Sustainable Management Of Forest Resources Research Articles

Conceptualizing Forest Operations Planning and Management Using Principles of Functional Complex Systems Science to Increase the Forest’s Ability to Withstand Climate Change

The sustainable management of forest resources is greatly influenced by forest operations (FO). Interactions between humans and nature describe how people engage with and are impacted by the natural world. As we enter the Anthropocene epoch, we are being compelled to reevaluate our past and present methods of managing and planning our forest operations in order to find new ones that are more adaptable and successful at addressing the growing unpredictability resulting from accelerating global change. We briefly discuss the goals and constraints of the prior and current management and planning principles for forest operations in this study, focusing on how these principles have evolved on a worldwide scale. We then propose a promising idea, such as managing forest operations as complex adaptive systems and approaches based on resilience and sustainable use of forest resources, in order to achieve the necessary economic, social, and ecological goals. An in-depth understanding of the ecological, economic, and social factors that influence forest resilience is necessary for planning and managing forest operations efficiently. The proposed strategy combines the effectiveness of forest operations with a functional, complex network approach in order to manage forests for the Anthropocene.

Forest Biomass in Bioenergy Production in the Changing Geopolitical Environment of the EU

The article examines the potential utilization of forest biomass in bioenergy production in Europe, taking into account limiting and developmental factors. The methodology includes a strategic analysis and the use of PEST analysis to evaluate the market for wood biomass. In the context of the current geopolitical situation and the decarbonization goals of the EU, the authors recommend accelerating energy transformation and highlighting forest biomass as an alternative within renewable energy sources. A literature review indicates the need to revise EU assumptions to enable the use of wood for bioenergy production, taking into account the needs of the wood industry. The analysis of economic factors shows competitiveness of forest biomass against coal, yet challenges arise regarding resource availability and competition with other energy sources. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of sustainable forest resource management and technological innovation. In the context of an energy crisis, the article underscores the role of innovation and recycling in alleviating shortages in energy markets. Conclusions highlight the imperative to develop a sustainable energy strategy for forest resource management and engage EU countries in the development of new biofuel and renewable energy sources for energy security and environmental protection.

Economic valuation of selected ecosystem services in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan.

Payment for ecosystem services (PES) is a mechanism where a consumer is able and ready to pay for the protection of the precise ecosystem service and there must be a provider such as local societies receiving an economic resource, who in return, must have the ability to maintain that ecosystem service. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services. Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate tourism and carbon stock services of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan. Two forest zones (Chirpine and Scrub) of Islamabad capital territory (ICT) were selected for estimation of carbon stock and their carbon credits and carbon worth, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted for tourism as a payment for ecosystem services. The method for carbon stock assessment was systematic sampling for Chirpine forest whereas random sampling was done for scrub forest. The size of sampling plot was 17.84 m radius, and a total of 93 plots (49 Scrub zone and 44 Chirpine zone) was taken in the study area. The carbon stock of both zones (Chirpine and Scrub zone) is 22556.75 ton/ha (Chirpine 20105.79, Scrub 2450.96) and total carbon dioxide sequestered by both zone is 82557.72 ton/ha (Chirpine 73587.2, Scrub 8970.52), total carbon credits of both zone is 302160.87 (Chirpine 269328.97, Scrub 32831.9) and the carbon worth of both Chirpine and scrub zone is 4532418.92 $ (Chirpine 4039937.09$, Scrub 492481.83$). Similarly, from tourism point of view, in Shakar Parian, 94% tourists were agreed for PES whereas 6% were disagreed for the PES (the 6% tourist were disagreed to contribute for PES, 40% were agreed for Rs.5 contribution and 54% for Rs.10.). moreover, in Lake view Park, 97% tourists were agreed and 3% are disagreed (In Lake View Park 5% tourists were disagreed for the PES contribution whereas 32% were agreed for Rs.5 and 63% were for Rs.10). In Damen e Koh, around 87% tourist were agreed and 13% were disagreed, (24% were agreed for the contribution of Rs.5 and 63% tourists were agreed for the contribution of Rs.10). In Marghazar Zoo, 93% tourists were agreed (22% were agreed for contribution of Rs.5 and 71% tourist were agreed for contribution of Rs.10) and 7% are disagreed for PES whereas 7% tourists were not agreed for contribution. PES may implement to compensate forest and parks manager to ensure better management of the forests and parks. Due to prime location and scenic beauty of the ICT, it has huge potential for implementation of PES mechanism for sustainable forest management and conservation. Therefore, it is recommended that Capital Development Authority (CDA) Islamabad should devise a plan for implementation of PES in forests and parks of ICT for its sustainable management of recreational and forest resources.

