Wood Resources Research Articles

Satellite Image Fusion Airborne LiDAR Point-Clouds-Driven Machine Learning Modeling to Predict the Carbon Stock of Typical Subtropical Plantation in China

In the current context of carbon neutrality, afforestation is an effective means of absorbing carbon dioxide. Stock can be used not only as an economic value index of forest wood resources but also as an important index of biomass and carbon storage estimation in forest emission reduction project evaluation. In this paper, we propose a data-driven machine learning framework and method for predicting plantation stock based on airborne LiDAR + satellite remote sensing, and carried out experimental verification at the site of the National Forest emission reduction project in Southern China. We used step-up regression and random forest (RF) to screen LiDAR and Landsat 8 OLI multispectral indicators suitable for the prediction of plantation stock, and constructed a plantation stock model based on machine learning (support vector machine regression, RF regression). Our method is compared with traditional statistical methods (stepwise regression and partial least squares regression). Through the verification of 57 plantation field survey data, the accuracy of the stand estimation model constructed using the RF method is generally better (ΔR2 = 0.01~0.27, ΔRMSE = 1.88~13.77 m3·hm−2, ΔMAE = 1.17~13.57 m3·hm−2). The model evaluation accuracy based on machine learning is higher than that of the traditional statistical method, and the fitting R2 is greater than 0.91, while the fitting R2 of the traditional statistical method is 0.85. The best fitting models were all support vector regression models. The combination of UAV point clouds and satellite multi-spectral images has the best modeling effect, followed by LiDAR point clouds and Landsat 8. At present, this method is only applicable to artificial forests; further verification is needed for natural forests. In the future, the density and quality of higher clouds could be increased. The validity and accuracy of the method were further verified. This paper provides a method for predicting the accumulation of typical Chinese plantations at the forest farm scale based on the “airborne LiDAR + satellite remote sensing” data-driven machine learning modeling, which has potential application value for the current carbon neutrality goal of the southern plantation forest emission reduction project.

Cutting with Circular Saw of Traversal-Structured Panels Obtained from Spruce (Picea abies L.) Branches

Finding new wood resources is a permanent challenge nowadays, especially due to the fact that there is a crisis of these resources through the continuous degradation of forest areas that can be exploited. In this general context, the use of spruce (Picea abies L.) branches to create panels with a transverse texture becomes the main purpose of this research. Going beyond the current stage of research in the field, this research highlights the particularities of cutting panels with a transverse texture made from spruce branches, especially due to the cutting direction compared to the wood grain. In addition to the activities of collecting and sorting the branches, processing and joining, in order to obtain dimensionally stable panels, the workability of these panels with a transverse texture represents a new challenge in this field. The work methodology was based on the effective measurement of the cutting and advance power during cutting with a circular blade. The obtained results referred to the comparison of 10 working regimes from the point of view of the electrical power consumed, according to the two main parameters taken into account, which are the rotational speed of the circular blade and the advance speed. The final conclusion of the work highlighted the fact that the processing of panels with a transverse structure requires specific work regimes, namely an optimal regime of electric consumption of 2.2 kW, at a cutting speed of 79.2 m/s and an advance speed of 3.7 m/min.

Are firewood preference behaviors influenced by restrictions in access to vegetation, and can they vary over time?

Studies aim to understand the behavior of human populations when selecting certain groups of plants over others. Some plants are chosen for favorable characteristics that justify specific uses. Thus, individuals may exhibit specialized behavior patterns, selecting plants for fuel based on specific biological traits like ignition potential and durability, or generalized behavior patterns, depending on species availability or utilitarian redundancy. However, little is known about how the preference for these resources may be shaped by contexts that prohibit resource use. Prohibiting resource use can compel human groups to devise new selection strategies, leading to significant changes in socioecological system dynamics. Hence, this study aims to investigate how preference for plants used as firewood varies in areas with restricted and unrestricted resource use. We conducted semi-structured interviews in two communities. Participants with restricted natural resource access in the past showed a tendency towards specialized behavior (p<0.000849). However, due to imposed restrictions, the community had to develop new usage strategies, resulting in a tendency towards generalized behavior (p>0.6489). Preference in unrestricted use areas varied over years, with generalists in the past (p>0.4675) and specialists presently (p<0.2074). Based on these behaviors, we infer that these human groups possess adaptive plasticity to mitigate the drastic effects of long-term wood resource extraction.

