Use Of Forest Resources Research Articles

Wood chemical characterization of Acacia mangium and Calophyllum brasiliense grown in plantation

This study aimed to characterize and compare the physical and chemical properties of wood from 15-year-old Acacia mangium and 16-year-old Calophyllum brasiliense plantation trees. Specific data is provided on basic density, extractives, holocellulose, lignin, ash content and the highest heating value, as well as the linear correlations between them were performed. We observed similar mean values of basic density, despite statistical differences were found in lignin and holocellulose contents. The results for the higher heating value (19.5 kJ kg−1) were noteworthy, as they are positively associated with the extractive content (8.3%) and lignin content (26.0%) of A. mangium and C. brasiliense, respectively. Furthermore, the relationships found between the basic density of C. brasiliense wood, and its chemical properties were different from those expected, suggesting that other analyses should be carried out on the wood in order to fully understand it. Both species demonstrate calorific values suitable for biomass production, suggesting the potential use of their residues for pellet and briquette manufacturing. The findings have provided valuable information on the quality and behavior of wood, especially to contribute to the sustainable use of forest resources.

Integrated Methodological Approach for the Balance Between Conservation and Traditional Use in a Protected Area

Protected Natural Areas often impose restrictions that require a delicate balance between conservation and the traditional uses upheld by local communities. This study presents a novel integrated methodological approach using anthropo-natural landscapes as the primary unit of analysis. The methodology evaluates natural suitability for various appropriate uses within the protected area, considering legal compatibility, environmental sustainability, socioeconomic benefits, and technical-financial feasibility. Our case study of the Pico Azul – La Escalera Environmental Protection Zone reveals that 59.2% of the territory is primarily suited for conservation activities, 38.3% for the rehabilitation of degraded areas, and only 2.5% for extensive livestock farming and rainfed agriculture. Additionally, 24% of the area, comprising mainly non-degraded sectors, is designed for the sustainable use of non-timber forest resources. Furthermore, alternative tourism is identified as a viable secondary use in 10.2% of the most preserved landscapes. This research underscores the importance of a comprehensive and balanced approach to managing protected areas, ensuring both conservation goals and the livelihoods of local communities are met.

Potential of local wisdom as an effort to prevent damage to forest resources

Deforestation is a problem that often occurs in forest resources and has an impact on human life. This study aims to analyze the potential of local wisdom of indigenous peoples in efforts to prevent deforestation. Forest resources that have an important role in supporting the lives of living things are threatened by the very high rate of deforestation. Government efforts to reduce the rate of deforestation are still less than optimal, as evidenced by the very dynamic rate of deforestation. Therefore, efforts need to be made to reduce the rate of deforestation by involving indigenous peoples through their local wisdom. The method used in this study uses a qualitative research with a library research method to contain the research results. The results of the analysis show that deforestation is influenced by the ease of obtaining concession permits to utilize forest resources without management. Local wisdom of indigenous peoples has great potential in reducing the rate of deforestation based on perspectives, rules, and sustainable use of forest resources.

Revealing REDD+ through intersectionality from below: an exploration of everyday subjectivities in rural southern Tanzania

ABSTRACT This article explores REDD+ practices through an intersectionality lens to unpack socially differentiated lived subjectivities in southern Tanzania. It draws from the trial of a carbon forestry project in the selected villages in the Lindi district to explore the intersection of multiple social dimensions and inequality through the production of REDD+ spaces and lived subjectivities to forest-dependent communities. To date, there has been less theorisation of REDD+ schemes under Community Carbon Enterprises (CCEs) within multiple axes of power and subjectivities in Tanzania. This paper contributes to power relations scholarship by examining how power structures such as class, gender, and age shape the everyday experiences of REDD+ subjects. An extended case study illustrates how intersectional axes of power were contested, negotiated, and lived through multiple performativity and practices of everyday subjectivities against exclusions produced through new carbon forestry spaces with restricted access and use of forest resources.

Woodworking industry in Russia: analysis of the industry structure and development prospects

The state of the woodworking industry sectoral structure in Russia has been considered. The main sources for the present study were regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation, statistical data of the Federal Forestry Agency, Federal State Statistics Service, international analytical reviews, and scientific articles. Statistical methods of comparison and analytical processing of information were used as research methods. The purpose of the study is to analyze the industry structure, as well as to identify development prospects. The number of firms in the industry and production of the main types of woodworking products in dynamics have been analyzed. The export of goods from various branches of the wood industry in the country and the index of physical volume of investment in fixed capital in the industry under consideration have been studied. The issue of waste utilization in wood processing industries due to low utilization of waste wood has been separately highlighted, and the importance of reasonable use of forest resources has been emphasized. The author concludes that, in general, the real contribution of the woodworking industry to the country’s economic development is still lagging behind the potential, but the main prospects for overcoming this condition have been highlighted, such as exports development, transportation costs reduction, state support strengthening in the industry, and improvement of waste disposal in woodworking industries.