Chromosome-scale genomes of commercially important mahoganies, Swietenia macrophylla and Khaya senegalensis

Mahogany species (family Meliaceae) are highly valued for their aesthetic and durable wood. Despite their economic and ecological importance, genomic resources for mahogany species are limited, hindering genetic improvement and conservation efforts. Here we perform chromosome-scale genome assemblies of two commercially important mahogany species: Swietenia macrophylla and Khaya senegalensis. By combining 10X sequencing and Hi-C data, we assemble high-quality genomes of 274.49 Mb (S. macrophylla) and 406.50 Mb (K. senegalensis), with scaffold N50 lengths of 8.51 Mb and 7.85 Mb, respectively. A total of 99.38% and 98.05% of the assembled sequences are anchored to 28 pseudo-chromosomes in S. macrophylla and K. senegalensis, respectively. We predict 34,129 and 31,908 protein-coding genes in S. macrophylla and K. senegalensis, respectively, of which 97.44% and 98.49% are functionally annotated. The chromosome-scale genome assemblies of these mahogany species could serve as a vital genetic resource, especially in understanding the properties of non-model woody plants. These high-quality genomes could support the development of molecular markers for breeding programs, conservation efforts, and the sustainable management of these valuable forest resources.

Coupling of Forest Carbon Densities with Landscape Patterns and Climate Change in the Lesser Khingan Mountains, Northeast China

This research investigated the effects of the forest landscape composition and spatial distribution and local climate change’s lag effects on the carbon density of stands and provides a reference for optimizing the stand structure and sustainable management of forest resources in Xinqing District, Yichun City, Heilongjiang Province, China. Using second-class forest resource survey data of the Xinqing Forestry Bureau for 2007 and 2017, the forest carbon density, landscape pattern index and local forest climate were quantified by ArcGIS10.7, Fragstats4.2 and SPSS25, and a coupling coordination degree model was constructed to reflect their correlations. The overall broadleaved mixed forest area was larger in the new green area, and the overall forest productivity had improved in the past ten years. Forest management gradually improved from nonforest to forest land, resulting in a high degree of fragmentation in the surrounding landscape. The coupling research on the forest carbon density and the forest landscape pattern index and local climate index showed that, overall, the landscape pattern and the impact of climate change on the forest carbon density had a positive interaction; adjustments and improvements can be made to the forest carbon density in the poor-condition area by combining specific situations of the landscape pattern and climate change.

Predicting vegetation dynamics in Deux Balé National Park, Burkina Faso, using land change modeler

In recent years, the natural vegetation of Burkina Faso has undergone unprecedented anthropisation. To date, most studies have focused only on diachronic analysis based on satellite imagery. Land use dynamics studies give an account of the past and present situation, but do not provide quantitative and qualitative information on the future of this vegetation. On the other hand, a prospective analysis of the dynamics would enable us to better assess the future of our forest ecosystems. Predictive data are essential for decision-making and implementing appropriate policy responses relating to sustainable forest resources management. The main objective of this study was to predict the vegetation dynamics of the Deux Balé National Park by modelling the year 2025. Thus, we selected the variables that best explained the anthropization process. A land change model was selected for the study. The model was calibrated using only variables with a V-Cramer coefficient greater than or equal to 0.1. This model is based on error budgeting and prediction. Visual and statistical comparisons of the simulated and actual 2016 maps allowed for better calibration of the model to simulate changes in the area of land-cover classes by 2025. The results revealed that, between 2016 and 2025, a significant regression of savanna vegetation will occur in favor of anthropized areas and gallery forests. Thus, from this period, gallery forests and anthropized areas covered up to 138 ha and 2914 ha, respectively. However, the savanna vegetation area decreased by 1186 ha, 961 ha, and 893 ha from 2016 to 2025, respectively. Therefore, urgent action must be taken to preserve the potential of the forest resources in parks.

