Sustainable Utilization Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Identifying indigenous practices for cultivation of wild saprophytic mushrooms: responding to the need for sustainable utilization of natural resources

BackgroundDue to increasing pressure on natural resources, subsistence agriculture communities in Uganda and Sub-Saharan Africa are experiencing increasingly restricted access to diminishing natural resources that are a critical requirement of their livelihoods. Previously, common-pool resources like forests and grasslands have been either gazetted for conservation or leased for agriculture, the latter in particular for large-scale sugarcane production. Satisfying the increasing consumer demand for grassland or forestry products like wild mushrooms as food or medicine, requires innovative ethno-biological and industry development strategies to improve production capacity, while easing the pressure on diminishing natural resources and averting ecosystems degradation.MethodsThis case study addresses traditional knowledge systems for artisanal mycoculture to identify cultivation practices that enhance sustainable utilization of natural resources. Multi-scalar stakeholder engagement across government and community sectors identified artisanal mushroom producers across five districts in Uganda. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews characterized artisanal production methods and identified locally used substrates for cultivation of different mushroom species.ResultsArtisanal practices were characterized for the cultivation of six wild saprophytic mushroom species including Volvariella speciosa (akasukusuku), two Termitomyces sp. (obunegyere and another locally unnamed species), Agaricus sp. (ensyabire) and Agrocybe sp. (emponzira), and one exotic Pleurotus sp. (oyster) that are used as food or medicine. The substrates used for each species differed according to the mushroom’s mode of decomposition, those being the following: tertiary decomposers such as those growing under rotting tree stumps or logs from forestry activity like the Agrocybe sp. known as emponzira which grows in forests, thickets, or near homesteads where big logs of hardwood have been left to rot. Also pieces of firewood are chipped off whenever need arises thus providing fuel; secondary decomposers growing on naturally composted grass associated with termites like the Termitomyces sp. known as obunegyere growing in protected sites in gardens, composted cattle manure for Agaricus sp. known as ensyabire in the kraal area where cattle manure is plenty, composted maize cobs for a locally unnamed Agaricus sp. on heaped cobs placed near homesteads; and primary decomposers growing on waste sorghum from brewing the traditional alcoholic drink, muramba for Pleurotus sp. (oyster), and banana and spear grass residue from banana juice processing like the Volvariella speciosa known as akasukusuku because it is associated with the banana plantation locally known in the Luganda language as olusuku and is usually heaped under ficus trees. Management practices also varied based on mode of decomposition and other ecological requirements such as the following: zero tillage and minimal disturbance in areas where obunegyere grow, heaping banana and spear grass residues under the cool ficus trees which also keep them away from banana stump that may cause infestation with nematodes and insects. Even within the generic practices accessibility by the users is critical for example placing logs near homes where children can use them to play, they can be used as fire wood and to even get off-season mushroom as household waste water can make the mushrooms grow.ConclusionsOur description of artisanal mycoculture methods that respond to conservation and utilization pressures, demonstrates the value of addressing traditional knowledge to improve ethno-biology and mycoculture industry practice. Traditional communities engage in multiple technological and organizational innovations and practices for sustainability and in the case of mushroom production to conserve the environment and culture, ensure variety, food and nutrition security, and income. The results of this study present opportunities to preserve ecosystem quality while developing an artisanal mycoculture system. They have also identified aspects of artisanal mycoculture that most urgently require further ethno-biological study and industry development. Future research and industry development can utilize the result of this study to boost artisanal production of wild saprophytic mushrooms in Sub-Saharan countries, for food or medicinal consumption, and environment conservation. Further development of production efficiencies in context with sustainable natural resource management is recommended.

Salt-Regulated Accumulation of the Compatible Solutes Sucrose and Glucosylglycerol in Cyanobacteria and Its Biotechnological Potential.