ETNOBOTÁNICA DE ÁRBOLES ÚTILES EN SISTEMAS AGROFORESTALES DE LA SIERRA DE ZONGOLICA, VERACRUZ, MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background:</strong> traditional ecological knowledge generated by different human groups is manifested in the various forms of appropriation of nature, particularly by intervening in the growth processes of plant species to take advantage of them and maintain them in the long term. The sierra of Zongolica is one of the most important indigenous areas in Mexico, where the use of forest resources is part of their livelihoods. There is evidence that in this region trees are used as raw material for furniture, construction, food, charcoal and firewood. <strong>Objective:</strong> to learn about the diversity, main uses and importance of multipurpose trees within agroforestry systems in the Sierra de Zongolica, Veracruz. <strong>Methodology:</strong> 74 semi-structured interviews and direct observations were conducted on the land of the interviewees and analyzed using a mixed approach, through a social network analysis to determine the main uses of the trees. <strong>Results:</strong> A total of 79 species of useful trees were recorded, belonging to 41 taxonomic families, of which the Fabaceae family was the most abundant with 4 species recorded. Sixty-two genera were found, of which the most abundant was the <em>Quercus </em>genus. Ninety-five percent of the informants were men around 50 years of age, demonstrating that they are the ones in charge of the productive activities and that they are the ones with the knowledge about the use and management of the trees. The household is made up of an average of 4 people, which makes it difficult to work in the fields due to the scarcity of family labor, which could jeopardize productive activities because people outside the family must be employed to use and manage the trees. <strong>Implications:</strong> since wood energy, construction, medicinal and food uses are of vital importance in this work, sustainable management practices should be implemented, such as selective harvesting, replanting and local tree management, so that firewood collection and trade benefit both rural areas and the environment. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> about 79 useful tree species were identified in Zongolica's agroforestry systems, demonstrating the diversity of natural resources in the region. These species are fundamental to the local economy and environmental conservation, providing firewood, food, medicines and construction materials for local communities. It is crucial to value and protect these forest resources to ensure their continuity and contribute to the sustainability of agroforestry systems in Zongolica.</p>

Population growth poses a significant threat to forest ecosystems: A case study from the Hindukush-Himalayas of Pakistan.

Human population growth and the accompanying increase in anthropogenic activities pose a significant threat to forest ecosystems by reducing the natural services these ecosystems provide. Malam Jabba, located in the District Swat of Pakistan's Hindukush-Himalayan temperate zone, is known for its ecotourism, skiing, timber-producing tree species, medicinal plants, and unique biodiversity. However, a large portion of Swat Valley's population depends on the Malam Jabba forests for timber and fuelwood. This study investigates how deforestation rates have increased in response to the growing human population in Malam Jabba, District Swat. To monitor forest cover changes, we used remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) tools. Vegetation analysis was conducted using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) based on multi-temporal satellite imagery from 1980, 2000, and 2020. Using a decay model, we calculated the deforestation rate from 1980 to 2020 and projected future rates using MATLAB, based on anticipated population growth. Our results show that over the last two decades, the average annual deforestation rate rose from 0.7% to 1.93%, coinciding with a population increase from 1.2 million to 2.3 million at a growth rate of 9% per year. Projections indicate that the deforestation rate will increase to 2.5% annually over the next 20 years, given the predicted 11.6% yearly population growth. Population growth in District Swat has severely endangered nearby forest ecosystems, and further increases in human activity, such as unsustainable tourism, fuel and timber collection, and urbanization, will likely exacerbate this trend. Based on our findings, we recommend: (i) the implementation of reforestation programs and sustainable forest resource use; (ii) the development of a long-term forest management plan that maintains equilibrium between forest density and population pressure; and (iii) prioritizing areas with extreme human impact for in-situ conservation efforts.