A dataset of soil water and heat dynamics from Pinus massoniana plantations under close-to-nature management in South Subtropics (2016–2021)

This study was conducted at the Tropical Forestry Experimental Center of the Chinese Academy of Forestry in Youyiguan Pingxiang Chongzuo Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi. Based on the automatic meteorological observation station, we monitored and analyzed the soil hydrothermal dynamics in Pinus massoniana plantations under close-to-nature management. The sample plots layout, index monitoring, and data quality control were carried out in accordance with relevant specifications. This dataset contains the data of soil temperature, soil volume water content, soil heat flux, as well as air temperature and air humidity in Pinus massoniana plantations of close-to-nature management in South Subtropics from 2016 to 2021. After standard data processing, including outlier elimination and data interpolation, we statistically derived the daily data of soil water and heat dynamics of Pinus massoniana, and explained the construction of the dataset. The establishment and sharing of this dataset are valuable for facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of soil water and heat in Pinus massoniana plantations under close-to-nature management in South Subtropics. Furthermore, the dataset can serve as an important resource for in-depth research on the response of mixed coniferous broad-leaved forest to global climate change. It can provide essential to support the sustainable management and conservation of forest resources in South Subtropics.

Characterization of Two Main Forest Cover Loss Transitions in North Korea from 1990 to 2020

This study aims to characterize forest cover transitions in North Korea and identify deforested areas that are degraded or at risk of degradation. We used phenological information and random forest classifiers to perform a deforestation classification. We then extracted the two main forest cover loss patterns, sloping farmland (farmland with slope greater than 6 degrees) and unstocked forest (crown cover less than 20%), for the years of 2000, 2010, and 2020. Based on the deforestation map of each year, we analyzed the deforestation dynamics from 1990 to 2020. Forests showed decreases in cover by 27% over the 30-year study period and accounted for 41.5% of the total land area in 2020. Deforestation spread into the core area, which led to severe shrinkage and fragmentation of forests. Unstocked forest and sloping farmland experienced the highest rates of loss among the forestland uses and accounted for 48.9% and 39.3% of the total loss over the study period, respectively. During the study period, 25,128 km2, 5346 km2, and 6728 km2 of forestland was cleared, degraded, and was at risk of degradation or barrenness by artificial repeated fires, respectively. This methodological framework provides a valuable template for areas that are difficult to access, and the deforestation dynamics results can provide a basis for conservation and sustainable management of forest resources.

Assessing the wood-basket and characterizing Michigan's logging businesses by their reliance on nonindustrial private forests for stumpage

This study delineates the procurement areas for individual logging businesses to create a combined wood-basket for 115 logging businesses in Michigan using a road transportation network dataset and information collected from a mail survey of logging businesses. Forest ownership and forest condition datasets are used to understand the status of timber resources and the reliance of logging businesses on different forest-ownership types for stumpage. Information about competition hotspots and status of timber resources can be useful for logging businesses when navigating market dynamics and is important for sustainable management of forest resources, too. Based upon their level of reliance on nonindustrial private forests (NIPFs) for stumpage, the logging businesses are classified as NIPF-dependent and nondependent businesses, and similarities and differences between the two groups are explored. This is important as NIPF ownership is the major forest-ownership type in Michigan.Relatively less competition for timber resources was noted in 15% of total forest acres present in the wood-basket (five or fewer businesses competing in the same area) while high competition was noted in 1 % of it (>20 businesses competing in the same area). The net annual growth-to-removals ratio in the wood-basket ranged from 5.0 to 1.2 depending upon forest-ownership types, suggesting that increased harvests from all ownership types in the future may not be equally sustainable. NIPF-dependent and nondependent businesses varied in terms of volume-harvested, equipment-used, and methods employed for acquiring stumpage, but had similar self-indicated profit levels.

