Ecosystem services provide society with a wide range of benefits, from clean water and carbon sequestration to the production of wood and non-wood products. This study evaluates forest owners’ and managers’ perceptions of forest certification as a tool to support SFM and forest ecosystem services in Slovakia. The questionnaire survey focused on the understanding of the concept of SFM, the objectives of forest certification schemes, and especially on the examination of the perceptions of 288 PEFC- and FSC-certified forest owners and managers on how forest certification helps to support individual ecosystem services. Among the important factors influencing the level of understanding of forest certification and its role in ensuring forest ecosystem services is the size of the managed forest area and the implemented certification scheme. The results of this study indicate that forest certification is positively perceived as a supporting tool for ecosystem services, and certified forest owners are sufficiently aware of the objectives of SFM. Regardless of the size of the managed forest area and the type of the implemented certification scheme, forest certification is mainly perceived as a tool which improves the company image and represents a commitment to environmental responsibility while promoting SFM. Certified companies managing large forest areas see the role of certification as being more significant in ensuring selected ecosystem services, in particular, the provision of woody biomass and water. However, in general, forest certification is mainly perceived as a supporting tool for the ecosystem services related to the control of erosion, soil formation, and natural composition, as well as the function of species and ecosystem diversity, followed by the provision of aesthetic, scientific, and educational values.

Forest Management Approaches for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: a Comparison Between Germany and Japan

ABSTRACT Forest management affects carbon sequestration (mitigation) and resilience of forest ecosystems (adaptation) under climate change. Therefore, the efforts to integrate these two approaches have been made by the political arrangements to seek the synergy effects and deal with trade-offs. To study the state of the art linkages and forest policies to realize both adaptation and mitigation, we systematically review the literature highlighting the topic (136 publications) and outline two different approaches from Germany and Japan as countries with substantial forest resources and high influences on international forest policies and wood trade. We identify three linkages: (1) an ecosystem (based) approach assuming that a resilient ecosystem (adaptation), has high potential as a carbon sink (mitigation), (2) a sustainable forest management (SFM) aiming for enhancing forests’ resilience and carbon sink potential simultaneously, and (3) a cross-sectoral approach generating synergies among multiple sectors of agriculture, forestry, urban design, and nature conservation. We find that a significant objective is still SFM for sustaining the forest area andwood production, where SFM examples in Germany and Japan exemplify contributions to carbon sinks and ongoing disaster risk management, respectively. Overall, the current differentiated objectives of SFM do not underpin the twofold approach and their synergy effects.

An assessment of the policies and practices of selective logging and timber utilisation: A case study from natural forests of Tarai Nepal and Queensland Australia

Selective logging (SL) contributes nearly 15 percent of the global timber needs. Considering its role in sustainable timber production, biodiversity conservation and forest carbon enhancement, assessment of SL policies and practices is crucial. This paper assesses the policies and practices of SL in natural production forests of the Tarai region of Nepal and Queensland Australia to explore the key differences in such policies and practices and their possible implications in achieving sustainable forest management objectives. The primary methods applied in the study were review and synthesis of key policy documents and qualitative analysis of the information gathered from key informant interviews and stakeholders’ workshop. Altogether, 53 respondents from a wide range of stakeholder groups (government organizations-15, non-government organizations/networks-15, private sector including the individual landowners-13, local political leaders-3 and independent forest experts/scientists-7) were consulted. Findings suggest that: (1) frequent and inconsistent changes in policy provisions, lengthy administrative procedures and heavy engagement of state forest agencies in forest product harvesting and sales processes play key roles in sub-optimal forest production in Nepal, whereas lower dependency on forest-products, higher labour costs, lack of species-wise royalty rate and flexibility in selecting optional logs are the key factors for increased wastages of forest products in Queensland; (2) recovery and utilisation of the harvested forest product is better in Nepal but policy and practical considerations on biodiversity and environment are better in Queensland; and (3) Forest harvesting specific codes of practice, occupational health and safety standards, and their compliance mechanism of Queensland could be beneficial for Nepal to minimise operational harvesting risks and to attract professional harvesters that support promoting sustainable use and management of natural forests, as we found this aspect almost neglected in Nepal.