Evaluation of the impact of wood forest management operations on Amazon nut trees in forest concession areas in the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest holds has immense biodiversity and offers various possibilities for use. Moreover, there is an increasing need for development models that reconcile the rational use of forest resources with socio-economic development. Multiple-use forest management emerges as a legal mechanism for the sustainable use of forest resources. In this context, a forest use system that appears suitable for multiple-use management is one where timber is selectively harvested from forests that are also sources of Brazil nuts. However, the effects of logging management on forests with a high density of Brazil nut trees needs to be studied, as the damage resulting from logging operations on Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. trees may impact the long-term maintenance of these nut stands. This study aimed to assess the impact of logging operations for timber production on Brazil nut trees to evaluate the compatibility of logging management with the management of native nut stands in a forest concession area in the Amazon. The study was conducted in two National Forests (Jamari and Jacundá) in the state of Rondônia. The damage from cutting and logging operations on the canopy structure of Brazil nut trees was quantified and assessed using photogrammetry with remotely piloted aircraft. The Jamari National Forest showed 4.3% canopy damage to Brazil nut trees, while the Jacundá National Forest showed 3.2% damage. The results indicated that the damage to the canopies of Brazil nut trees due to timber extraction was minimal, suggesting potential compatibility between logging management and the management of native nut stands. However, further studies are needed, especially those focused on planning the collection of Brazil nuts, since access to the nut stands is essential for effectively structuring management, ensuring that the full production potential is sustainably managed and generates income for the extractivists.

A brief history of primate research in the Ndoki forest.

The Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park (NNNP) in Republic of Congo has become a beacon for conservation in Central Africa. This manuscript documents the arrival of primatologists, the establishment of field stations and major discoveries in primate behavior and ecology. Field stations were strategically established to study primate behavior in a variety of different contexts from stationary platforms to forest follows of habituated groups. The implementation of new technologies and analyses have also been a hallmark of research at Ndoki. Scientists are shaping a new era in primatology at NNNP by building on past successes and promoting the next generation of Congolese conservationists to address environmental challenges. Results have proven crucial in discussions with government and industry and led to conservation gains such as the inclusion of the intact forests of the Goualougo and Djéké Triangles into the NNNP. The research stations have also become essential for developing a long-term certified sustainable international gorilla tourism program. Despite the many advancements for conservation such as increased protection of forests, development of internationally recognized protocols and large-scale capacity building initiatives, there are reasons for considerable concern in the near- and long-term for primates and their forest habitats in the Ndoki landscape. To address these concerns, we emphasize the long history of forming partnerships with local communities. We also discuss shared overlap featuring multicultural and environmental use of forest resources that is likely to be crucial in championing the conservation of the Ndoki forests for the next 25years and beyond.

Advances in Brazil's National Forest Inventory

Brazil's National Forest Inventory (IFN), coordinated by the Brazilian Forest Service (SFB), provides essential data on the country's forest resources. The availability of IFN data, collected over more than a decade, through the National Forest Information System (SNIF), promotes transparency and facilitates access to comprehensive information about Brazilian forests. This detailed survey covers biophysical, botanical and socio-environmental aspects, as well as interviews about the use of forest resources.

Методические подходы к совершенствованию территориальной организации земель лесничества

The issues of organizing the rational use of forestry lands in order to ensure sustainable forest management are related to the analysis of the existing use of forestry lands and its territorial organization, the need to develop a methodology for functional zoning of the territory, allowing for the optimization of the use of forest resources and improvement of forest land management.

A Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy characterization method based on heterogeneous big data and its application in forest ecological assessment

The under-forest economy is a new agricultural and forestry production mode. It can improve the utilization efficiency of forest land and make full use of forest resources, forest space, and forest ecological environment through different forms of industries such as understory planting and breeding. The under-forest economy has important ecological and economic benefits, significant to rural revitalization and industrial structure adjustment. It has been widely discussed by people in recent years. The forest ecological security level is a core factor to be considered in selecting sites for the under-forest economy. In practice, some forest ecological security evaluation indexes usually show heterogeneous forms. To comprehensively evaluate the level of forest ecological security, this study constructs a new multi-indicator fuzzy evaluation method based on heterogeneous big data. Firstly, a new linguistic scale function is defined to realize the consistent conversion of multi-granularity linguistic information. A Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy aggregation formula for heterogeneous large-scale data is proposed. This formula is used to describe the differences in evaluation information between individuals caused by different knowledge backgrounds of evaluators. Then, the Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy cross-entropy is defined, and it is verified to satisfy the excellent properties. This cross-entropy is applied to determine the objective weights of evaluation indexes. Considering the risk-averse psychology of experts and combining the prospect theory, the MULTIMOORA method in the Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy environment is proposed. Finally, the applicability of the constructed Gaussian interval type-2 fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (GIT2FCE) is verified through a case study conducted on the site selection of the under-forest economic industry.