Relevance of Indigenous Knowledge in Sustainable Management of Forest Resources in the 21st Century Uganda

Sub-Saharan Africa is endowed with indigenous knowledge systems and natural forest resources critical to supporting several forms of development. However, the region has experienced rapid population growth and demographic changes, which may lead to a decline in forest resources. Sustainable management of these resources is critical for a healthy forest ecosystem that should continue to provide goods and services to the present and future generations. Of the variety of management strategies employed in the sustainable management of forest resources, indigenous knowledge provides a plausible alternative. To ascertain the relevance of this knowledge, the Lugbara community in Yumbe district, northwestern Uganda, was considered. Data were collected from 371 respondents using questionnaires and 19 key informants using interviews; others included participatory GIS and remote sensing. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, thematic and content analysis, and a forest cover change matrix. The results indicated a highly significant correlation between IK availability and usefulness of 0.703 at 0.01 level, and the socioeconomic and demographic variables tested statistically significant with sub-county of origin alone accounting for 11.7% of the variations in utilisation of IK in forest management. Indigenous knowledge was mostly used in the management of community forest resources, while modern scientific approaches were used in managing public forests. The forest resources were not sustainably managed despite the relatively high prevalence of IK. The linear model summary results were marginally significant, indicating that the prevalence of IK accounted for only approximately six% (R2 = .059) of the variations in SMFR. However, there was a resurrected interest in the use of IK since some forests managed using strict customary laws were the most biologically diverse. The resurrected interest implies that the IK remains relevant in the 21st century. The study therefore, recommends that IK practises be documented, promoted, and integrated into modern formal approaches to achieve SMFR

Understanding the impact of interprovincial trade on forest resources in China

Intensified interprovincial trade causes timber flows between regions in China, exacerbating the contradiction between economic development and forest conservation. To understand the impacts of interprovincial trade on forest resource depletion in China, this study developed a timber-extended multiregional input–output model to quantify the virtual timber harvest volume (THV) of each province. A forest stress index (FSI) is also developed to reflect the pressure of forest resource protection in different regions and evaluate the impacts of interprovincial trade on forest stress at national and provincial scales. The results showed that provinces within main forest zones (e.g., Guangxi, Guangdong, and Fujian) presented higher production-based THV than consumption-based THV while the opposite was true for provinces in the rest of the country (ROC) (e.g., Shanghai, Shandong, and Jiangsu). Interprovincial trade in China resulted in 36.86 million m3 of virtual timber flow annually (2008–2017 average), approximately 16.80% of the country's total production-based THV. During the study period, trade activities continuously reduced China's FSI, but ROC provinces mitigated their forest stress at the cost of increasing the burden on provinces in forest zones. Additionally, distant trade tended to have a stronger effect on provincial forest stress compared with trade between adjacent provinces. The findings identified the critical regions and trade routes that directly or indirectly drove forest degradation and revealed the effects of interprovincial trade on forest stress. Furthermore, this study proposed potential policy measures to promote the sustainable management of forest resources in China.

Multi-stakeholder actors in resource management in Ghana: Dynamics of community-state collaboration in resource use management of the Mole National Park, Larabanga

Sustainable forest resource management through state-community collaboration has taken center stage over the past decades in resource management discourses. In Ghana, forest reserves are observed to be on the decline due to poaching and encroachment by fringe communities. This study aims to contribute to the literature gap by examining the dynamics of community-state collaboration in forest resource management in the Mole National Park. The study employed a qualitative case study, using key informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 stakeholders for the key informant interviews while eight FGDs were conducted with four communities. Results from thematic analysis revealed that power manipulation, limited community engagement in the management of the park, placation, and the centralized approach to management of the park were issues that affect the management and sustainability of the park. It was further revealed that the Park provides the fringe communities with ecosystem services such as provisioning, aesthetics and supporting services. The study recommends that collaborative management through partnerships and equity in resource benefit sharing are essential for the forest resource management and sustainability.