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes that can assimilate inorganic carbon via oxygenic photosynthesis, which results in the formation of organic compounds essentially from CO2, water, and light. Increasing concerns regarding the increase in atmospheric CO2 due to fossil energy usage fueled the idea of a photosynthesis-driven and CO2-neutral, i.e., cyanobacteria-based biotechnology. The ability of various cyanobacteria to tolerate high and/or fluctuating salinities attenuates the requirement of freshwater for their cultivation, which makes these organisms even more interesting regarding a sustainable utilization of natural resources. However, those applications require a detailed knowledge of the processes involved in salt acclimation. Here, we review the current state of our knowledge on the regulation of compatible solute accumulation in cyanobacteria. The model organism Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 responds to increasing salinities mainly by the accumulation of glucosylglycerol (GG) and sucrose. After exposure toward increased salt concentrations, the accumulation of the main compatible solute GG is achieved by de novo synthesis. The key target of regulation is the enzyme GG-phosphate synthase (GgpS) and involves transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and biochemical mechanisms. Recently, the GG-degrading enzyme GG hydrolase A (GghA) was identified, which is particularly important for GG degradation during exposure to decreasing salinities. The inversely ion-regulated activities of GgpS and GghA could represent the main model for effectively tuning GG steady state levels according to external salinities. Similar to GG, the intracellular amount of sucrose is also salt-regulated and seems to be determined by the balance of sucrose synthesis via sucrose-phosphate synthase (Sps) and its degradation via invertase (Inv). In addition to their role as stress protectants, both compatible solutes also represent promising targets for biotechnology. Hence, the increasing knowledge on the regulation of compatible solute accumulation not only improves our understanding of the stress physiology of cyanobacteria but will also support their future biotechnological applications.

Artificial Cultivation of the Chinese Cordyceps From Injected Ghost Moth Larvae.

The Chinese cordyceps, regarded as the 'Himalayan Viagra', is highly valued for its medicinal benefits. The decline of its yield due to over-exploitation and increased market demand have stimulated efforts to artificially cultivate Chinese cordyceps for over half a century. However, successful cultivation of Chinese cordyceps through caterpillar infection by the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) and the induction of the fruiting body from each mummified cadaver remains difficult for its complex life cycle. Herein, we report the developmental dynamics of hyphal bodies in hemolymph of injected Thitarodes xiaojinensis (Tu, Ma & Zhang) larvae and the success in artificial cultivation of sexual fruiting bodies from the mummified cadavers in the low-altitude area. We find that not only the numbers of hyphal bodies but also the conversion of hyphal bodies into hyphae played important roles in the mummification of the injected larvae. This cultivation will be beneficial for sustainable utilization of natural resources and provides the possibility for further research on the mechanism of the interaction between pathogenic fungus and host insect.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION

Conservation of natural resources is a natural resource management whose utilization is done wisely to ensure the continuity of its availability by maintaining and improving the quality of diversity and value. Conservation of natural resources and ecosystems aims to achieve the realization of the sustainability of natural resources and the equilibrium of the ecosystem so that it can better support the efforts to improve the community welfare and the quality of human life. The problem are the implementation of conservation of natural resources and its ecosystem in the region based on Act No. 5 of 1990 and law enforcement against perpetrators of the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems. The research method used is legal research using a statutory and conceptual approach. The conservation of natural resources and ecosystems is based on preserving the ability and utilization of natural resources and their ecosystem in a harmonious and balanced environment. The conservation of natural resources and ecosystems is conducted through the protection of life-supporting systems, preserving the diversity of plant and animal species along with its ecosystem and the sustainable utilization of natural resources and ecosystem.

Identifying the determining factors of recreation demand in Kongar Lake of South Sumatera: An individual travel cost approach

Assessing the economic value of natural resources is always challenging and depends on various perspectives. Specifically, this study seeks to identify the determining factors of recreation demand regarding the Kongar Lake of South Sumatera. The data was obtained from a survey of 150 individuals who visited the lake. The approach used descriptive statistics and an individual travel cost method (ITCM) to conduct the investigation of distributional effects across variables on the number of visitors by using a linear multiple regression approach with a natural logarithm model. The findings suggest that (i) joint recreation demand is influenced by travel costs, income, distance, education, age, and work hours per day; (ii) in part the results of this study show that determining factors of recreation demand are based on travel cost, distance, and education; (iii) the consumer surplus was IDR.16,912 per visit and the annual recreational value included 1,720 people who visited the lake annually over an area of 5,298,288 per ha. The results of this study reveal that Kongar Lake has a considerable recreational value that, from this point of view, can help policymakers to make the case for preservation planning and sustainable utilization of natural resources.

