Article
Environmental Studies
Tiago Monteiro Conde, Helio Tonini, Niro Higuchi, Francisco Gasparetto Higuchi, Adriano Jose Nogueira Lima, Reinaldo Imbrozio Barbosa, Taiguara dos Santos Pereira
Summary: This case study conducted in the ecotone forest in the northern Brazilian Amazon demonstrates that sustainable forest management can reduce forest degradation and soil erosion, making it an efficient model for land use in the Amazon. The study evaluated the effects of sustainable forest management on tree diversity, timber volumes, and carbon stocks.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eshetu Yirdaw, Markku Kanninen, Adrian Monge
Summary: Ecological compensation is an important mechanism for addressing environmental degradation caused by development projects and resource use. This review examines the synergies and trade-offs between biodiversity and carbon offsets, the challenges in implementing biodiversity offsets, and the potential for using biodiversity and/or carbon offsets as proxies for other ecosystem functions in ecological compensation. Biodiversity offsets are more challenging to implement due to measurement difficulties, ecological equivalence determination, longer time and higher uncertainty, unique ecosystems, and irreversibility of species loss. Biodiversity and carbon stocks generally have a positive relationship, but there are cases where there are no clear or even negative relationships. Developing a methodology to rank important ecosystem functions and identify proxies for ecological compensation goals is recommended.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Silvana Volpato Sccoti, Adriano Reis Prazeres Mascarenhas, Ariane Cristine Rebelo, Izaias Medice Fernandes, Jhony Vendruscolo, Jose das Dores de Sa Rocha, Renan Fernandes Moreto
Summary: Measuring the recovery of wood stocks in Amazon logging areas is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of policies for forest use and conservation. This study focused on evaluating the impact of logging on the dynamics and production of commercial species in a conservation unit in Rondonia state. Illegal logging was found to significantly affect the population structure of species over the years.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Jorge Luis Reategui-Betancourt, Lucas Jose Mazzei de Freitas, Kenia Ribeiro Brito Santos, Guido Briceno, Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi, Ademir Roberto Ruschel, Natalia Cassiade Faria Ferreira
Summary: Selective logging in neotropical forests has negatively impacted tree species dynamics and timber yield. This study examined timber yields in different species groups in logged and unlogged forests in the Brazilian Amazon. The findings revealed changes in size classes and tree recruitment in both forest types, but a significant loss of timber yield due to mortality and aftereffects of logging. Timber yield was influenced by species richness and the capacity for tree diameter growth. Continuous monitoring and improved forest management rules are essential for long-term sustainability.
Article
Forestry
Natalia A. Bedrij, Patricio M. Mac Donagh, Francis E. Putz, M. Genoveva Gatti
Summary: Long-term studies are necessary to understand the dynamics of managed forests. This study evaluated the recovery of structure, biomass, and timber stocks in a Subtropical Atlantic Forest in Argentina after either conventional selective logging or reduced-impact logging. The results showed that basal areas and volume of all stems increased faster after conventional selective logging compared to reduced-impact logging, while biomass increments were similar between the two methods. Timber stocks did not recover regardless of the logging system applied, likely due to high tree mortality rates and the growth of understory bamboos.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Marlene Soriano, Pieter A. Zuidema, Cristina Barber, Frits Mohren, Nataly Ascarrunz, Juan Carlos Licona, Marielos Pena-Claros
Summary: This study investigated the impact of Amazon nut harvesting and timber logging on Bertholletia populations in the Bolivian Amazon and found that sustainable harvesting and logging practices can sustain the growth of Bertholletia populations.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shutong Yang, Peng Shi, Peng Li, Zhanbin Li, Hongbo Niu, Pengju Zu, Lingzhou Cui
Summary: The Loess Plateau is a heavily soil-eroded area, and the Chinese government has implemented the Grain for Green Project to increase vegetation coverage. Understanding the temporal and spatial variation of ecosystem services in the region is crucial for re-vegetation and watershed management. This study analyzed the changes in carbon storage, soil conservation, and water yield in three watersheds using the InVEST model. The results showed positive trends in ecosystem services and trade-offs among different services.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leticia da Silva Moreira, Fernando Wallase Carvalho Andrade, Bruno Monteiro Balboni, Victor Hugo Pereira Moutinho
Summary: This study compared the physical and mechanical characteristics of branch wood of three tree species with their respective stems. The study found no significant differences in basic density between branch and stem wood, but branch wood had lower coefficient of anisotropy compared to stem wood. D.odorata showed similar mechanical properties between branch and stem wood, while H. petraeum and H. courbaril branch wood had lower strengths compared to stem wood.