Methodology for measuring dendrometric parameters in a mediterranean forest with UAVs flying inside forest

Accurate field measurements of tree morphological features are essential for effective forest inventory and the sustainable management of forest resources. Traditional methods involve time-consuming and expensive tree-by-tree measurements conducted by specialized technicians, which can lead to subjective measurement errors. To address these limitations, advanced sensor technologies have garnered attention in recent years. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has been widely employed due to its high precision in deriving tree attributes at the plot level. However, TLS has certain drawbacks, including high acquisition costs, limited portability, and the requirement for specialized software and expertise. As alternatives, aerial photogrammetry and computer vision algorithms have emerged to obtain high-resolution 3D measurements of forest vegetation.This study proposes a novel approach utilizing a small drone under the forest canopy to estimate biometric parameters such as trunk diameter at various heights and circumference. By joining the capabilities of drones with the structure-from-motion approach, this study presents a promising solution for cost-effective and accurate estimation of biometric parameters in forest inventories. Moreover, the results demonstrate superior accuracy compared to those reported in previous studies with improvements up to one order of magnitude.

Turpentine as an Additive for Diesel Engines: Experimental Study on Pollutant Emissions and Engine Performance

The need for reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in internal combustion engines has raised the opportunity for the use of renewable energy sources. For the progressive replacement of fossil fuels like diesel, those derived from the sustainable management of forest resources may be a good option. In Portugal, pine trees (pinus pinaster) are among the most widely cultivated tree species. Turpentine can be extracted from their sap without harming the tree. Turpentine is known to be a good fuel with a lower viscosity than regular diesel but with a comparable caloric value, boiling point and ignition characteristics, although it is not widely used as a compression ignition fuel. Moreover, recent research has highlighted the possibility of substantially increasing the turpentine yield through biotechnology, bringing it closer to economic viability. The present study investigates the performance, pollutant emissions and fuel consumption of a 1.6 L four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine operating with several blends of commercial diesel fuel and turpentine obtained from pine trees. The aim of this study was to assess whether it would be possible to maintain or even improve the performance, fuel consumption and GHG and pollutant emissions (HC, NOx, CO and PM) of the engine with the partial incorporation of this biofuel. Turpentine blends of up to 30% in substitution of regular diesel fuel were tested. The main novelties of the present work are related to (i) the careful testing of a still-insufficiently studied fuel that could gain economical attractiveness with the recent developments in yield improvement through biotechnology and (ii) the tests conducted under fixed engine load positions typical of road and highway conditions. The addition of this biofuel only slightly impacted the engine performance parameters. However, a slightly positive effect was observed in terms of torque, with an increase of up to 7.9% at low load for the 15T85D mixture and 6.8% at high load being observed. Power registered an increase of 9% for the 15T85D mixture at low speed and an increase of 5% for the 30T70D mixture at high speed when compared to the reference fuel (commercial diesel fuel). While the efficiency and fossil GHG emissions were improved with the incorporation of turpentine, it had a mixed effect on polluting emissions such as unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and smoke (PM) and a negative effect on nitrogen oxides (NOx). NOx emissions increased by 30% for high loads and 20% for low loads, mainly as an indirect effect of the improvement in the engine performance and not so much as a consequence of the marginally higher oxygen content of turpentine relative to commercial diesel fuel.