Study on Temporal Alterations in Land Cover Types in Simien Mountain National Park, Northwest Ethiopia

This study was carried out in Simien Mountain National Park (SMNP) of Ethiopia to trace the temporal dynamics in land use types from the information generated through the analysis of land sat images. Results revealed that throughout the study period, variable extent of changes was observed in land use classes. In the first reference period (1972 - 1994), agricultural (9945.56 ha) and barren land (3066.6 ha) showed a remarkable increment whereas other land use types were decreased. In the second reference period (1994 - 2017), montane forest, grassland and shadow showed increasing trend with the dramatic change in grassland. In the first reference period (1972 - 1994), maximum negative rate of change was observed for Erica forest with deceleration rate of 83 ha/year which continued in the 2nd reference period (1994 - 2017) with the change decreasing rate of 16.6 ha/year. Maximum positive rate of change (74.6 ha/year) was observed for agricultural land followed by barren land (68.6 ha/year). In the second reference period maximum positive rate of change was observed for grassland with accelerated rate of change 260.5 ha/year whereas maximum deceleration rate (272.8 ha/year) was observed for agricultural land. At present, montane forest cover is increasing whereas agricultural land is decreasing dramatically contributing for the restoration of the ecosystem. However, intensified grazing was identified as a principal driver affecting ecological process in the Park; therefore, a long term strategy should be designed to meet the sustainable utilization of natural resources in the Park.

A social network analysis of cooperation in forest, mining and tourism industries in the Finnish–Russian cross-border region: connectivity, hubs and robustness

ABSTRACTIn this article the distribution and intensity of cross-border cooperation (CBC) networks are tested with primary survey and interview data collected from the Finnish–Russian cross-border region. The study concentrates on the cross-border connectivity of three regionally significant and interlocking sectors (forest, mining and tourism industries together with associated research and administrative organisations) with varying strategies towards natural resource use. The collected data were examined by applying social network analysis tools developed for cross-border contexts. The results depict varying landscapes of CBC depending on the type (firms, research and administrative organisations) of the surveyed actors. Overall the studied CBC network is weakly developed with low firm-level participation and low integration between the sectors – a weakness in the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Local administrative and research organisations are the network hubs in the studied cross-border region. As apositive note, the CBC network is not solely reliant on these few network hubs but also consists of several moderately connected cross-border actors that increase its robustness against cross-border network failures. The emergence of new and the deepening of the existing cross-border links between the industries would be pivotal for good policy design regarding local land-use and natural resource use policies.Abbreviations: CBC: Cross-border cooperation; CBR: Cross-border region; NGO: Non-governmental organisation; SNA: Social network analysis

Environmental-friendly Eco-labeling Matters: Evidences From an ERPs Study.

Nowadays, the international community is becoming increasingly concerned about the sustainable utilization of natural resources. In order to protect the environment and reward sustainable practices, eco-labeling that signifies the environmental friendliness of the labeled food is already widely promoted in many regions around the world. Thus, it is of great importance for researchers to study consumers’ attitudes toward eco-labeled food as food is supposed to satisfy consumers’ needs. This study employed the event-related potentials (ERPs) approach to investigate consumers’ attitudes toward eco-labeled food by comparing their neural processing of visual stimuli depicting eco-labeled and non-labeled food. Our results showed that behaviorally, participants preferred to buy eco-labeled food rather than non-labeled one. At the neural level, we observed markedly smaller P2 and N2 amplitudes when pictures of eco-labeled food were presented. Furthermore, we also found that amplitudes of P2 were negatively correlated with participants’ purchase intention. Therefore, our current findings suggest that, while the environmental-friendly eco-labeling was not to one’s own interests, it might still be evocative, which induce consumers’ positive emotion, bring less cognitive conflict to the purchase decision-making and then result in a greater purchasing intention. This effect might be the result of the delivered value of social desirability.

