Forest Conservation Research Articles

Effects of thinning on canopy structure, forest productivity, and productivity stability in mixed conifer-broadleaf forest: Insights from a LiDAR survey.

Effects of thinning on canopy structure, forest productivity, and productivity stability in mixed conifer-broadleaf forest: Insights from a LiDAR survey.

Integration of high-resolution data for a complementary assessment of forest dynamics in Europe.

Integration of high-resolution data for a complementary assessment of forest dynamics in Europe.

Carbon stock dynamics in Ethiopian forests; a systematic review for sustainable forest management towards climate change mitigation

Carbon stock dynamics in Ethiopian forests; a systematic review for sustainable forest management towards climate change mitigation

Historical and projected forest cover changes in the Mount Kenya Ecosystem: Implications for sustainable forest management

Historical and projected forest cover changes in the Mount Kenya Ecosystem: Implications for sustainable forest management

Roots of urban forest conservation behaviors: Discovering determinants of citizens’ attitudes

Roots of urban forest conservation behaviors: Discovering determinants of citizens’ attitudes

Sustainable forest strategy based on land capability evaluation in Muna regency, Indonesia

Sustainable forest strategy based on land capability evaluation in Muna regency, Indonesia

Ethnic-Led Forest Recovery and Conservation in Colombia: A 50-Year Evaluation Using Semi-Automatic Classification in the Tucurinca and Aracataca River Basins

Deforestation in Colombia, driven by armed conflict and illicit crops, triggered an environmental crisis, particularly in the Caribbean region, where forest loss in areas such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta degraded ecosystems, reduced carbon sequestration, and increased soil erosion, threatening biodiversity and local food security. In response, the Arhuaco Indigenous community implemented an ethnic territorial management system to restore degraded lands and safeguard their ancestral territory. This study evaluates the effectiveness of their efforts, supporting their call for territorial expansion by analyzing forest cover changes (1973–2023) in the Tucurinca and Aracataca river basins. Using Landsat imagery, remote sensing, and a maximum likelihood algorithm, we generated thematic maps and statistical vegetation change data, validated by a 91.4% accuracy rate (kappa coefficient and confusion matrices). Results demonstrate significant forest recovery, highlighting collective reforestation and Indigenous sustainable management as pivotal strategies for reversing deforestation in post-conflict scenarios.

Sustainable forest management for carbon, wood and biodiversity must consider natural disturbance regimes

Abstract Forests provide multiple benefits that include sequestering carbon, supporting biodiversity, and providing wood products. Managing temperate forests to achieve these benefits sustainably is challenging given the legacy of past human impacts, the complexity of forest development, and increasing but unpredictable disturbances. These intricacies prompted debate about the most effective management of temperate forests to achieve climate mitigation while sustaining forest productivity, regeneration, and diversity. Most research focused on management impacts under relatively stable environmental conditions, whereas forests are facing increasingly frequent and more severe climatic and biotic disturbances. Here, we used a regionally calibrated forest growth model to simulate the effects of forest management on carbon, biodiversity, and wood production under prevalent natural disturbances in the northeastern US. We developed scenarios combining forest management and disturbance regimes based on assumptions of species-specific tree regeneration and mortality rates. We compared passive management with no cutting that prioritizes maintaining existing forest trees with two common regional harvest practices: exploitative timber harvest that prioritizes short-term wood production and regenerative timber harvest that prioritizes regenerating biodiverse native forest tree seedlings. In the absence of natural disturbance, no cutting provides 41% higher forest carbon storage and 50% higher tree structural diversity after 100 years than exploitative or regenerative practices. The presence of drought, windstorm, pest, and disease disturbances altered these outcomes. Regenerative forest management provides 25% higher forest carbon storage and 26% higher tree structural diversity after 100 years than no cutting. Our results demonstrate that wood products and their carbon storage and fossil emission avoidance are important for determining the total climate benefits of forest management under natural disturbances. Our findings highlight that natural disturbance regimes should be considered when selecting management to promote multiple forest benefits, suggesting the need for tailored as opposed to one-size-fits-all policies to sustainably manage temperate forests worldwide.