Diversity, Distribution and Vegetation Assessment of Woody Plant Species in the Cold Desert Environment, North-Western Himalaya, India

The species richness, distribution and community structure in cold desert regions across the world are poorly understood because of their inaccessibility and remoteness. Similarly, the structure and composition of forest resources, including other management units (i.e., agroforestry and forestry systems), have hardly been studied in the cold desert of the Lahaul valley. However, such information is a prerequisite to understanding the trends and changes in the vegetation distribution under global climate change scenarios, especially considering the sensitivity of plant species in high-altitude areas of the Himalayan region. High anthropogenic activity has exerted tremendous pressure on available forest resources, including other management units in the cold desert of the Lahaul valley. Standard ecological methods were used to obtain an ecological (i.e., status, structure, composition and vegetation patterns) understanding of the region for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. The present study was aimed at understanding the trend, structure and composition of plant species in the cold desert region of the western Himalaya. A total of 64 species (27 trees and 37 shrubs) of vascular plants were recorded in the present study. Tree diversity demonstrated greater variation along the gradients and slope aspects. Salix fragilis trees, with a 102 tree ha−1 density and a few trees of Populus nigra, were found to be sparsely distributed under the agroforestry system on the south-facing slopes in Khoksar. In Jahlma, Salix fragilis grew in an agroforestry system with a density of 365 tree ha−1. However, in Hinsa, Juniperus polycarpos was a dominant tree species in the agroforestry system, with a density of 378 tree ha−1. On the north-facing slopes in Kuthar, a higher number of trees and bushes were present due to natural regeneration maintained by farmers along the edges of terraced agricultural fields. The south-facing slopes showed a relatively lower species richness and diversity as compared to north-facing slopes at similar locations due to relatively less favourable growth conditions under sun-exposed, extremely xeric soil conditions. The highest level of species turnover was found between the altitudes of 2400 m and 3000 m. Betula utilis showed the highest adaptability at higher altitudes (>3500 m). The vegetation analysis results and information generated in the present study are useful for gaining an ecological understanding of the cold desert ecosystem in the Lahaul valley. Sustainable forest resource management, including other management units (e.g., agroforestry and forestry systems), is crucial for improving the vegetation pattern, structure and function of the cold desert ecosystem, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity and ecosystem service conservation.

How do forests contribute to food security following a weather shock? Evidence from Malawi

Rural residents in developing countries are particularly vulnerable to shocks related to weather events. In this context, forests are frequently presented as safety nets, especially for households with limited risk-management options. This analysis aims to provide further evidence on the effectiveness of such safety nets. Specifically, the objective of this work is to analyze the extent to which forests serve as an effective safety net for food security when other potential risk-management options are available, or not, in rural areas. Focusing on agricultural households in Malawi, we combine several rounds of observations from the World Bank's Living Standards Measurement Study-Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA) with geospatial data on forest cover and a drought index based on both precipitation and temperature. Our results show that forests play an important role in protecting households’ diets in the aftermath of a weather shock, especially amongst those that appear to have limited insurance options, and/or that may need to further diversify their portfolio of potential insurance mechanisms to cope with a shock. By looking at food security, we highlight both the market and non-market benefits of forest resources in the aftermath of a shock. Moreover, we provide additional empirical evidence on the characteristics of households that depend on forest resources during challenging times. Overall, in light of the fundamental role forests play for human and planetary health, these findings shed light on the need to preserve forest access to forest-dependent communities and strengthen the sustainable management of forest resources.

Sundarbans Mangrove Mapping and Above Ground Biomass Estimation Using Earth Observation Techniques

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's economy and environment. However, overexploitation, anthropogenic activities like tree cutting for development and agriculture, as well as natural disasters, have caused severe damage and changes to the Sundarbans. This research aims to detect changes in the mangrove forest areas and create an above-ground biomass map of the Sundarbans Forest. Previous studies relied on time-consuming and inaccurate traditional methods, while this study seeks to make a significant contribution to mangrove mapping and forest resource management. Landsat 5 and 8 images from 2007 to 2017 were used to generate the mangrove index (including CMRI and MI) for different years. ALOS-PALSAR 2 and JERS images from 1996, 2007, and 2017, with HV+HH polarization, were processed to calculate the backscatter ratio, enabling identification and estimation of vegetation loss and gain over the years. To estimate the above-ground biomass (AGB), tree height was derived from SRTM DEM, and an allometric equation was used to calculate AGB. The results indicate a continuous shrinkage of the mangrove forest. The 2017 maps of the two different indexes reveal significant mangrove vegetation loss compared to 1996 and 2007. Additionally, the study estimates the total above-ground biomass of the Sundarbans mangrove forest to be 329 million tons. The findings can assist relevant authorities in taking necessary action, formulating policies, and implementing plans for sustainable management of the Sundarbans mangrove forest resources.