A study of the roles, opportunities and challenges of environmental sub-committees (ESCs): A case of Masvingo district, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is committed to the implementation of environmental management strategies that promote the conservation of biological diversity while supporting sustainable utilisation of natural resources. As part of this strategy, Environmental Sub-Committees have been established throughout the country in order to support the work of Environmental Committees. This study was conducted in Masvingo District to determine the role of Environmental Sub-Committees in Natural Resources Management and the challenges they face. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents in the Wards which had functional committees. Questionnaires were used in interviews with 38 Environmental Sub-Committee members from 12 wards as well as representatives from 8 organisations that interface with Environmental Sub-Committees. The results showed that the major roles of Environmental Sub-Committees were related to promoting environmental awareness and in the enforcement of environmental laws. Major challenges faced by Environmental Sub-Committees were resistance from the communities, absence of an Environmental sub-Committee identification system and inadequate transport. The majority of the respondents highlighted that there was a need to amend several by-laws in order to enhance environmental protection within the District. The most common offences are related to deforestation (41%), veld fires (27%) and gold panning (12%). There was a high incidence of repeat offenders and this was attributed to the non-deterrent fines currently in place. It was therefore recommended that Environmental Sub-Committees should strengthen efforts to create awareness of their activities among those stakeholders who are also involved in natural resources management. Environmental Sub-Committees can play a pivotal role in Natural Resources Management if the challenges that they face are fully addressed.

Evaluation of fish protein hydrolysates in juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) diets

Fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) were used in a feeding trial with juvenile African catfish Clarias gariepinus, to determine their effects on growth and feed utilisation, and impact on non-specific immune function and body composition, at varying dietary inclusion levels. Fish processing by-products were enzymatically hydrolysed to a degree of hydrolysis of 16%, and included at 4 dietary levels: 10 g kg−1, 19 g kg−1, 28 g kg−1 and 38 g kg−1 dry matter, respectively substituting 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of dietary fish meal. The FPH had high protein content (763 g kg−1 on dry weight basis), of which a high proportion consisted of essential amino acids (417 g kg−1 protein). Feeding trial results indicated that all diets supported high specific growth rates of 4.72–5.09% day−1, and final animal weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and animal condition factor were unaffected by dietary FPH inclusion. Apparent dry matter digestibility was also not affected by FPH inclusion. Inclusion of 19 g kg−1 FPH resulted in higher (P < 0.05) serum immunoglobulin levels compared to the control, while total protein and lysozyme levels remained unaffected. FPH also affected body composition, resulting in lower (P < 0.05) moisture for all FPH treatments compared to the control, and higher (P < 0.05) lipid levels except at 28 g kg−1 inclusion. In conclusion, the FPH represents a nutritious feed ingredient which can be utilised in juvenile African catfish diets up to 38 g kg−1 inclusion without affecting growth, feed utilisation or condition factor. The FPH exhibited bioactivity through significantly enhanced immunoglobulin levels at an intermediate inclusion level of 19 g kg−1. The work demonstrates that FPH can have a dual effect when included in aquaculture diets, as it can act as nutritious feed ingredient effectively replacing a portion of dietary fish meal, while simultaneously improving components of the non-specific immune function. The work is further relevant in that it clearly demonstrates the possibility of utilising by-products not destined for fish meal production, for production of aquaculture feed ingredients. It therefore contributes to sustainable utilisation of natural resources, and the improvement of aquaculture feeding practices.

The Development of Wildlife Community Conservancies in Kenya: A Preliminary Review

The significance of biodiversity conservation has transformed from a concern for conservation of endangered species and landscapes into an increasingly diverse yet comprehensive set of conservation, social and economic development goals. Community conservancy, a powerful extension of the PA system, has great potential to support biodiversity conservation, poverty eradication and conflict mitigation. Based on its policy environment and development characteristics, Kenya has implemented community conservation practices, and established over 160 conservancies across the country in the past decades. This paper reviews the development and experiences of community conservancies, discusses how they have been implemented in Kenya, and looks at the management paradigm, efficacy and challenges to help better understand the community conservancy approach. The development trajectory and lessons these conservancies have to offer can contribute to the sustainable utilization of natural resources and the enhancement of community wellbeing in Kenya and other countries alike.

