Utilization Of Forest Resources Research Articles

Effects of Environment Change Scenarios on the Potential Geographical Distribution of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. in China

Changes in climate and environmental conditions have aggravated the severity and unpredictability of plant survival and growth. Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. is an economically important timber tree. Exploring its potential distribution and dynamic changes and identifying the leading environmental variables affecting it will help to adjust the planting range reasonably according to the habits and climate change, thus contributing to its survival and growth. Based on the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS tool, climate, soil, terrain, human activities, variable environment layers, and 395 C. lanceolata distribution points were used to simulate and analyze the geographical distribution characteristics of C. lanceolata in the current and future periods (the 2050s and 2070s) under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5. The results showed that C. lanceolata was suitable to grow in a subtropical monsoon climate with warm, humid, abundant rainfall and a relatively gentle topography. Additionally, using percent contribution, permutation importance, and the knife-cutting test, we noted that the annual precipitation (Bio12), human activities (Hfp), minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11), precipitation of coldest quarter (Bio19), annual temperature range (Bio7), and elevation were the leading environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution of C. lanceolata. Among them, it should be noted that the impact of human activities was negatively correlated with suitable habitat areas of C. lanceolata and led to the degeneration of suitable habitats and fragmentized distribution. In addition, predictions have shown that the areas of habitats under other scenarios will be characterized by an increasing and then decreasing trend by the 2050s and 2070s, except for the RCP2.6 scenario, under which the suitable habitats area of C. lanceolata will increase continuously. The core distributional shifts showed that the suitable habitats of C. lanceolata will gradually shift and migrate to high-latitude areas due to global warming. This study focused on the characteristics of suitable habitats of C. lanceolata under different climatic scenarios using more environmental factors and scenarios than before, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the management and utilization of forest resources, the planning of suitable planting areas, and germplasm protection.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE WOODEN MEMBER CONNECTION METHOD IN SEISMIC PANEL DAMPERS FOR STEEL STRUCTURES

Recently, government of Japan has encouraged using forest resources to expand the use of timber. Although moderate-or large-scale buildings are generally steel constructed structures, the authors proposed using cross-laminated timber (CLT) as support members for seismic panel damper systems. The benefits of employing mass timber as support members include the effective utilization of forest resources and a reduction in the building weight. To investigate the shear transfer performance between the shear panel damper and the mass timber, 16 specimens were meticulously prepared. Based on the test results, steel types such as H-shaped steel, circular tube, cruciform steel and steel plate were shown to be effective as the shear connector. In cases where H-shaped steel, circular tubes, and cruciform steel are utilized as shear connectors, significant labor is required for welding to the H-shaped steel and cutting into the mass timber, demanding time and effort from workers. Ensuring the shear connector section has high stiffness is crucial to maintain the energy dissipation capacity of the shear panel. Steel plates offer an advantage in their flexibility to control both strength and stiffness through the size of the plate used.

Local Perceptions of Forest-Based Ecosystem Services in Benin, West Africa

Ecosystem services are closely linked to the daily lives of local communities, particularly those living near forests. The study of the local perceptions of these services is relevant because they vary depending on the community, the study period, and the environment. So beyond the inventorying of ecosystem services, understanding the perceptions of local communities regarding these services remains a necessity. Our study aims to analyze how local communities perceive the ecosystem services provided by forests and the factors that determine these perceptions. We collected data from 232 heads of households across 23 villages bordering the forest and analyzed them using descriptive statistics and ordered Probit analysis. The results showed that provisioning services (such as plant-derived medicines, rafters and planks, livestock feed, crops, and firewood) were the most important, followed by regulating and supporting services (including soil formation, erosion control, and climate regulation) are the most important. Finally, cultural services (encompassing cultural practices, heritage, and spirituality) were perceived as important. However, communities did not perceive the value of ecotourism. Factors influencing these perceptions included gender (male), age (young individuals), occupation in farming, household size, level of education, Bariba ethnicity and income. To ensure the sustainable utilization of forest resources in the region, it is necessary to encourage young people to adopt environmentally friendly agricultural practices, to use improved stoves that require less wood and promote cultural services to diversify their sources of income.