A Bali perspective: Intention for sustainable customary and village forest management in the post pandemic era

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has generated significant impacts on the forestry sector. Employment layoffs have led to an increase in return migration, resulting in additional labor supply and heightened family economic burdens. This research employs the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework to examine and predict sustainable forest management practices among families managing customary forests and village forests in Bali. Methods Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 71 managers of customary forests and village forests in Tenganan and Wanagiri. Partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the acquired data. Results The findings demonstrated that TPB can explain the sustainable forest management. The incorporation of an additional construct, Tri Hita Karana (THK), enhanced the model’s predictive power for both managerial intentions and behaviors in sustainable forest management. Specifically, THK influences management intentions through the mediation of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Conclusions This study established that THK, a fundamental value system in Balinese society, serves an antecedent predictor of behavioral intentions toward sustainable forest management. The relationship between THK and sustainable forest management intentions is mediated by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This research makes significant theoretical and managerial contributions. First, it validates the established TPB framework within the context of COVID-19’s impact in Bali. Additionally, it provides scholars with insights for identifying other potential constructs that may influence forest land managers’ behavior.

Assessing the potential global distribution of Monochamus sutor (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) under the influence of climate change and human activities based on Maximum Entropy model.

Monochamus sutor, an important phytophagous pest, is a known vector insect of Bursaphelenchus mucronatus in addition to feeding directly on trees. Although B. mucronatus causes relatively minor damage in European and Asian forests, its threat to coniferous forests is similar to that of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Given that B. xylophilus evolved into a destructive pathogen after its introduction into Asia, B. mucronatus may also pose a potential threat to North American coniferous forests. Therefore, we assessed the potential global distributions areas of M. sutor and their relative dynamics under different climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) in the current (i. considering only bioclimatic factors; ii. including anthropogenic factors) and in the future (2050s and 2070s) using an optimized Maximum Entropy ecological niche model. The mean area under the curve value of the optimized model was greater than 0.86 and the true skill statistic value was greater than 0.79. Potentially suitable habitat for M. sutor is driven by a combination of temperature (Bio1 and Bio2), precipitation (Bio14, Bio15, and Bio18), and human activities. In the current period, suitable areas are concentrated in Europe, East Asia, and North America, and are smaller in the presence of anthropogenic disturbance than in the presence of bioclimatic factors alone. At the same time, under future climate scenarios, the potential range of M. sutor will always expand more than contract, with a projected increase of 1,329.02 to 1,798.23 × 104 km2 compared to the current time period, especially spread toward Canada and the United States of America in North America. The present study provides important insights into the potential risks of M. sutor, which is important to help guide decision-making in pest control as well as forest conservation.

Adaptive forest conservation in southwest China’s biodiversity hotspot: integrating spatiotemporal dynamics

ABSTRACT Forest fragmentation disrupts ecological processes and negatively impacts ecosystem health and human benefits. Forest landscape dynamics are influenced by both natural factors and human activities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for sustainable forest management and conservation. This study analyzes the forest landscape dynamics in Yunnan Province, China, in 2000, 2010 and 2020 using Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA). The findings reveal significant changes in forest core areas’ spatial distribution and connectivity, highlighting both successful conservation efforts and ongoing challenges. Forest coverage increased from 47% in 2000 to 67% in 2020, largely due to China’s conservation efforts. MSPA results show core areas becoming more consolidated, with fewer smaller patches and more extensive contiguous areas, particularly in the southwestern and northwest regions. However, the disappearance of core areas in some border regions highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate habitat loss and maintain ecological integrity. Key conservation areas include Ailaoshan and Wuliangshan National Nature Reserves in the central region, Wumengshan in the northeast, Xishuangbanna in the south, and Gaoligongshan in the northwest. Moreover, the counties with high forest stability in the southwest region have a positive impact on surrounding counties, whereas urban expansion in the eastern region has a negative impact on forest stability. Efforts to restore and protect forest ecosystems should continue, with a focus on enhancing forest landscape connectivity, particularly in the eastern and central regions, which face significant pressures from urban expansion and land development.

Integrating seasonal dynamics and human impact on microbial biomass carbon across deep soil profiles in tropical Sal forest of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, India