Insights into lignocellulosic fiber feedstock and its impact on pulp and paper manufacturing: A comprehensive review

Concerns about the depletion of wood resources and the environmental impact of increasing demand for paper goods have led to the quest for alternate sources of fiber for pulp and paper manufacture. Non-wood fibers, such as agricultural residues, are seen as a sustainable and renewable source of fiber. However, due to changes in chemical composition, unpredictability, and processing methods, their utilization offers obstacles. Nonetheless, ongoing research in non-wood fiber pulping drives the development of new methods and technologies to enhance non-wood fibers' processability. Kraft pulping, known for efficacy and adaptability. This review provides comprehensive insights into the utilization of lignocellulosic non-wood fibers as sustainable alternatives to wood in pulp and paper manufacturing, backed by recent research. It explores the feasibility of non-wood fiber utilization and assesses various pulping processes' impacts on their properties. Notably, innovative pulping methodologies have emerged, addressing conventional approach shortcomings. Further research should focus on refining innovative pulping techniques and exploring alternative compounds to replace conventional chemicals, reducing ecological footprints. Efforts are needed to enhance non-wood fibers' processability through technology development. Collaboration among researchers, industry, and policymakers is vital to drive advancements and facilitate widespread non-wood fiber adoption. Exploring non-wood fiber applications beyond pulp and paper manufacturing could diversify fiber supply chains sustainably. In summary, the future of non-wood fibers in the pulp and paper industry is promising, with ongoing research and innovation expected to unlock their full potential, driving positive environmental and economic outcomes.

Chromosome-scale genomes of Quercus sichourensis and Quercus rex provide insights into the evolution and adaptation of Fagaceae

The Fagaceae, a plant family with a wide distribution and diverse adaptability, has garnered significant interest as a subject of study in plant speciation and adaptation. Meanwhile, certain Fagaceae species are regarded as highly valuable wood resources due to the exceptional quality of their wood. In this study, we present two high-quality, chromosome-scale genome sequences for Quercus sichourensis (848.75 Mb) and Quercus rex (883.46 Mb). Comparative genomics analysis reveals that the difference in the number of plant disease resistance genes and the nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution ratio (Ka/Ks) of protein-coding genes among Fagaceae species are related to different environmental adaptations. Interestingly, most genes related to starch synthesis in the investigated Quercoideae species are located on a single chromosome, as compared to the outgroup species, Fagus sylvatica. Furthermore, resequencing and population analysis of Q. sichourensis and Q. rex reveal that Q. sichourensis has lower genetic diversity and higher deleterious mutations compared to Q. rex. The high-quality, chromosome-level genomes and the population genomic analysis of the critically endangered Q. sichourensis and Q. rex will provide an invaluable resource as well as insights for future study in these two species, even the genus Quercus, to facilitate their conservation.

Conserving Thailand's Wooden Built Heritage: Developments, Approaches, and Current Challenges