Web-Based Forest Resources Management Decision Support System

In this paper, we present a web-based decision support system (DSS)—wSADfLOR—to facilitate the access of stakeholders to tools that may contribute to enhancing forest management planning. The emphasis is on a web-based architecture and a web graphic user interface (wGUI) that may effectively support the analysis of trade-offs between ecosystem services in order to address participatory and sustainable forest management objectives. For that purpose, the wGUI provides remote access to a management information system, enabling users to analyze environmental and biometric data and topological information as well. Moreover, the wGUI provides remote access to forest simulators so that users may define and simulate prescriptions such as chronological sequences of management options and the corresponding forest ecosystem services outcomes. Remote access to management planning methods is further provided so that users may input their objectives and constraints. The wGUI delivers information about tradeoffs between ecosystem services in the form of decision maps so that users in different locations may negotiate bundles of ecosystem services as well as the plan needed to provide them. The multiple criteria programming routines provide proposals for management plans that may be assessed further, using geographical and alphanumeric information provided by the wGUI. Results for an application to a forested landscape extending to 14,388 ha are presented and discussed. This landscape provides several ecosystem services and the development of its management plan involves multiple stakeholders. Results show that the web-based architecture and the wGUI provide effective access for stakeholders to information about the forest management planning area and to decision support tools that may contribute to addressing complex multi-objective and multiple-decision-maker management planning contexts. They also highlight that the involvement and participation of stakeholders in the design of the web-based architecture contributes to assuring the quality and the usability of the system.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OFFERED BY DECIDOUS STANDS FROM THE NORTHERN ROMANIA FOR THE AVIAN POPULATIONS

Bird populations are fundamental elements of forest biodiversity and play a very important role in maintaining the ecological balance and normal functions of forest ecosystems, so that they are an indicator of sustainable management taken into account at European level. Consequently, the existence or setting up by management measures of the most favourable conditions for diverse assemblages of birds is one of the objectives of sustainable forest management. For this purpose the paper aims to assess the ecological conditions offered by broadleaved stands from the northern Romania for the avian populations. The parameters considered were the stands layers, the composition and spatial distribution of forest shrubs, the stand density, the biological potential of forest species, stand age and stand ecological dynamic, landscape parameters. Using these parameters as partial favourability indices, a simple method for assessing the ecological conditions offered to bird populations based on a Total Favourability Index (TFI) is proposed for practical forest management purposes. According to this index, in the case study of the northern broadleaved managed stands, the ecological favourability for birds is medium.

Bioenergy production to improve value-creation potential of strategic forest management plans in mixed-wood forests of Eastern Canada

The relationship between forest management and biomass sourcing is fundamental to the achievement of sustainable bioenergy production. Few biomass-sourcing studies have directly addressed the complex interactions between sustainable forest management and additional demand created by bioenergy production. The first objective of this research was to provide a method for estimating profits for a value chain that harvests volumes scheduled in a sustainable forest management plan. The second objective was to measure the financial and sustainable benefits generated by integrating bioenergy production into this value chain. Using data from a large management unit, a forest management plan was developed to generate an annual flow of timber that can be produced sustainably. We then proposed a network flow optimization model that links the optimal solution of a long-term wood supply optimization model with the processing capacity of an industrial network. Results revealed that the weak demand for lower-quality trees could be a serious impediment to achieving full value-creation potential. Simulations of the implementation of a hardwood pellet mill improved the value-creation potential for hardwood pulp (direct effect) and also for other wood products by providing access to otherwise unprofitable mixed-wood forest strata (synergistic effect). Our experiment showed that integrating a lower-quality timber user, such as a bioenergy production unit, could lead to higher financial profits (up to three-fold), and improve alignment between the sustainable forest management objectives and the industrial network capacity (harvested scheduled area increased from 79% to 98%). Implementing a bioenergy mill also grants a higher return on capital employed compared to historical values for the manufacturing sector. Strengthening the link between strategic planning and industrial processing capacity provides new insights into the impact on value-creation of bioenergy production from forest biomass.