Local Institutions Performance in Mangrove Forest Management on Small Islands: Case Study in Buano Island, Maluku Province, Indonesia

Mangrove forests on small islands play an essential role in the stability of island ecosystems. It is crucial to analyze the performance of local institutions in forest management to increase the community’s active role in preserving mangrove forests. This research aims to analyze the performance of local institutions managing mangroves on small islands. The research was conducted on Buano Island, Maluku, Indonesia. In-depth interviews and participant observation were used to obtain data. Data analysis uses a Situation, Structure, Behavior, and Performance (SSBP) approach. The research results show that the community is very dependent on mangrove forests. Resources are owned by the clan group (Soa) but managed by members of the clan group (family). Thus, the phenomenon occurs when common pool resources are managed by private (Dati/Nuru) proprietors. The community regulates the utilization of potential forest resources by dividing management areas controlled by each Soa/Nuru group. The preservation of natural potential on Buano Island is supervised by Kewang and Sasi culture. Applying customary rules increases the community’s active role in managing resources and supporting village management. However, mangrove forest logging activities continue to occur. This performance shows a very high decline in mangrove forest vegetation and regeneration of mangrove forests. Stakeholder support is needed to increase the knowledge and skills of the community, especially traditional leaders, in implementing sustainable forest management. Keywords: forest management, local institution, mangrove, small island

Mexico and the forum for economic cooperation, Asia-pacific, 1990-2019: Determinants of the sustainable productivity of the wood industry

The purpose of this research is to identify the determinants of the productivity of the wood industry for the economies that make up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APECF) in the period 1990-2019. As a dependent variable, a sustainable productivity index is created to measure this productivity. Using the econometric method of panel data, the impact of employment, capital stock, and innovation on the sustainable productivity of the wood manufacturing industry is found. The variable capital stock (SC) is estimated using the Perpetual Inventory Method (PIM) and incorporating an adjustment factor for the absence of the first observation. The findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between the sustainable productivity index and the variables employment, innovation, and capital stock. The study's findings demonstrate that productivity exists when there is a balance in the use of resources or public goods. The contribution that is made to the literature is about authentic productivity that promotes the improvement of the quality of life of the population as well as the responsible use of finite resources. This research examines the practical implications of sustainable forest resource utilization, specifically focusing on sustainable productivity.

Coupling coordination relationship of forestry industry development and ecological environment: evidence from Heilongjiang Province

China’s economy has entered a new period of transformation, and the development of various industries will become the backbone of promoting economic sectors. At the same time, it will also become a booster for promoting the transformation and development of various industries. As an essential component of China’s economic construction, forestry will also enter a critical period of transformation. However, because the forestry industry mainly relies on forest resources as production factors, there is a certain contradiction between the forestry industry development and the ecological environment. Therefore, taking Heilongjiang Province as an example, this paper applies the PSR model to explain the mechanism of the relationship between forestry industry development and the ecological environment. The PSR model mainly consists of three indicators: Pressure, State, and Response, which analyze the interrelationships between elements within the system. On the other hand, the coupling coordination model is applied to analyze the coupling coordination relationship between the forestry industry development and the ecological environment in Heilongjiang Province from 2011 to 2018. The results show that the development of the forestry industry puts pressure on the ecological environment. At the same time, the environmental climate also imposes restrictions and constraints on the development of the forestry industry. The two promote, influence, and constrain each other. The development of the forestry industry was antagonistic, running in, coupled, and coordinated with the ecological environment in Heilongjiang Province from 2011 to 2018. However, there is still a particular gap in the level of coupling and coordination between the two, and they have yet to reach a state of good coordinated development. Therefore, Heilongjiang Province can promote the coordinated development of its forestry industry and the ecological environment through innovative forestry industry transformation models, policy-oriented rational development and utilization of forest resources, environmentally constrained clean production of the forestry industry, and complementary and shared development of the forestry industry and ecological environment.

UTILISATION AND CONTRIBUTION OF FOREST RESOURCES TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY IN DRY REGIONS OF AFRICA

The unsustainable harvest of forest resources in dry regions of Africa has contributed to forest degradation and increased the prices of forest resources in local markets. Many people in dry regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have been harvesting forest resources to supplement food sources due to poor crop production as a result of erratic rainfall. This review seeks to explore the utilisation and contribution of forest resources to improving food security in the dry regions of Africa. Forest resources are highly utilised by poor resource farmers in rural areas as a means of poverty alleviation, income generation and to improve human livelihoods. Resources such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute to human nutrition, income generation, food sources and to improve living standards. NTFPs, such as honey, waxes and medicines, have been reported to contribute income in countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, creating more opportunities for rural people to improve their living standards and reduce food insecurity. These resources contribute to hidden hunger though the utilisation of fruit, vegetables, honey, wild meat and edible worms, especially to the children under five years of age. Climate change has also created variability in the availability of forest resources in dry regions, and this has altered their contribution to human livelihoods and food security.