A dataset of groundwater level in the small watershed of Dinghushan Forest (2002 – 2020)

Groundwater is one of the important components in the hydrological cycle of the basin. Its dynamic change is of great value for understanding the hydrological regulation mechanism, the cycle of material elements and ecosystem service function of terrestrial ecosystem. Covered with subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest and its transitional vegetation types, Dinghushan National Nature Reserve has been well protected since the 1950s. Dinghushan Forest Ecosystem Research Station set up four groundwater level observation wells downstream of the complete catchment area of Dinghushan Nature Reserve according to the observation specifications and quality control requirements of terrestrial ecosystem water environment, so as to carry out long-term standardized positioning observation of the depth of groundwater level. This dataset collates the long-term monitoring data of four groundwater level observation wells from 2002 to 2020. It is aimed to provide basic data support for the study of groundwater response process, the evaluation of hydrological service function of forest ecosystem and the sustainable management of forest resources under the background of global climate change.

Quercus suber Allometry in the West Mediterranean Basin

The necessity for accurate biomass estimates is greater than ever for the sustainable management of forest resources, which is an increasingly pressing matter due to climate change. The most used method to estimate biomass for operational purposes is through allometric equations. Typically, each country develops their own models to be applied at the local scale because it is more convenient. But, for Quercus suber, a joint regional model can be more beneficial, since the species is distributed across the Mediterranean and is challenging to account for due to felling limitations and the nature of mature cork biomass itself. We found that these characteristics are reflected in the biomass datasets and compatibility was, perhaps, the largest impediment to such a model. The use of dummy variables to differentiate between countries, as well as compromises in the limits of biomass compartments, allowed us to develop two joint models to estimate aboveground biomass in Portugal, Spain and Tunisia. One model as a function of diameter and another as a function of diameter and total tree height. In addition, we developed a separate model for roots (modelling efficiency of fitting = 0.89), since it was not possible to assure additivity of the whole tree. All coefficients were estimated using Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SUR) and model fitting assured additivity in the aboveground compartments—leaves and woody biomass (modelling efficiency of fitting = 0.89 and 0.93, respectively). This work proves that it is possible to have a biologically sound and efficient model for the three countries, despite differences in the observed allometric patterns.

Valuing ecosystem services applying indigenous perspectives from a global biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats, India

Estimating the value of ecosystem services (ES) helps inform policies, development programs, and promote sustainable use and management of forest resources. The Western Ghats—a global biodiversity hotspot in southern India—contribute significantly to the well-being of Indigenous and local communities (IPLCs) by providing a range of ES. In this paper, we aim to assess the value of ES from the Western Ghats, applying IPLCs perspectives, to inform policy decision-making for understanding their role in people’s well-being. We estimate the value of ES applying various monetary (e.g., direct cost using production function) and non-monetary (e.g., revealed preferences using replacement or travel cost) valuation methods. The main ES include provisioning services—Non-Timber Forest Products and water; regulating services—soil erosion prevention and carbon sequestration; and cultural services. The estimated economic value of ES, at US$ 612 million (2021 values), suggests that conserving Ghat’s ecosystems is vital for supporting tribal peoples’ well-being, delivering ES to the mainstream population, and for protecting biodiversity. To date, lack of such understanding has often led to development programs that largely omit natural resources and tribal well-being connections. This study can inform future policies by offering a better and in-depth understanding of the role of ES in supporting Indigenous well-being, and underlines Ghat’s economic importance for non-marketable values which are often ignored for policy decision-making. Understanding these values will help the policy-makers to integrate the role of ES in policy planning, and design suitable development and conservation programs that protect a diverse range of ecosystems in the Western Ghats and elsewhere as well as support the sustainable living of many IPLCs/Adivasi communities across the globe.