Conifer Regeneration After Experimental Shelterwood and Seed-Tree Treatments in Boreal Forests: Finding Silvicultural Alternatives.

Forest regeneration is a key element in achieving sustainable forest management. Partial harvest methods have been used extensively in temperate broadleaf and mixedwood ecosystems to promote regeneration on poorly stocked sites and to maintain forest composition and productivity. However, their effectiveness in promoting conifer establishment has yet to be demonstrated in unmanaged boreal forests, especially those dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) where constraints for regeneration differ from those found in more meridional regions. We aimed to evaluate conifer seedling density and dimensions, 10 years after the onset of a gradient of silvicultural treatments varying in harvesting intensities, and to identify the critical factors driving the regeneration process. Study blocks of even-aged black spruce stands in the eastern Canadian boreal forest were submitted to three variants of shelterwood harvesting: a seed-tree harvest, a clear-cut and an untreated control. Shelterwood and seed-tree harvesting were combined with spot scarification to promote regeneration. Shelterwood and seed-tree harvesting produced a density of conifer regeneration sufficient to maintain forest productivity, but they did not promote seedling growth. Black spruce was the predominant species in terms of regeneration density, with proportions 3–5× higher than that for balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.). Ten years after treatment, seed-origin black spruce seedlings were abundant in skidding trails, while layers dominated the residual strips. Balsam fir density was not influenced by treatment nor by tree position relative to skidding trails. Balsam fir and black spruce had different responses to treatment in terms of height and diameter, the former exhibiting a better growth performance and larger diameter in the residual strips. Spot scarification created micro-sites that had a significant impact on the regeneration process. Overall, our results support that shelterwood and seed-tree harvesting combined with scarification enable adequate regeneration in black spruce stands, confirming these treatments as viable silvicultural alternatives to clear-cutting when required by sustainable forest management objectives.

Realizacja zrównoważonej gospodarki leśnej w wymiarze lokalnym, regionalnym i globalnym – wybrane aspekty prawne

The aim of the article is to answer the question whether and if so, how the legislator shapes the harvesting of timber in a manner consistent with the objectives of sustainable forest management. The implementation of forest management is strongly influenced by global conditions. At the regional level, the legislator has defined “measures” implemented to counteract the marketing of illegally harvested timber. They are known as the EU’s “due diligence system” used in the timber supply chain “from forest to final purchaser.” At the local level, the instruments to achieve this objective of sustainable forest management include control, supervision and sanctions for breaches of Regulations 995/2010 and 2173/2005, while in practice, it is global market practices and related global conformity assessment systems relating to national forestry legislation that ultimately determine how the principles of the due diligence system will be implemented.

Forest productivity after careful logging and fire in black spruce stands of the Canadian Clay Belt

Some regenerating stands of the boreal forest exhibit low juvenile growth after major disturbances, which compromises sustainable forest management objectives. In black spruce – feather moss stands of eastern Canada subject to paludification, careful logging methods could decrease stand productivity with time by preventing a beneficial reduction in organic soil thickness. The aim of this project was to confirm decreases in juvenile growth between stands originating from careful logging and the former stands originating from old fires on the same sites. Stem analyses showed that stands originating from CPRS had significantly better juvenile height growth than the former stands but significantly lower growth than stands originating from recent fire in the study region. If organic matter thickness apparently played a role in the growth differences observed between fire and harvesting, it was not the only factor determining stand productivity. According to our results, cohort status, climatic regime, and quality of the residual organic matter are other factors that seem to drive productivity. Our results show that postharvest management approaches (e.g., site preparation) should be used to increase yields after harvest for the sites to express their full growth potential.