Ecosystem services of forests and their economic valuation: Prospects for sustainable development

The relevance of the topic is justified by the diversity of unique natural ecosystem objects in the territories of Kosovo and North Macedonia, where forestry activities are traditional. The aim of the study is to analyse the current state of ecosystem services provided by forests in Kosovo and North Macedonia in the context of their assessment and development prospects. Several general scientific empirical and theoretical research methods were employed, including comparison, generalization, analysis, synthesis, and abstract-logical methods. The article characterizes the current state of forest resource utilization in Kosovo and North Macedonia, highlighting key issues in the management of forest lands, including those hindering the development of ecosystem services. The study justifies indicators of the level of forest resource utilization in Kosovo and North Macedonia, examining the percentage ratio of forest cover indicators in the Western Balkan countries. The relationship between land areas of different categories and purposes in Kosovo is analysed, along with the designation of protected areas within forested areas in North Macedonia. The necessity of conducting an economic assessment of specific ecosystem services provided by forests is justified. Six methods used in the economic valuation of natural goods resulting from forest resource utilization are detailed, deemed most suitable for the Western Balkan countries. A comprehensive list of the most relevant functions of forests requiring economic assessment is compiled. Throughout the justification of all stages of the work, specific ecosystem services provided by forests that may gain greater importance in the future are identified. The practical significance of the study lies in forming the fundamental methodological aspects that can be utilized in the assessment of ecosystem services provided by forests

The Estimation of Cuscus Population and Distribution in Teluk Wondama District, West Papua Province, Indonesia

Cuscus is a marsupial mammal endemic to the eastern part of Indonesia. Populations and their habitats are under pressure due to economic development, population growth and utilization of forest resources. So far, studies on cuscus ecology have mainly focused on protected habitats or conservation areas, this study aims to identify and analyze populations and predict the distribution of cuscus in non-protectes area which is PT Wijaya Sentosa. This research conduct in November 2020 until January 2021 in several land cover categories. The methods used in this study include literature and secondary data studies, field observations using strip-transect and camera trap techniques, interviews using purposive sampling techniques. This study found nine individuals of cuscus from direct observation with strip-transects and two individuals of cuscus from camera trapping. The ground cuscus population (P. gymnotis) had the highest abundance and density, while the common spotted cuscus (S. maculatus) population owned the lowest values. The population structure dominates by male sex and adult age class, and no female sex and young age class were found. Cuscus was more commonly found solitary in the line of observation and not found in every line. The shape of the distribution pattern of the cuscus population at PT Wijaya Sentosa is cluster/aggregated, determined from the value of the dispersion index and the ratio of variance to mean. The most common ground cuscus was found in the 2018 and the 2013 logging area (LOA).

Knowledge Level of Rural Dwellers on Sustainable Utilization of Forest Resources in Peri Urban Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Forest resources have been a major source of income for a sizeable number of the populace especially in the rural areas. This study therefore investigated the knowledge levels of rural dwellers on sustainable utilization of forest resources in Peri Urban Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Oyo State in which Oluyole and Akinyele Local Governments were purposively chosen. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure, 200 respondents were randomly sampled from the Study Area and data were collected using a structured questionnaire on their personal characteristics, knowledge level, accessibility and constraints faced in sustainable utilization of forest resources. Majority of the respondent 68.4% were males, had secondary education (34.7%). All the respondents (100%) were involved in forest resources utilization; majority (63.3%) sourced their information from forest workers. The high cost of forest resources (40.8%) ranked as the highest constraint faced in the utilization of forest resources. Significant relationship (x2=15.76; p≤0.05) existed between household size and the knowledge level of respondents on forest resources utilization. Also, there was a significant relationship (r=-0.712, p= 0.000) between knowledge level and constraints associated with sustainable utilization of forest resources. The paper therefore recommends the use of public-private partnerships in creating awareness on sustainable utilization of forest resources.

Editorial: The utilization and management of forest resources in South and Southeast Asia

Editorial: The utilization and management of forest resources in South and Southeast Asia

Classification and Description of the Most Well-Known Environmental Approaches Used for the Maintenance and Improvement f Forest Management

"The importance of forests in our society is extremely significant, with multiple benefits for both the environment and people. Considering the high importance of forests and the need for responsible and sustainable utilization, various approaches have been developed to promote sustainable forestry in different ways. This paper focuses on identifying, classifying, and analysing these approaches in Romania and at the European level. Firstly, the legislative system, through its crucial role in establishing rules for different sectors, plays an important role in ensuring sustainable forestry. The entirety of laws that impact forests form the regulated tool of the state. On the other hand, organizations that benefit from goods and services provided by forests aim to assure customers that their activities do not have a negative impact on forests. Taking these factors into account, non-governmental organizations have developed different standards and policies to maintain and improve forest practices. These systems are not regulated by the state; rather, they are voluntary instruments. Their use depends on the willingness and interest of the forest owner or manager. Both types of instruments aim to improve forest practices and promote a sustainable approach to the utilization of forest resources. Keywords: Responsible forest management, voluntary system, reglemented system."