Article
Forestry
Rens G. Brouwer, Pieter A. Zuidema, Fidel Chiriboga-Arroyo, Manuel R. Guariguata, Chris J. Kettle, Francisco Ehrenberg-Azcarate, Julia Quaedvlieg, Mishari R. Garcia Roca, Ronald Corvera-Gomringer, Flor Vargas Quispe, Merel Jansen
Summary: Evaluating Brazil nut restoration projects implemented by smallholders in the Peruvian Amazon, it was found that secondary forests were the most suitable sites for planting Brazil nut trees. Management practices had significant effects on tree growth, survival, and fruit production, emphasizing the importance of post-planting maintenance in increasing the success of forest landscape restoration projects.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pedro Medrado Krainovic, Angelica Faria de Resende, Nino Tavares Amazonas, Catherine Torres de Almeida, Danilo Roberti Alves de Almeida, Carina Camargo Silva, Henrique Sverzut Freire de Andrade, Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues, Pedro Henrique Santin Brancalion
Summary: The potential of tropical forest restoration plantations for native timber production was assessed. Growth models were developed and the Growth-Oriented Logging method was used to inform management decisions. An optimized timber-focused scenario accelerated tree-size achievement and anticipated harvesting in an average of 58 years.
PERSPECTIVES IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Frederick Gyasi Damptey, Enrique G. de la Riva, Klaus Birkhofer
Summary: In a study comparing a restoration project in Ghana with a local agroforestry system and natural forest, it was found that actively restored forests showed better performance in certain ecosystem service proxies, but had lower values in terms of food and fuelwood biomass, and carbon storage compared to natural forests.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jiren Xu, Fabrice G. Renaud, Brian Barrett
Summary: This study utilized CLUMondo and InVEST models to explore the land system evolution trajectories and potential challenges for the Luanhe River Basin in China by 2030. The results suggest agricultural intensification and urban growth are likely for the basin, while water scarcity may increase across all scenarios and carbon storage could vary depending on the scenario implemented.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Agust Sales, Marco Antonio Siviero, Sabrina Benmuyal Vieira, Jorge Alberto Gazel Yared, Ademir Roberto Ruschel, Marcio Lopes da Silva
Summary: This study aimed to propose a silvicultural management system that can recover and perpetuate the productivity of an intensively logged tropical forest. By comparing two treatments, it was found that the criteria treatment had a greater number of trees and species for commercialization of standing wood and higher NPV compared to the control treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eliza Zhunusova, Melvin Lippe, Anastasia Lucy Yang, Sven Guenter
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between international and internal remittance inflows and rural households' land use in forested landscapes in the Philippines. The findings show that remittances positively impact the size of land planted by perennials and reduce households' reliance on fuelwood. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the impacts of remittances and migration on natural resource management in the context of economic fallout associated with COVID-19.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Economics
Pia Christine Wiebe, Eliza Zhunusova, Melvin Lippe, Ruben Ferrer Velasco, Sven Gunter
Summary: The research reveals that households relying most strongly on natural resources in the study sites in the Philippines have the lowest total income, while households with a wage-based livelihood strategy have the highest total income.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Christian Troost, Robert Huber, Andrew R. Bell, Hedwig van Delden, Tatiana Filatova, Quang Bao Le, Melvin Lippe, Leila Niamir, J. Gareth Polhill, Zhanli Sun, Thomas Berger
Summary: So far, there is no consensus on the concept of validity in agent-based simulation. We define validation as systematically substantiating the premises on which conclusions from simulation analysis are based. Validity of agent-based models cannot be ensured if validation is seen as an isolated step. Instead, context-adequate method choices must be made throughout the simulation analysis process to obtain valid conclusions. We propose a twelve-step protocol to highlight the premises for methodological choices and their link to the modelling context, aiming to assist modelers in understanding their context and selecting appropriate methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bolier Torres, Carlos Bravo, Alexandra Torres, Cristhian Tipan-Torres, Julio C. Vargas, Robinson J. Herrera-Feijoo, Marco Heredia-R, Cecilio Barba, Anton Garcia
Summary: This study conducted in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region compares the carbon storage in traditional pasture with dispersed trees (PWT) and pasture in monoculture (PM). The results showed significant differences in carbon biomass between PWT and PM, with PWT having a higher carbon storage capacity. The study provides recommendations for improving cattle ranching systems through a silvopastoral approach.