A strategic forest inventory for public land in Victoria, Australia

The aim of this paper is to present a strategic forest inventory approach that has been applied on public land in Victoria, Australia. The Victorian Forest Monitoring System is an integral component of a monitoring and reporting program that enables Victoria to critically assess and evaluate its progress towards achieving its sustainable forest management objectives and targets. The inventory approach utilises field measurements in combination with remote sensing data. The approach is novel in that it utilises a relatively small sample size with a stratification scheme designed to examine questions around tenure and land management options. The small sample was dictated by limited resources (capacity, time and budget). The stratification scheme was designed to explore different land management approaches (e.g. National Parks versus State forest), as a more consistent and balanced approach to the management of public forests is currently being considered by most State Governments in Australia. The resultant accuracy of estimates for management and bioregion strata and associated characteristics, like above ground biomass from this small sample size were found to be sufficient for the regional monitoring goals of this study.

Implementation of sustainable forest management: an application of the triple perspective typology of stakeholder theory in a case study in Sabah, Malaysia

The progress of the concept of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is dynamic and its success or failure during implementation can be evaluated in different ways. In a detailed survey in four Forest Management Units (FMUs) in Sabah, the current implementation of SFM at the FMU level was assessed based on the triple perspective typology of stakeholder theory. This approach encompasses conceptual, corporate and stakeholder centric point of view. The conceptual perspective explores the SFM concept and how it relates to the FMU holder – stakeholder interaction at the FMU level, the corporate perspective examined how the FMU holders put the concept into practise and address their stakeholders, while the stakeholder perspective analyses how the stakeholders attempt to accomplish their claims and interests through the corporate-centric (FMU holders) at the management level. The stakeholder analysis provides the platform for stakeholder identification, categorisation and their general perception and behaviour towards the overall performance of SFM objectives. The Stakeholder Relation Management (SRM) that integrates the FMU holders and stakeholder participation under the SFM concept were also identified. Different FMU holders are engaged with distinct objectives to be achieved, which determine their direct relationship with the stakeholders. The stakeholders were attributed to static and dynamic groups, which are determined by their existence, claims and interests, and involvement in various SFM programs and activities at the FMU level. They provided distinguished preference and agreement toward various issues and characteristics related to SFM objectives, implementation and stakeholder participation at the management level. Most of the respondents of the multi-interest stakeholder group agreed with SFM main contributions towards the elements of environmental objectives, followed by economic objectives and elements of social objectives. The approach for SFM assessment based on the different lenses of conceptual, corporate and stakeholder centric provides complementary evidence on the pragmatic implementation of SFM at the forest management level.

Preferences of community public advisory group members for characteristics of Canadian forest tenures in pursuit of sustainable forest management objectives

Community involvement, a recognized cornerstone of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) in many jurisdictions, often relies on Public Advisory Groups (PAGs) to inform forest management planning. This study analyzes perceptions of PAG members in Canada regarding how forest tenures promote or inhibit the pursuit of three SFM objectives: competitiveness, environmental integrity and community stability. The analysis uses data from ratings questions and a best–worst choice experiment. Our results suggest that most respondents in both western and eastern Canada believed that the current structure of tenures meet the SFM objectives. However, results show significant differences between eastern and western respondents. For competitiveness, eastern respondents suggested that duration and flexibility in operational and harvesting requirements were most important, while western respondents indicated that flexibility in operational requirements and harvest levels were most important. The results also indicate, however, that support from PAG members for governments to alter tenure characteristics may be limited, particularly in the east. For western respondents, there was some agreement (i.e. more people agreeing than disagreeing) regarding: increasing tenure duration, decreasing flexibility in operational requirements, and increasing flexibility of harvest levels. Though our overall findings suggest that PAG members are generally satisfied with current tenure arrangements, questions remain regarding what segments of society these members represent, and whether sufficient attention has been given to the complex relationships between structures of forest tenures and the pursuit of SFM.