This study investigated the developments and current status of stakeholders involved in preserving wooden heritage in Thailand, specifically from the government, private sectors, and academia. The methodologies consisted of documentary analyses, in-depth interviews, and on-site observations of wooden conservation sites. The findings revealed three periods in the development of wooden built heritage: government-led building registration, the evolution of conservation approaches by various stakeholders including private and academic entities, and a collaborative phase emphasizing intangible aspects such as craftsmanship. The study examined current wooden conservation approaches, expanding from traditional methods applied in registered buildings to contemporary and flexible conservation approaches in non-registered buildings. In the non-registered building type within the private sector, there was a need to assess multidimensional aspects beyond cultural values. The results also highlighted several challenges in the preservation of wooden built heritage in Thai context. Firstly, there was the issue of wood resource management. Secondly, the challenge arose in conservation mechanisms such as analyzing drawings, conducting proper surveys, and maintaining carpenter skills. Lastly, the challenge was also encountered in the maintenance of wooden built heritage. The study recommended conservation support for the private sector, addressing their lack of regulatory protection. Firstly, it proposed the implementation of flexible policies or regulations that are specifically designed for wooden heritage. Secondly, the study suggested establishing supportive information platforms dedicated to wood-related knowledge. Lastly, it emphasized the importance of raising public awareness in preserving wooden built heritage.

A Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Network Combined with a Portable Near-Infrared Spectrometer for the Rapid, Non-Destructive Identification of Wood Species

The swift and non-destructive classification of wood species holds crucial significance for the utilization and trade of wood resources. Portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers have the potential for rapid and non-destructive wood species identification, and while several studies have explored related methodologies, further research on their practical application is needed. To address this research gap, this study proposes a multi-scale convolutional neural network (CNN) combined with a portable NIR spectrometer (wavelengths range: 908 to 1676 nm) for wood species identification. To enhance the capability of directly extracting robust features from NIR spectral data collected by a portable spectrometer, the Gramian angular field (GAF) method is introduced to transform 1-dimensional (1D) NIR spectral data into 2-dimensional (2D) data matrices. Furthermore, a multi-scale CNN model is utilized for direct feature extraction. The representation by 2D matrices, instead of 1D NIR spectral data, aligns with 2D convolutional operations and enables a more robust extraction of discriminative features. In the experimental phase, eight wood species were identified using the proposed method, alongside commonly used multivariate data analysis and machine learning (ML) methods. The StratifiedGroupKFold dataset partitioning approach and five-fold cross-validation were used. Additionally, nine spectral preprocessing methods were compared, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used for feature extraction in the ML method. Evaluation metrics, such as accuracy, precision, and recall, were adopted to assess the performance of the methods. The proposed multi-scale CNN model, in combination with 2D GAF matrices of the 1D spectral data, yielded the most accurate results with a mean accuracy of 97.34% in the five-fold validation. These findings present a new approach for the construction of a rapid, non-destructive, and automatic wood species identification method using a portable NIR spectrometer.

A method of particleboard surface defect detection and recognition based on deep learning

ABSTRACT Particleboard is a material for furniture and other wooden industrial products, directly impacting the service life of the final product. In this study, an innovative dual-attention mechanism, the Dense Connection Idea (DC-DACB), which combines Ganomaly and ResNet networks to detect and identify surface defects on particleboards was proposed. The model demonstrates superior performance in fine-grained direction. Evaluation metrics including precision, recall, average F1Score, and mAP are employed. Comparative analysis with Faster-RCNN and Yolo v5 baseline models reveals a 2.4% and 2.2% improvement in mAP for particleboard surface-defect detection. Moreover, the model exhibits excellent accuracy (93.1%) in recognizing five common defect types: shaving, scratches, chalk marks, soft spots, and adhesive spots. Comparative analysis with SE-Net, SA-Net, the original CBAM, and self-attention further supports its effectiveness in particleboard surface-defect detection. The integration of artificial-intelligence detection technology enables the timely detection of production process issues, reduces wood resource waste, and benefit the production of the enterprise.