The Role of Customary Law in Forest Governance and Conservation in Jambi, Indonesia: A Case Study of Makekal Hulu Village within the Customary Territory of the Suku Anak Dalam

Indonesia's forests face increasing pressures from deforestation and degradation. While national laws exist to protect these vital ecosystems, their implementation often faces challenges, particularly in areas inhabited by indigenous communities with distinct customary laws and practices. This study examines the role of customary law (adat law) in forest governance and conservation in Jambi Province, Indonesia, focusing on Makekal Hulu village within the customary territory of the Suku Anak Dalam. This qualitative study employed a case study approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with adat leaders, community members, government officials, and NGO representatives. Focus group discussions were conducted to gather diverse perspectives on forest management practices. Relevant documents, such as adat regulations, government policies, and NGO reports, were also analyzed. Additionally, data was utilized to enhance understanding of resource use dynamics and land-use change patterns. The findings reveal that adat law plays a significant role in regulating access to and use of forest resources in Makekal Hulu. Adat institutions, led by the village elder and guided by customary beliefs, enforce rules related to logging, hunting, and land clearing. These rules often complement national laws, providing a localized and context-specific approach to forest management. However, challenges exist in harmonizing adat law with national legislation, particularly concerning land tenure conflicts and external pressures from logging and plantation interests. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of recognizing and incorporating adat law into forest governance frameworks in Indonesia. By integrating traditional knowledge and practices with national policies, a more effective and sustainable approach to forest conservation can be achieved. This requires collaboration between government agencies, adat communities, and civil society organizations to ensure that adat law is respected and supported within the broader legal framework.

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Bardia-Banke Complex: Patterns of Human Fatalities and Injuries Caused by Large Mammals.

Human fatalities and injury from wildlife attacks often result in a negative attitude toward conservation. This research was undertaken to investigate the patterns and conflict-causing factors of human killing and injury by large mammals, especially by Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), common leopard (Panthera pardus), and Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in the Bardia-Banke Complex of western Nepal. We collected human death and injury records caused by wildlife in the Bardia-Banke Complex between 2019 and 2023, based on relief applications submitted by the victim's family. Additionally, camera trap monitoring was conducted following incidents of human-tiger and human-leopard conflicts. A total of 76 incidents involving human casualties and injuries were considered for analysis. Incidents of livestock depredation, crop raiding, and property damage were excluded from the analysis. Most of the attacks on humans were caused by tigers (75%), followed by elephants (16%) and leopards (9%). Almost all incidents occurred in daytime (97%). The highest number of conflicts were recorded in 2021, with 20 incidents. Most of the cases (84%) occurred within 1 km of forest edge. Khata corridor and the western side of the Bardia National Park, i.e., Karnali River corridor, were identified as high-conflict areas. The primary causes of the conflict manifested in cattle grazing (28%), grass cutting (28%), firewood collection (11%), fishing (8%), vegetable collection (5%), sand collection (4%), during rescuing friends (3%), grazing captive elephants (3%), highway rides (3%), sleeping in Chaupadi Goth (3%), walking nearby forest areas (3%), playing nearby forest areas (1%), while feeding pig (1%), and working in agricultural lands (1%). To promote human-wildlife coexistence, community-based patrols (33%), habitat restoration (26%), electric fencing (26%), and insurance (7%) were identified as the preferred strategies. Therefore, we recommend that stakeholders and concerned bodies increase awareness among local community about the use of forest resources, wildlife behavior, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies.

Довкіллєве правосуддя в Україні та світі

The article is devoted to the study of domestic and foreign trends in environmental justice. To solve the set goal, the following research methods were used, in particular: the method of scientific observation is to form the topic and purpose of the research; comparative legal method in the study of foreign experience of environmental justice; logical method – for theoretical generalization and formulation of research conclusions. The main models of environmental justice that exist in the world include such as consideration of environmental cases by courts of general jurisdiction, consideration of environmental cases by judges specializing in environmental issues or specialized environmental divisions of courts, consideration of environmental cases by specialized environmental courts. Environmental courts, as specialized judicial authorities, deal with the resolution of environmental conflicts and the protection of the environment and function in particular in countries that are members of the European Union, such as Sweden and Austria. In Ukraine, environmental justice is carried out in the form of civil, economic, administrative and criminal proceedings. At the same time, civil, economic, administrative and criminal cases in the environmental sphere differ among themselves in terms of the type of offense, the subject of the dispute, the composition of subjects, etc. Judicial practice in the environmental sphere covers a wide range of environmental relations, in particular on atmospheric air protection, land protection and use of land resources, subsoil protection and use of minerals, protection of forests and use of forest resources, protection and use of territories and objects of the nature reserve fund, access to environmental information, waste management, etc. Environmental justice in Ukraine may be limited to the functioning of certain specialized environmental units in courts, or involve the formation of a system of specialized environmental courts throughout the country, including a higher specialized court. At the same time, the implementation of environmental justice will be more or less time-consuming and costly (depending on the model chosen for implementation).