Understanding the impacts of the 2007–08 Global Financial Crisis on sustainable forest management in the Brazilian Amazon: A case study

In 2007 and 2008, the world experienced a significant Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Several factors were perceived as drivers of the crisis, however, its dynamics and consequences for natural resources and the environment remain largely unknown, particularly in Brazil. Combining grounded theory and case study methodologies, this research explores and contrasts the perspectives of highly knowledgeable stakeholders on how the GFC impacted sustainable forest management in the Brazilian Amazon, using the State of Pará as a case study. Our findings indicate that the GFC cannot be considered as a unique phenomenon impacting SFM and that it is intimately linked to other political, social and environmental events unfolding within Brazil and at the global level. Decreased deforestation was perceived to have occurred due to restrained production, increased risk aversion, increased public awareness and enhanced government efforts towards law enforcement. The forest-based exporting segment was seen to suffer the most severe impacts of the crisis. Environmentally friendly initiatives were perceived to offer forest product differentiation in the market; while investments in non-market-oriented initiatives were restrained. Our results suggest that in times of economic crisis, forest policy-makers need to focus on both formal and informal forest economies in order to promote sustainable forest management objectives.

Attitudes toward Policy Instruments Promoting Wood-To-Energy Initiatives in the United States

Abstract An array of policy instruments has been adopted across the United States in an effort to promote greater wood-to-energy uses. This research elicited attitudes toward wood-to-energy policy instruments among forest sector stakeholders to identify the most preferred policy tools. Test statistics identified differences between perceptions from US South and non-US South respondents regarding the capacity of tax incentives; subsidies and grants; rules and regulations; education; and consultation to meet policy ecological, economic, social, and political criteria. Examples of particular instruments adopted by various states were used to evaluate their capacity in addressing specific energy, forest management, and market dimensions of wood-to-energy policy. Results suggest preference for the implementation of education programs and the adoption of tax incentive instruments, followed by rules and regulations. US South respondents have less favorable views of subsidies and grants and rules and regulations than respondents from the rest of the country to meet policy evaluation criteria. Based on the analysis of state-specific policy tools, tax incentives were deemed the best positioned to generate more renewable energy from woody feedstocks and education and consultation were the best suited to meet energy and sustainable forest management objectives. A combination of approaches will be the most adequate to meet multiple policy criteria.

Land reform in Bolivia: The forestry question

In this paper we discuss forestry issues related to land reform in Bolivia. We find that although the current land reform satisfies most of the conditions necessary for adequately addressing development issues in the agrarian sector, it does not deal with many challenges related to forest management, and in fact contains provisions conflicting with the objectives of sustainable forest management. Given that a large part of the land being titled is actually forest land, omissions of, and conflicts with, the objectives of sustainable forest management are critical, and may have harmful ramifications for the preservation of forest resources as well as poverty reduction within forest-dependent communities.

Addressing biodiversity in a stakeholder-driven climate change vulnerability assessment of forest management

Besides protected areas multi-functionally managed forests play an important role in the effort to maintain biodiversity, particularly in areas of intensive historical and current land use. The integration of biodiversity issues under the umbrella of sustainable forest management (SFM) is thus vital to achieve conservation goals. A major challenge for SFM is climate change, and science-based assessment and decision support frameworks are required to address climatic uncertainties in management planning. In this contribution we address issues of biodiversity in the context of a climate change vulnerability assessment framework for 164,550 ha of mountain forests managed by the Austrian Federal Forests (AFF). The principal tools applied to study climate–forest–management interactions and their implications for the multiple objectives of SFM were the ecosystem model PICUS v1.4, multi-criteria analysis and a stakeholder dialogue with the AFF. With this study framework as an example, our objective was to highlight the role of biodiversity within climate change vulnerability assessment of SFM. We found only limited climate sensitivity of SFM biodiversity indicators, compared to production-oriented aspects, as a result of strong management-mediated controls on forest structure and composition. Consequently, overall SFM climate vulnerability was decreasing in the assessment framework with increasing preference weight on biodiversity. However, the role and effect of biodiversity within the multi-indicator assessment framework differed strongly over elevation belts. Our analysis highlights (i) the importance of a realistic consideration of management in assessing biodiversity under SFM; (ii) the need for a concise definition of goals and thresholds for biodiversity conservation in managed forests; (iii) the importance of the local context in defining and interpreting indicators; and (iv) the relevance of an integrated assessment of dynamically interacting processes and indicators, such as disturbances, management and biodiversity.