Transition towards Renewable Energy Production? Potential in Smallholder Agricultural Systems in West Bengal, India

Renewable energy (RE) production promotes the efficient and sustainable utilization of natural resources at the local level. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perceptions of RE production in two villages in West Bengal, India. The availability and potential of renewable resources and livelihood characteristics of smallholders were explored. Relevant factors for the selection of appropriate RE technologies were identified, based on the participatory, bottom-up Integrated Renewable Energy Potential Assessment. The research area has abundant solar resources and substantial amounts of organic residues and waste suitable for biodigestion. Important factors for RE technology selection, as stated by farmers, are: ease of daily activities, government support, and limited land requirements. Solar-photovoltaic (PV) systems providing sufficient electricity for household use and irrigation are considered the most appropriate. Key informants focus on initial investment costs, government support, and reduced energy expenditure. They favor solar-PV systems for household electrification. Second choice was an integrated food and energy system that combines solar-PV for irrigation and vermicomposting of organic residues/wastes for fertilizer production. Smallholder famers’ motivation to produce and use RE is high. Their perspective should be integrated in the design of RE-supporting policies and related programs to utilize local natural resources effectively and promote the transition towards renewable energy.

Changes in coastal city ecosystem service values based on land use—A case study of Yingkou, China

The valuation of ecosystem services is intended to facilitate the rational and sustainable utilization of natural resources. However, calculating the values of natural resources is complex, and research is underway in this regard. The change of land use types can reflect the changes in the area of each ecosystem; therefore, in this study, land use changes in Yingkou (located in the south of Liaoning Province and an important port city) over a 10-year period (2004–2014) are assessed using a geographic information systems platform and the 2004, 2009 and 2014 Thematic Mapper remotely sensed images of the area. The Costanza calculation method and classification system are used to estimate changes in the total values of ecosystem services in the Yingkou area from 2004 to 2014 and to investigate the causes of these changes. The “change tendency” of particular ecological communities is calculated using the Variable coefficient, the Gini coefficient, and the Theil index. The results reveal the following: (i) The total value of ecosystem services in the Yingkou area decreased drastically (i.e., from $2567.60 million to $2127.26 million, representing a 17.2% decline) between 2004 and 2014. (ii) Aquatic ecosystem services are valued greater than terrestrial services. In Yingkou, a decline in the value of aquatic ecosystem services accounts for 88.6% of the total decrease in ecosystem service value. (iii) Land reclamation in the Yingkou urban area emerges as the primary factor influencing ecosystem service values for the various ecological communities in the region. The ecosystem service value of each ecological community is different, and the differences between the contributions made by the various communities to the total ecosystem services value are increasing over time. (iv) The decline in ecosystem service values in Yingkou is linked to urban development. Following widespread land reclamation, an increase in land area intended for urban construction is associated with a decrease in water area.

Advanced Materials for Future Generations of Automotive Batteries: Potential and Limits

New mobility concepts are required to balance the individual need for mobility and the sustainable utilization of natural resources as well as the protection of the environment. Technology improvements are necessary that allow the transition towards mobility concepts based on renewable energies. Today the electrification of drive trains, ranging from hybrid vehicles to plug-in hybrids, and finally to pure electric vehicles, is the commonly accepted next step in this direction. BMW is strongly committed to this path. The electric energy storage is the key technology for electrification. Energy and/or power density of the storage system define the fuel reduction potential as well as the customer acceptance. To make it a success story, care has to be taken to fulfill the present and future customer expectations, in particular with regard to safety and reliability, performance and costs. One of the major factors for a high market penetration of electric vehicles is the ratio between driving range and costs. More than 90% of the world wide vehicle market falls in the price range below 50.000$; on the other hand, a driving range above 400 km is needed. That requires energy density targets above 250 Wh/kg or 400 Wh/l for a battery pack, with costs as low as 150 $/kWh. Different strategies are nowadays considered which enable a considerable increase in the electric range. These include the optimization of cell and electrode design. But the largest impact on the energy density is the introduction of novel cathode and anode materials for Li-ion cells. There are a number of materials in development which may give an improvement in energy density. But only a few seem to have the potential to meet automotive requirements in particular regarding lifetime and safety. For most of the material developments considerable improvements are needed before a possible industrialization of the new generations of batteries for automotive application can be envisaged. This presentation will outline the potential and limits of present material concepts from a car manufacturer point of view. In particular it will address open issues to be solved in the future development of electric energy storage technologies for automotive applications.

ChemInform Abstract: Advances in Exploring Alternative Taxol Sources

AbstractReview: 75 refs.