FT-IR and HPLC analysis of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) bark compounds from different geographical provenances

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) could be applied to study the provenance of wood, specifically the differentiation of wood resources, as well as the identification of chemical compounds that are connected to the changes that occur in wood as a result of drying treatments. To test this hypothesis, the bark of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) from trees belonging to seven different geographical provenances was studied, using samples dried at three different temperatures (60, 80, and 100 °C). FT-IR spectroscopy revealed different band assignments in the mid-infrared region depending on fir provenances, whereas the vibrational bands of the biomass functional groups tended to shift to lower wavenumbers. Significant differences were identified between the chemical compounds in the bark depending on the provenances. The largest proportion of the total phenolics was represented by the epicatechin gallate, epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidin dimer B1. Exploratory data analysis was performed using principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and Pearson correlations. This allowed a comparative evaluation of the samples and interpret the findings according to the geographical provenances, respectively ecological conditions in the areas of origin, but also the influence of the drying temperatures of the samples on chemical compounds. The precipitation in the areas of origin decreased total phenolics in silver fir bark samples, and total phenolics differed not only due to the geographic provenance, but also due to drying temperature.

Economic and Environmental Implications of Wood Exploitation in the Mangrove Ecosystem in Tiko, South West Region of Cameroon

Mangroves are vital ecosystems performing myriad functions and providing critical ecological goods and services. However, over the years, population growth and land use mutations have significantly reduced the ecological capacity of mangroves. This study aimed at identifying the economic and environmental implications of wood exploitation in the mangrove ecosystem. Data were collected from the field through the administration of questionnaires and field observations. This study examined the different drivers of wood exploitation which have resulted in the gradual destruction and degradation of mangrove ecosystem. Anthropogenic activities relating to the utilization of mangroves have significantly reinforced the rate of degradation within the study area. The results also show that the exploitation of mangrove forest for wood and fishery resources, fish smoking and charcoal production have also contributed to the daily and monthly income of the exploiters, making them essential to poverty alleviation. However, mangrove exploitation for various economic motives identified in the study have contributed enormously to ecological disequilibrium which has aggravated mangrove degradation. Some of the environmental consequences identified during field observations include loss of biodiversity, reduction in fish quantity and water pollution amongst others. To address these issues, it is necessary to promote environmental education, carry out reforestation, and establish community corporation in the wise use of mangroves. This falls in line with Cameroon’s 1994 Forestry and Environment Law relating to sustainable exploitation of forest resources and 1972 Ramser Convention on Wetlands as Water Fowl Habitats.

Traditional ecological knowledge of mangrove wood use on the Brazilian Amazon coast

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has been widely used and valued as a reliable source of information in the development of research on the various uses of the forest. Here, the socio-environmental factors that affect the traditional knowledge of extractivists about the uses of mangrove wood in an estuarine-coastal community in the Brazilian Amazon region were analyzed. The grouping of words evoked in semi-structured interviews with 108 local informants highlighted the lexicons that best express the use of mangrove wood. Factorial correspondence analysis was used to assess the intersection between words and age groups, helping to indicate respondents' TEK of these uses. Most respondents say that wood is used for domestic (family) purposes, mainly charcoal and weir, and that these purposes and applications were taught by the older generation of the community. The traditional uses of the species Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans, and Laguncularia racemosa have been validated by the scientific literature through their technological properties. From this validation, a relevant contribution is to include the participation of users in intervention processes by using their TEK, making the planning process of preventive conservation strategies and management proposals more efficient, promoting the reduction of a future advance deforestation in this region. Likewise, such information is relevant to guide the social actors involved in the implementation of public policies, favouring the creation of new alternatives and solutions for better management and use of wood resources in mangrove areas.

Specific features of wood resources processing at forest industry enterprises

The paper presents the results of scientific research of certain features of wood resources processing at the enterprises of the forest industry. Considering that the forest industry is actively developing, the volumes of processed raw materials are increasing, the amount of generated secondary wood resources (waste) is increasing. The purpose of the work is to identify some key features of their use. For this purpose, the analysis of literary sources was used. Practical experience of domestic and foreign timber companies was also considered. As a result, a significant lag of the Russian timber industry from foreign best practices was revealed. In particular, the volume of manufactured products is significantly inferior to those of timber reserves and processed raw materials. This is due to the low share of participation and efficiency in the utilization of secondary wood resources. Another important conclusion was that the main problem in terms of the secondary wood resources utilization is to find optimal ways of using secondary wood raw materials. Significant volumes of wood waste generation in various technological processes were shown. Separate requirements were revealed and demonstrated to the initial raw materials to obtain products from the raw materials of wood. An important outcome was that the higher feedstock requirements of large-scale production facilities were identified. Smaller production facilities are often more flexible and adaptable to the available resources.