Forest soil is crucial in climate change mitigation, food security, and biogeochemical nutrient cycling. Mixed Sal forests enhance soil organic matter, improve nutrient availability, and regulate pH dynamics. However, anthropogenic disturbances, including deforestation and land-use changes, significantly alter forest cover, leading to shifts in soil physicochemical and microbial properties. These impacts necessitate rigorous monitoring and comprehensive assessment. Therefore, we investigated the effects of contrasting conditions- closed (no human activities) and open (human interferences) mixed Sal Forest on the vertical and seasonal dynamics of microbial biomass carbon (SMBC). Results revealed that the closed mixed Sal Forest had significantly higher SMBC than the open mixed Sal Forest across the soil profile (D1–D5) with a strong seasonal effect. Closed mixed Sal Forest had 60% higher SMBC in D1 than open mixed Sal Forest while it reduced with depth and 17.1 to 56.7% higher SMBC in the subsurface to bottom-most soil profile (D2–D5). Moreover, SMBC was higher in the monsoon period in both forests. The SMBC reduced by 24.2 to 45.1% in the post-monsoon period while reduction was more intense in the pre-monsoon period (48.1 to 68.2%) compared to the monsoon period under closed mixed Sal Forest. Similarly, the decline was more intense in the open mixed Sal Forest, where SMBC declined 12.1 to 54% in the post-monsoon period and 56.1 to 76.2% in the pre-monsoon period compared to the monsoon period. The study indicates that human interference in mixed Sal forests leads to loss of forest cover, negatively affecting microbiological properties and reducing soil fertility, which weakens the forest’s resilience to climate change. Additionally, SMBC exhibits seasonal variations, reflecting responses to environmental conditions. These results underline the need to reduce human disturbances and enhance forest conservation strategies to ensure soil sustainability and ecosystem stability.

Forests, wildlife, and economy: the role of hunting tourism in Czechia’s sustainable forest management

Forests and forest ecosystems are vital for providing habitats to wildlife while also supporting economic activities beneficial to society. Among these, hunting tourism represents a valuable economic opportunity across European regions, particularly in remote rural areas, and its integration into sustainable forest management can amplify the value of forest ecosystems. Integrating hunting tourism into sustainable forest management can enhance the long-term environmental, social, and economic value of forest ecosystems. The aim of this study is to assess the economic impact of hunting tourism as an integral part of sustainable forest management and restoration efforts in Czechia, with a particular focus on its contribution to the national economy between 2019 and 2022. Utilizing an input–output model and multiplier analysis, it quantifies both direct and indirect economic impacts based on domestic and foreign hunting tourist numbers, their expenditures, and symmetric input–output tables (SIOT), highlighting interdependencies among economic sectors. Results showed that hunting tourism contributes over 80 million euros annually to Czechia’s economy, though income saw a decline in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings emphasize the role of forest management in sustaining wildlife resources, alongside the importance of data-driven decision-making, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to develop growth strategies that support both economic resilience and ecological restoration.

Bosques al vaivén del conflicto armado: un estudio de caso en el oriente antioqueño, Colombia

The study investigates changes in vegetation cover in the Regional District of Integrated Management Bosques, Mármoles and Pantágoras (DRMI BMP) in eastern Antioquia Colombia and their relationship with the armed conflict. Using satellite imagery from 2000, 2013, and 2020 and 37 semi-structured interviews, it analyzes spatial and temporal patterns in land cover. The findings reveal a significant reduction in natural forest vegetation cover and an increase in areas of productive activities such as mining and cattle ranching, especially between 2013 and 2020. The results suggest that the decrease in armed conflict influenced the increase in productive activities, intensifying deforestation and forest degradation and affecting biodiversity. It is concluded that, although the decrease in conflict has brought socioeconomic changes, it has also led to a negative impact on the conservation of forests.

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

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

Can extended rotations promote the reconciliation of multiple management goals set for production forests in Nordic countries?

ABSTRACT We studied the ability of extended rotations as a measure to promote sustainable management of production forests in Nordic countries. We carried out scenario analyses for three large forest regions in Southern Finland, Central Sweden, and South-Eastern Norway, where forestry has a high socioeconomic value. We analyzed the effects on wood production, carbon sequestration, and the amount of produced deadwood over the 50 years. In the reference scenario (BAU), the prevailing management of production forests was applied. In the scenario for extended rotations (EXT), rotation lengths were extended by 30 years, on average. We used data from national forest inventories to represent the current stage of the regions’ forests and produced future forecasts using local models, which have been widely applied in large-scale analyses. The increase in carbon sequestration and production of deadwood in production forests can be achieved by lengthening rotations but only at the expense of harvesting removals. The increase in annual carbon sequestration is between 0.7 and 1.6 Mg CO2 eq ha−1. Natural mortality increases by 20–30% along with the amount of deadwood by 0.15 m3 ha−1 a−1, on average. The decrease in the mean annual harvesting removals varies from 0.4 to 1.6 m3 ha−1 a−1 from region to region.