Thomas F. Fässler

Thomas F. Fässler

Pengembangan Sistem Pemanenan Air Hujan untuk Penyediaan Air Bersih di Selatpanjang Riau

Abstract: The research was conducted from March to June 2015 during the rainy season and the Village were located in four Selatpanjang South Village, East Selatpanjang, Selatpanjang City and West Selatpanjang Tebing Tinggi District of Riau Kepulauan Meranti. The purpose of this study was to analyze the potential availability of rainwater, water needs population in the region Selatpanjang 2030, the development of rainwater harvesting systems and outlines the relationship with environmental, social and economic. The method used in this study was the observation by analyzing rainfall, debit mainstay, drainage coefficient (α), population projections, the ratio of the number of residents with clean water needs as well as rainwater harvesting design. The results showed that the potential of rainwater in the area amounted to an average Selatpanjang 1724.8 mm/year, of the four sub regions Selatpanjang rain water can be harvested amounted to 17.248 billion liters/year. The four village Selatpanjang region in 2030 amounted 49 471 inhabitants population in predicted, so, it is necessary to clean water for 534 286 800 liters for three months. So if managed and well developed, the rain water can meet the need of clean water Selatpanjang community throughout the year. How to manage it is by developing the rainwater harvesting system with a system of individual, communal for three families and communal for five families and build ponds to accommodate the run-off. Economically, the use of rainwater harvesting system is cheaper than buying water each summer, primarily communal system for three families. Socially aspects that bring positive habits and reduce conflicts between neighbors and the environment, with the principle of sustainable utilization of natural resources. The quality of rain water in Selatpanjang meets the criteria for clean water, so it can be used as a source of clean water.

Advances in exploring alternative Taxol sources

The protection and sustainable utilization of natural resources are among the most pressing global problems of the 21st century.

Monitoring Vegetation Coverage and Biomass Using Landsat Thematic Mapper 5 Images in a Foothill Artemisia-Ephemeral Rangeland of Uzbekistan

This paper describes the capability of remote sensing in the monitoring of rangeland vegetation productivities and dynamics in the foothill areas of Uzbekistan, in order to enhance the sustainable utilization of natural resources. Seasonal productivity, including above-ground biomass, density, coverage, foliar chlorophyll, and carotene content, was measured for the Artemisia diffusa, the dominant species of the study area. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), extracted from time-series Landsat TM5 satellite images, was used to obtain pertinent data regarding vegetation coverage and potential productivities. Seasonal precipitation was found to be a key factor in governing soil moisture in the semi-arid foothill rangelands, which directly influence the dynamics of plants and productivities. Precipitation and soil moisture determine the length of the plant growing season and further influence NDVI values. We found that time-series NDVI was significantly correlated with the seasonal green and total above-ground biomass of vegetation and coverage of Artemisia diffusa, soil moisture, and changeable nitrogen. We also found that the foliar chlorophylls of Artemisia diffusa was significantly correlated with the green above-ground biomass (r = 0.44, P < 0.05). The results can contribute to further monitoring of ecosystem health and habitat conditions using remote sensing (RS) as an accurate tool in large rangeland areas.

Mapping the optimal forest road network based on the multicriteria evaluation technique: the case study of Mediterranean Island of Thassos in Greece

The sustainable management of forest resources can only be achieved through a well-organized road network designed with the optimal spatial planning and the minimum environmental impacts. This paper describes the spatial layout mapping for the optimal forest road network and the environmental impacts evaluation that are caused to the natural environment based on the multicriteria evaluation (MCE) technique at the Mediterranean island of Thassos in Greece. Data analysis and its presentation are achieved through a spatial decision support system using the MCE method with the contribution of geographic information systems (GIS). With the use of the MCE technique, we evaluated the human impact intensity to the forest ecosystem as well as the ecosystem’s absorption from the impacts that are caused from the forest roads’ construction. For the human impact intensity evaluation, the criteria that were used are as follows: the forest’s protection percentage, the forest road density, the applied skidding means (with either the use of tractors or the cable logging systems in timber skidding), the timber skidding direction, the visitors’ number and truck load, the distance between forest roads and streams, the distance between forest roads and the forest boundaries, and the probability that the forest roads are located on sights with unstable soils. In addition, for the ecosystem’s absorption evaluation, we used forestry, topographical, and social criteria. The recommended MCE technique which is described in this study provides a powerful, useful, and easy-to-use implement in order to combine the sustainable utilization of natural resources and the environmental protection in Mediterranean ecosystems.