Technological scheme of wood resources utilization model development

In the present work the justification of the urgency of solving the issue of environmental friendliness of materials produced from wood resources is given. The analysis of the production technology of semifinished wood-fiber products is carried out at the current stage of development of the board industry. The estimation of board formation properties of the wood fiber mass produced in disk blade grinding machines is given, and the inefficiency of the used equipment is substantiated. The expediency of using the equipment with cavitation effect as the second grinding stage in the production of wood pulp was substantiated. As a result, the purpose of the present work was the development of the technology for the production of the semifinished wood fiber product with the use of a rotor-pulsation apparatus as the second stage of the wood pulp mill. To achieve the goal, an analysis of modern technologies used in the production of fiberboard was carried out. The model of technological scheme of production of wood fiberboards by wet method in the environment of AnyLogic program package was developed. Based on the technological scheme developed, a dynamic model of the fiberboard production process was built using a rotor-pulsation apparatus in the second stage of wood pulp milling. In the course of research, statistical analysis methods and simulation modelling of technological processes were applied. The results obtained can find application in the production of fiberboard, as well as in the improvement of technological processes at the enterprises of the forest complex.

Assessment of the Economic Accessibility of Forest Wood Resources

The article is devoted to the development and approbation of methodological tools for assessing the economic accessibility of forest wood resources. According to the authors, the assessment of forest wood resources by the criterion of their economic accessibility can become the most effective tool for intersectoral forest planning. The purpose of this article is the theoretical substantiation and development of methodological tools for assessing the economic accessibility of forest wood resources in the system of rational forest management, as well as the formation of directions for including its results in the mechanism of regional forest planning. As a result of the conducted research, the authors have formed a theoretical basis for the concept of assessing the economic accessibility of forest wood resources, including the introduction of a categorical apparatus («economic accessibility of forest wood resources», «accessible», «conditionally accessible/inaccessible» and «inaccessible» forest wood resources) and substantiation for the feasibility of including an assessment of the economic accessibility of forest resources in the forest management planning system. The results of the study can be applied by public administration bodies in the formation of territorial programs for the development of the forest sector of the economy, taking into account the market conditions of forest regional markets. Methodological approaches and tools for assessing the economic accessibility of forest wood resources can be used to determine the amount of payments for forest resources, ensuring a balance of economic interests of the state, forest users and other stakeholders.

Thermal efficiency of the enclosing structures of an individual residential house in conditions of interconstant thermal energy generation

The involvement of recycled wood resources and low-quality wood in the processing provides an active source of raw materials for the construction industry. Environmentally friendly building materials in the form of wood-mineral composites (WMC) help recycle this waste and help conserve natural resources. The study examined the thermal performance of enclosing structures in the form of a frame wall filled with mineral wool, walls made of aerated concrete blocks and stands made of WMC. The purpose of the work was to determine the thermal regime of enclosing structures under stationary and non-stationary thermal conditions. The unsteady mode was created by simulating the generation of thermal energy for 10 hours a day. The mode corresponds as closely as possible to the actual operating conditions of an individual housing construction project, provided that it is heated by a solid fuel boiler or stove with periodic generation of thermal energy. The total simulation time is 5 days. It has been established that in a stationary thermal mode, all considered structures comply with sanitary and hygienic requirements and heat conservation standards.