Harnessing Potentials of Indigenous Environmental Myths for Forest Conservation in Rivers State

Indigenous environmental mythology has long been an essential component of many communities' ecological and cultural systems in the Rivers State, Nigerian These myths, which usually stem from the notion that nature is untouchable, offer crucial insights into the practices of traditional forest protection. This study looks into how these indigenous myths could help with current conservation efforts, particularly those that are meant to protect forest resources. By examining a number of myths and the associated behaviours, the study demonstrated how these cultural narratives have historically controlled human interaction with the environment, ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources. It also suggested how community members can remain involved in the conservation of forest resources. The study pointed out the forest's critical role in the welfare of rural Nigerian households. Therefore, the more community people participate in sustainable forest management, the more the forests contribute to meeting the needs of rural Nigerian household welfare. Thus, it was concluded that community involvement not only protects people of the community's means of sustenance but also enhances the social, economic, and environmental aspects of forestry efforts.

Searching for prehistoric campfires in the Patagonian Andes, Southern Chile, with implications for the global-scale debate on the use of forest resources in pre-industrial societies

Little is known about human occupation of the Aysén region of Patagonia beyond a relatively small number of cave and rock shelter sites. Recent magnetic survey and auguring over a broad area in the vicinity of known sites yielded no cultural material, drawing attention to ongoing debate about human use of forests in prehistory.

The impact of war on forest logging: Changes in logging practices in Syrian rural communities

Syria has been struggling with a prolonged and brutal war for over a decade, leaving much of the country in devastation and its forests severely degraded. While many studies have identified logging for firewood as a significant driver of deforestation during the war, there is a notable absence of research specifically addressing logging behavior within the context of war. This research seeks to address this gap by examining the changes in logging behavior among local communities, the effects of violence and socioeconomic variables on wood harvesting, the contribution of wood income to people's survival during the war. To do that, we conducted survey questionnaires in two coastal villages in Syria—Blouta and Nehel al Annaze—which experienced high and low levels of violence, respectively. Our findings reveal that logging activities increased once the war began, with more people involved in forest harvesting and average days spent logging per week significantly increasing from 1.5 to 4. Additionally, the war appeared to reduce the gender disparity in logging activities: before the conflict, women engaged in logging significantly more frequently than men, but this difference became insignificant during the war. The level of violence alone did not significantly affect the amount of wood logged per month. Furthermore, income generated from wood harvesting played a substantial role in bridging the gap between the monthly income needed to cover their basic necessities and the actual income of families in both villages by 46.94 % and 84.83 % of the gap in Nehel al Annaze and Blouta, respectively. These results highlight the crucial role of forest resources in supporting rural livelihoods during times of war. Post-war effective forest management will be vital to ensure the sustainable use and recovery of forest resources, supporting both ecological restoration and economic stability for the rural communities.

Greed or Grievance? Linking Revenue Sharing Implementation to Unauthorised Resource Use and Conservation Support at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Revenue sharing is considered a major incentive to promote Community Based Approaches to conservation of protected areas. The sharing of revenue from Protected Area resources is supported by conservationists to promote strong partnerships between protected area management and local communities to address unauthorised resource use for better conservation outcomes. This is premised on the ability of the shared revenue to translate into people’s livelihood improvement and minimize their dependency on resources from protected areas. However, empirical realities indicate that the practice of the Revenue Sharing policy barely addresses the initial objectives of human livelihood improvement to gain support for conservation. This study examined the Revenue Sharing Implementation, Data was collected from 715 respondents who included Local community members (including the unauthorised resource users), staff from conservation organisations in Bwindi and local council leaders. Data was collected using household survey questionnaires, key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Results showed that most beneficiaries of the Revenue Sharing policy were random community households not the unauthorized resource users. The revenue sharing projects allocated to community members were majorly livelihood projects compared to common good projects. Projects included; livestock, passion fruit growing, poultry, provision of land and water projects. Unauthorised resource use was largely motivated by the need for bush meat, minor timber forest products especially firewood, collection of basketry materials and medicinal plants. Protected area managers ought to consider greater involvement of poachers in Revenue Sharing activities. Reducing unauthorized resource use requires systematic but also a combination of factors to mitigate the most driving forces that compel community members to engage in unauthorized forest resource use

Earliest Evidence in the Philippines of Life Under the Canopy: Plant Technology and Use of Forest Resources by Our Species

Earliest Evidence in the Philippines of Life Under the Canopy: Plant Technology and Use of Forest Resources by Our Species