Article
Forestry
Ferdinand Peters, Melvin Lippe, Paul Eguiguren, Sven Guenter
Summary: Forests in the humid tropics provide globally demanded forest ecosystem services and benefit local communities. However, a third of these forests are under threat from resource extraction and agricultural expansion. We analyzed inventory data from Ecuador and the Philippines to understand how landscape transition gradients and forest types affect forest ecosystem services, such as carbon storage, biodiversity, and timber volume.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruben Ferrer Velasco, Melvin Lippe, Richard Fischer, Bolier Torres, Fabian Tamayo, Felix Kanungwe Kalaba, Humphrey Kaoma, Leonida Bugayong, Sven Guenter
Summary: Cross-scale studies are crucial for effective forest protection measures, combining information on policy instruments and drivers of deforestation and forest degradation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Robinson J. J. Herrera-Feijoo, Bolier Torres, Rolando Lopez-Tobar, Cristhian Tipan-Torres, Theofilos Toulkeridis, R. Marco Heredia, Ruben G. Mateo
Summary: This study predicts the potential distribution of Mahogany and its changes under future climate conditions for the first time. The results are useful for identifying unrecorded populations and planning conservation management. The proposed methodology can be used for other forest species in tropical zones to consider the effects of climate change.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Bolier Torres, Italo Espinoza, Alexandra Torres, Robinson Herrera-Feijoo, Marcelo Luna, Anton Garcia
Summary: Land sparing and land sharing should be considered as complementary strategies in promoting pasture restoration in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region. Factors such as livelihoods, natural resource valuation, and income from livestock activity should be taken into account for their implementation. A study conducted on 167 farms in the region analyzed various livelihood capitals and the opportunity cost of grazing areas, suggesting different restoration strategies based on altitudinal gradient and productive specialization.
Review
Agronomy
Bolier Torres, Robinson Herrera-Feijoo, Yenny Torres, Anton Garcia
Summary: Scientific studies have led to improvements in silvopastoral systems and the development of policy strategies to address global restoration and sustainable development objectives.
Article
Environmental Studies
Richard Fischer, Melvin Lippe, Priscilla Dolom, Felix Kanungwe Kalaba, Fabian Tamayo, Bolier Torres
Summary: This study examines the effectiveness of policy instruments and the power of stakeholders in halting tropical deforestation. The findings reveal that while there is increasing support for incentive-based mechanisms, regulatory instruments are still highly advocated. Stakeholders have diverging perceptions on national policy mixes, necessitating good governance for decision-making and implementation.
Article
Environmental Studies
Julia Dietz, Anna Christina Treydte, Melvin Lippe
Summary: Land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in sub-Saharan African tropical forests are difficult to quantify and predict. This study used LULC change assessment and scenario modelling to analyze the multi-functionality of tropical dry forests in western Zambia and whether policy measures can prevent deforestation.
Article
Forestry
Walter Garcia-Cox, Rolando Lopez-Tobar, Robinson J. Herrera-Feijoo, Aracely Tapia, Marco Heredia-R, Theofilos Toulkeridis, Bolier Torres
Summary: This study determined the species composition, structure, and aboveground biomass of the Moraceae family in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The results showed 117 individuals of 32 species, with Ficus sp., Brosimun alicastrum, and Aucleopsis sp. being the most abundant. The study highlights the importance of similar research on carbon accumulation capacity of species from other families, especially those of high commercial value due to their timber resource.
Article
Plant Sciences
Rolando Lopez-Tobar, Robinson J. Herrera-Feijoo, Ruben G. Mateo, Fernando Garcia-Robredo, Bolier Torres
Summary: This study analyzed the collection patterns of timber species and their conservation coverage in the Ecuadorian Amazon lowlands. The results showed that some species had limited recorded presence and a significant number of species were unprotected, facing deforestation risks. Recommendations include conducting new botanical samplings in unexplored areas, digitizing data in national herbaria, implementing automated assessments of conservation status, and using species distribution models for forest restoration initiatives. Effective communication and collaboration among scientists, governments, and local communities are crucial for the protection and sustainable management of forest biodiversity in the Amazon region.
Article
Economics
Margret Koethke, Melvin Lippe, Peter Elsasser
Summary: The EU has adopted the regulation on deforestation-free supply chains in order to reduce its impact on global deforestation and forest degradation. This regulation prohibits the sale of certain forest risk commodities and products on the EU market unless they are deforestation-free and legal under the legislation of the producer countries. While the new regulation addresses some weaknesses of its predecessor, it also imposes additional burdens on enterprises and control authorities through expanded reporting requirements and a wider scope of application.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2023)