The introduction of modern woodworking equipment into the logging process as a tool to improve environmental management

The paper substantiates the relevance of the rational use of wood resources by logging enterprises. The reasons preventing the use of logging waste as additional raw materials for wood processing enterprises have been identified. An assessment of the feasibility of production from logging waste in the form of branches, limbs and twigs of technological chips on mobile chopping machines is given. The necessity of raw material barking for the production of technological chips in the conditions of logging operations has been revealed. As a result, the purpose of the research was to increase the efficiency of using wood biomass by developing a design and introducing a mobile barking machine into the logging process. To achieve this goal, the main requirements for the technical capabilities of the barking machine were identified based on the geometric features of the processed raw materials and the places of its processing. To produce a laboratory prototype and implement a series of experiments, a set of design documentation was developed and a 3D model of the machine was built. A series of experimental studies has been carried out, consisting in the debarking of branches, limbs and branches of various wood species using a machine of the proposed design and a drum-type debarking machine. An analysis of the results of experimental studies has shown the effectiveness of the proposed machine design for drilling raw materials of small diameter and with a curved longitudinal axis. In the course of the research, methods of statistical analysis, analytical, modeling and active experiment were used. The results obtained can be used by logging and wood processing enterprises, as well as in the design of new types of barking equipment.

ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ПОКАЗНИКА ЦИРКУЛЯРНОСТІ В ЛІСОВОМУ СЕКТОРІ ЗА ПРИНЦИПАМИ ЦИРКУЛЯРНОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ

It is substantiated that the implementation of the circular economy in the forest sector is important and relevant, as it helps to preserve forest resources, contributing to the efficient use of materials and the reduction of wood residues, as well as the restoration and reuse of wood products. Analyzed and ranked according to the degree of importance of the principles of the hierarchy of 10R strategies of the circular economy in the forest sector in the form of a watering can, where the upper levels have a higher priority compared to the lower ones. The percentage of importance of each strategy according to the priority of actions of 10R strategies to achieve maximum circularity and sustainability was determined, in particular: Refuse (18.72%); Rethink (17.05%); Reduce (15.05%); Reuse (13.05); Repair (11.04%); Repurpose (9.03%); Remanufacturing (7.03%); Refurbish (5.02%); Recycle (3.01%); Recover (1.00%); Dispose (0.00 %). The state of the circular economy in the processes of logging, production of products from primary raw materials and processing of used (consumed) wood products in Ukraine was analyzed, which made it possible to determine the indicator of circularity in the forest sector. The method of determining the circularity index according to the 10R strategies of the circular economy for the three main components of the forest sector with the formation of three possible growth scenarios has been developed. The indicators of circularity for scenario No. 1 were determined, which characterize the 1st lowest level of efficiency for traditional technologies of utilization and useful use of wood resources with values for the processes: logging 6.02%, manufacturing of wood products 10.03%, processing of used wood 25, 09% Circularity indicators are calculated for scenario No. 2, which characterizes the 2nd middle level of efficiency, with emphasis on advanced technologies and business models based on the extension of the service life and life cycle of products with values for the processes: logging 26.09%, manufacturing of wood products 43.14%, processing of used wood 61.71%. Circularity indicators were calculated for scenario No. 3, characterizing a developed circular economy – the 3rd maximum level of efficiency, built on smart production and smart consumption with values for the processes: logging 43.15%, manufacturing of wood products 76.24%, recycling of used wood 93.15%. Possible weighted average indicators of circularity according to three scenarios were determined: No. 1, which characterizes the situation in the forest sector of Ukraine and is 13.71%; No. 2, which predicts the situation in the forest sector of Ukraine in the next 10-15 years at the level of 43.65%; No. 3, which predicts the situation in the forest sector of Ukraine in the perspective of 2050 at the level of 70.85%. Ways to increase the circularity index in the forest sector based on the principles of the circular economy, which include minimizing waste, optimizing the use of resources, and preserving natural capital, are outlined.