Future possibilities for long-term business cooperation between private forest owners and forest service providers in Slovenia

Abstract Private forest ownership, with small and fragmented forest properties prevailing in Europe, is affected by demographic, economic and social changes as well as by forest-related policy goals. This is reflected in the lack of knowledge about forest management, insufficient forest management and underutilization of forest resources. Considering that, business cooperation between private forest owners and with forest service providers or managers is recognized as one of the key instruments to increase the efficiency of private forest management. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a potential for further development of forest lease as form of long-term business cooperation. In this research, interviews (n=8) were conducted with tenants who have signed long-term forest lease contracts with private forest owners in Slovenia. The results show that there are limited possibilities for further development of long-term business cooperation between private forest owners and forest service providers/managers (e.g. forest lease). The results indicate that there are many benefits of long-term business cooperation for both sides, but private forest owners’ interest is questionable. If we want long-term business cooperation (forest lease) to succeed, forest lease should be recognized in legislation, education about business cooperation (forest lease) should be given to public forest service employees, so they could promote forest lease and provide information to private forest owners. In addition, a connection between potential business partners should be established and examples of good practice should be promoted to gain trust between business partners, which could increase private forest owners’ interest and consequently improve private forest management and utilization of forest resources from private forests.

Assessment of forest food–water resources nexus and its utilization efficiency based on the Gaussian model

Abstract Forest resources are an important foundation for human survival and development, and their utilization and management are of great significance for sustainable development. Forests are important ecosystems that provide essential ecological services for human survival and development. Based on the Gaussian model, this article evaluates the grain and water resources in forest areas to explore the efficiency of forest resource utilization. By collecting and processing sample data from the forest areas of the Yangtze River Basin from October to December 2021, the food and water resources of the forest areas under different vegetation types and soil moisture content were obtained. The results indicate that the total amount of grain resources varies among different sample areas. The maximum weight is 6,000 kg and the minimum weight is 3,500 kg. The total amount of water resources varies among different sample areas, ranging from 600 to 2,000 m3.

Evaluation of Conflicts and Parks Management in The Utilization of Natural Resources in Nigeria

Aim of study: National parks establishment was stimulated by conservation. However, conflicts exist with park managers and rustic communities hosting the park. The need to regulate utilization of forest resources by man to ensuring peaceful coexistence becomes necessary.
 Area of study: Okomu National Park, Edo State, Nigeria was the study area. 
 Material and methods: One hundred and fifty respondents from host communities and 20 staff of Okomu National Park were randomly selected and structured questionnaire administered to them. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
 Main results: Most (86.0%) of community member were aware of law guiding park but were adamant (40.0%) regardless of awareness creation by park officers (80.0%). Destruction of farms by fauna and inability of park managers to fulfill their social responsibilities (20.0%) (Staff) and inability of park to carry out social responsibility (20.0%) (communities) were the major conflict sources. Dialog (26.0%) and intensive support zone programme (20.0%) were suggested by community and staff respectively for peaceful coexistence.
 Highlights: Conflicts were evident between host communities and park management. The underlying cause is deprivation of host communities from accessing resources and parks manager inability to fulfill their social responsibilities. Conflict resolution method of supply of palliative/benefit from park to communities will aid parks conservation.

Examining forest transition and collective action in Nepal’s community forestry

Nepal is going through a major socio-economic transition in rural areas and hence in forest management practices, leading to changes in and evolution of new forest-people relationships. Community forests are experiencing an ecological transition resulting a new pattern of growth, regeneration and diversity in forest composition. The ecological transition of forest corresponds to the shifting local collective actions in community forestry which are emerging from the new socio-economic dynamics in rural areas such as income-diversification, declining subsistence utilization of forest resources and outmigration of the rural population. However, these changes are highly differentiated and variable. The hilly areas are experiencing remarkable forest cover changes than in the lowlands of Terai. In this paper, we examine the evolving intersection between new forest transition and community collective action in Nepal. We draw our analysis on the comparative case study of four villages from three different ecological regions. Our findings show that the forest transition is not static, but a dynamic process shaped by diverse local and external factors. Further, declining utilization of forests for subsistence uses has led to a new dynamic in community collective action which has played a central role in driving forest transition. Community participation in forest management is also declining. Hence, we call for reconceptualizing local collective action in this changed context which can help revise forest policies and reimagine forest institutions that can better respond to the socio-economic changes of the mountain landscape and revitalize local collective actions.