Leveraging Technology for Anti-Corruption Strategies in Forestry Services: Insights from Bhutan

Corruption in forestry services poses serious threats to sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation, particularly in developing nations like Bhutan, where forests are vital to the environment and the economy. This study examines how technological tools such as the Online Forestry System (OFS) and the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) have been used in Bhutan to enhance transparency and accountability. The primary data source was the Integrity Assessment of Forestry Services in Bhutan, conducted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2024. The study collected data through 68 semi-structured interviews with service users and focus group discussions with 168 forestry officials across all 14 Divisional Forest Offices. An inductive, bottom-up method guided theory development, allowing insights to emerge directly from field data. Findings show OFS and SMART limited face-to-face interactions, improved data accuracy, and raised public awareness of forestry regulations by enhancing transparency and accountability in forestry services in Bhutan. However, challenges persist, including rural-urban digital divides, insufficient training, and resistance rooted in socio-cultural norms. The paper recommends strengthening capacity-building programs, improving digital infrastructure in remote areas, and exploring technologies like blockchain and AI to reinforce anti-corruption efforts. These findings provide relevant insights into technology-driven governance reforms in forestry, offering practical lessons for Bhutan and similar contexts globally.

Nature conservation policies are biased toward forests and neglect grassy ecosystems worldwide.

Globally, grassy ecosystems (including grasslands, savannas, shrublands, woodlands, and tundra) cover 30 to 40% of the land and provide important benefits such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, livestock production, and cultural services. However, despite their importance, the conservation of grassy ecosystems-compared with that of forests-has been neglected around the world, leading to a greater loss rate than forest ecosystems in many regions. Here, we examine this bias in public conservation discourse and policies that give priority to forests and neglect the conservation of grassy ecosystems worldwide. We argue that grassy ecosystems need stronger legal safeguards and global recognition to match forest conservation efforts.

A Comprehensive Comparison of Insulation Materials for Timber Building Systems

The key objectives of both European Union and Portuguese policies are energy efficiency and carbon neutrality in the building sector. Timber construction offers unique advantages in achieving these goals, such as increased productivity through faster and more efficient building processes, using renewable resources with lower carbon emissions during production and throughout the lifecycle, and contributions to forest conservation. However, in many countries, timber construction remains underutilised due to concerns about its thermal and acoustic performance, fire safety, and limited availability of raw materials. This study addresses these challenges by evaluating the potential of various insulation materials, including polystyrenes, mineral wools, natural fibres, composites, and acoustic mats, for incorporation into prefabricated timber components. Key performance criteria included thermal insulation, sound absorption, fire reaction, environmental impact, and local availability. Among the materials analysed, glass wool, rock wool, and cork emerged as the most favourable options, offering excellent thermal and acoustic performance and presenting strong results in other key parameters. These findings underscore the potential of incorporating these materials into timber construction systems, contributing to developing sustainable and high-performance building solutions.

Multispecies allometric models for estimating aboveground biomass in plantation and natural dry Afromontane forests in northcentral Ethiopia.

Dry Afromontane forests in Ethiopia are crucial for carbon sequestration; however, the absence of robust biomass and carbon stock estimation models hinders accurate assessment. This study addresses this limitation by developing and validating site-specific, multispecies biomass estimation models for Wof-Washa plantation and natural forests. Biometric data were collected from 127 harvested trees representing seven dominant species from both plantation and natural forests. Aboveground biomass (AGB) was regressed against diameter at breast height (DBH) as the sole predictor, with stepwise inclusion of total height (H), crown area (CA), and wood density (ρ). Weighted nonlinear least squares regression was performed to fit new models for each forest, their performance was evaluated using the root mean square error (rRMSE), pseudo-R2, and relative mean prediction error (rMPE %). The best-selected model using DBH and H explained 90% and 95% of the variation in the AGB of plantation and natural forests, respectively. This model produced the lowest bias (rMPE = 5.9% for plantation and 2.5% for natural forests) compared to pan-tropical models. Our findings demonstrated that our optimal model provides accurate AGB predictions at plot and landscape levels. This confirms that the models can provide sufficiently reliable estimations of carbon stocks, indicating the potential for national carbon accounting and thereby enhancing decision-making in the study forests. Therefore, the findings of this research contribute directly to enhancing the accuracy of carbon dynamic monitoring and supporting sustainable forest management, a crucial component in global efforts to combat climate change.