МАТЕМАТИЧНА МОДЕЛЬ ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ ОБСЯГІВ УТВОРЕННЯ ВЖИВАНОЇ ДЕРЕВИНИ

It is substantiated that a potential source of wood raw materials is various wood waste, in particular, post-consumer wood (PCW). A detailed review and thorough analysis was made to determine the principles of PCW classification at the Ukrainian level. The classification of PCW by degree of pollution into four groups is proposed. A method of calculating the used wood has been developed, which makes it possible to calculate its quantity effectively and reliably. A mathematical model for calculating the potential and balance of PCW by origin is proposed. It was established that the weighted average annual percentage of PCW from the trade network ranges from 14-16%, construction - 20-24%, raw materials and woodworking industries - 6-10%, used (old) furniture products - 10-16%, municipal waste - 16-18%, solid waste – 16-22%, other revenues – 6-8%. On the basis of statistical data from 2015 to 2023, approximating power dependences for each total indicator were obtained, which make it possible to forecast the volume of PCW formation in the near future, in particular until 2024. The implementation of the developed mathematical model makes it possible to effectively forecast the distribution of PCW by categories that determine the degree of pollution and, accordingly, the percentage of material processing of PCW. It is estimated that the potential of PCW in Ukraine in 2023 was about 1.783 million tons. It is justified that the improvement of PCW management at all levels should be based on general technical, economic and environmental standards and focus on the following proposals: analysis of PCW management; calculation of the potential of PCW as a secondary raw material and energy source; improvement of databases on technical, economic, environmental and statistical information; implementation of new approaches to PCW management, taking into account already existing schemes. A strategy for the material use of PCW was developed, which is based on the assessment of potential volumes of PCW according to a mathematical model, systematization of PCW by categories, classification by pollution, the concept of utilization of PCW by processing into dimensionally suitable blanks and construction materials, in particular, carpentry plates of various structures with predicted characteristics, which take into account the physical and mechanical properties of this additional wood resource.

Forced migration and pressure on agro-pastoral resources in the Far-North Region Cameroon.

One of the major consequences of insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin is the massive dis-placement of populations towards secure territories. The influx of forced migrants is accompanied by increased exploitation of agro-pastoral resources. This is the case in the northern part of Cameroon, which since 2014 has hosted more than 100,000 refugees and 350,000 internally displaced persons, most of whom have agriculture and livestock farming as their main activities. The aim of this article is to show how forced migration contributes to the pressure on agro-pastoral resources (agricultural land, grazing land, wood resources). The study is based on field observation, supplemented by reports from organizations responsible for supervising migrants. Field surveys of a sample of 262 individuals, representative of the population under consideration were carried out in the territories of Moskota, Mozogo, Mokolo, Koza and Tokombéré bordering Bornou in Nigeria. Primary data were completed with data from the International Organization for Migration's Dis-placement Tracking Matrix (DTM), and UNHCR reports on statistics relating to refugees and in-ternally displaced people in northern Cameroon. The results of data analysis show that settlement of forced migrants has exacerbated the degradation of grazing land, forest reserves and the conflicts between farmers and breeders linked to the difficult access to agriculture plots (25% of conflicts), grazing land (58% of conflicts), water and firewood.

Exploring attitudes towards extending lifecycle of wood products by cascading: a case study in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia

ABSTRACT This study explores attitudes toward sustainable-timber resource management and climate-change mitigation by extending the life cycles of wood products and their cascading in Central and Southeastern Europe. A comprehensive survey involving the general public and professional organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia, reveals significant support for wood product reuse in construction, emphasizing ecological aspects and sustainability. Despite doubts about wood product quality, motivation for reuse remains high. Challenges, including limited availability and cost, are acknowledged. Reusing and recycling wood products at the end of their life cycle can extend the life of the wood resource and reduce carbon emissions. Cascading is a promising way to combat climate change and prolong the life cycle of wood products. This study highlights the potential of cascading wood use, underscores the necessity to improve the quantification of wood usage through material intensity analysis of buildings, and emphasizes the requirement for more comprehensive education and explanations to promote sustainable practices.