Optimizing Wildlife Habitat Management in Socio-Ecological Systems: An Evolutionary Game Theory Approach

This paper focuses on the issue of balancing interests between stakeholders and ecosystems in the process of wildlife habitat conservation. By employing evolutionary game theory, an analysis framework for the socio-ecological system of wildlife habitats is constructed, comprising four main entities: central government, farmers, local government, and ecosystems. This framework explores the influencing factors of habitat protection strategies adopted by various stakeholders and the conditions required for the socio-ecological system to evolve towards an ideal state. In this paper, we analyze how the central government can design cost–benefit-based policy mechanisms, control the evolution of the socio-ecological system by altering conditions, and achieve a balance of interests among all parties involved in the habitat protection process. In this study, we find that the central government should establish disturbance monitoring indicators for human activities and ecological restoration, based on different compensation standards. Moreover, the hierarchical management of wildlife habitat according to different management levels can enhance the probability of the socio-ecological system evolving towards an ideal state, while achieving the sum of social costs. Additionally, shifting the compensation strategies for farmers and local governments from cost compensation to benefit compensation will reduce the harmful costs that the ecosystem imposes on the social system, thereby facilitating the realization of an ideal wildlife habitat protection and management model. Therefore, the central government should intensify compensation efforts and design reasonable compensation standards, transitioning the compensation function from cost recovery to income generation. Simultaneously, guidance should be provided to farmers for the rational utilization of forest resources to increase their income. The alignment of agricultural activities with habitat protection goals should be encouraged, and local governments should establish mechanisms for realizing the value of ecological products, making relatively implicit long-term social welfare explicit.

Community Forest Resource Utilization and Associated Land Degradation in Eswatini – The Case of Ezikhotheni and Ngcayini Chiefdoms

Community Forest Resource Utilization and Associated Land Degradation in Eswatini – The Case of Ezikhotheni and Ngcayini Chiefdoms

Forest Farmer Group Development Model for Sustainable Well-Being in Kampar Regency

Sustainable forest resource utilization can alleviate poverty in developing countries, including Indonesia, mainly by rural community groups like forest farmer groups (KTH). However, the capacity of KTH to manage forest resources is still low, leading to a decline in their well-being, exemplified in KTH in Kampar Regency. Unlike previous studies, this research focuses on developing KTH based on institutional, area management, and business aspects. The objective of the study is to analyze the factors influencing KTH’s well-being and build a development model for KTH. The research was conducted in Kampar Regency with 193 respondents using a census method. Data analysis used the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The study’s findings reveal that business management significantly influences KTH’s well-being in Kampar Regency, followed by institutional and area management aspects. The development model for KTH involves enhancing key indicators in each aspect, such as KTH’s involvement in government/non-government organizations/other institution programs, appropriate area utilization, and increased business capital, as key steps to achieve a productive, self-reliant, prosperous, and sustainable management. Keywords: area, business development, forest farmer group, institutional, Poverty alleviation

Потенциал пищевых ресурсов леса в развитии агролесоводства Архангельской области

The problem of food security is always relevant for society, but it is even more acute for the inhabitants of northern territories due to unfavorable agricultural conditions. The use of forest food resources, which are abundant in northern regions, and the development of agroforestry help to solve this problem. Agroforestry in this context is seen as an intensive system of sustainable forest management that has a goal-oriented concept tailored to local ecological and socio-economic conditions and integrates both agricultural and forestry practices. This article aims to explore the potential and role of forest food resources in achieving self-sufficiency for the inhabitants of the Arkhangelsk region, as well as the feasibility of implementing agroforestry practices in forestry. The following objectives were pursued and addressed to achieve the research goal: reviewing journal articles, research results, and statistical data on the use of wild plants; conducting original research to understand and evaluate the role and place of wild plants in the dietary habits of the Arkhangelsk region’s population, as well as the goals and characteristics of plant harvesting; assessing the potential of berry cultivation in the region; identifying challenges and prospects associated with the use and development of forest food resources. The study employed a combination of theoretical, empirical, and comprehensive research methods, including document analysis, marketing research in the form of a survey of Arkhangelsk region residents, and SWOT analysis. The comprehensive study generated conclusions and recommendations regarding the utilization of forest food resources in agroforestry, as well as the need for further research on predictive models for berry yields and interactive maps showcasing the locations of wild plants accessible to the local population. A practical innovation proposed in this study is the development of interactive GIS maps to be used by the region’s inhabitants that display the localization of wild plants based on a network of fixed testing sites. This approach aims to foster sustainable and multifaceted forest management development.