Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher G. Bousfield, Mike R. Massam, Carlos A. Peres, David P. Edwards
Summary: Selective logging is widespread in tropical regions, causing depletion of forest biodiversity and carbon stocks. Carbon payments can protect forests from degradation, but their feasibility in the Amazon is uncertain. A study finds that a relatively low carbon price can effectively safeguard large tracts of the Amazon rainforest and provide cost-effective opportunities for protection.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher G. Bousfield, Mike R. Massam, Ileana A. Acosta, Carlos A. Peres, David P. Edwards
Summary: Selective logging is a key driver of forest degradation in the tropics, and two competing harvest management strategies have been proposed: land sharing and land sparing logging. Research suggests that land sparing logging is more optimal for biodiversity and carbon, but in the Brazilian Amazon, land sharing logging is significantly more profitable than land sparing logging under secure land tenure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christopher G. Bousfield, Mike R. Massam, Carlos A. Peres, David P. Edwards
Summary: Selective logging is a major driver of tropical forest degradation. A study on the Amazon rainforest showed that while it has minimal impacts on tree beta-diversity across large spatial scales, it does cause substantial subtractive heterogenization in community composition for larger trees.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guido Vicente Briceno Castillo, Lucas Jose Mazzei de Freitas, Victor Almeida Cordeiro, Jorge Breno Palheta Orellana, Jorge Luis Reategui-Betancourt, Laszlo Nagy, Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 imagery in detecting selective logging in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The results showed that Sentinel-2 imagery provided more details of canopy disturbances compared to Landsat-8 imagery. Drone-acquired images were able to detect subtle impacts of canopy openings due to selective logging activities.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED REMOTE SENSING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Harry Carstairs, Edward T. A. Mitchard, Iain McNicol, Chiara Aquino, Eric Chezeaux, Medard Obiang Ebanega, Anaick Modinga Dikongo, Mathias Disney
Summary: Selective logging is a major cause of forest degradation in the tropics, and the scale and timing of this degradation are not well-known due to the lack of automated remote sensing methods. However, the C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite Sentinel-1 shows promise in detecting canopy gaps caused by logging. Using a novel bi-temporal LiDAR dataset in a forest degradation experiment in Gabon, researchers have found that Sentinel-1 can detect canopy gaps as small as 0.02 ha. There is also a linear relationship between the area of detected Sentinel-1 shadow and LiDAR-based canopy loss at a scale of 1 hectare.
Article
Forestry
Vinicius do Prado Capanema, Maria Isabel Sobral Escada, Pedro R. Andrade, Lucas Gustavo Landini
Summary: This study examines the impact of selective logging policies in the Amazon, comparing legal thresholds with recommended practices from literature. The study highlights the importance of considering site-specific parameters in forest regulation to prevent misuse of forest resources.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ekena Rangel Pinage, David M. Bell, Marcos Longo, Sicong Gao, Michael Keller, Carlos A. Silva, Jean P. Ometto, Philipp Kohler, Christian Frankenberg, Alfredo Huete
Summary: This study explored the impact of tropical forest degradation on forest structure and function. Fire, logging, and time since disturbance were found to be major determinants of forest structure. Recently burned forests showed significantly depressed solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) during the dry season compared to intact forests. Canopy height and the vertical distribution of foliage were the best predictors of SIF. Surprisingly, wet-season SIF was higher in active regenerating forests compared to intact forests, despite lower leaf area index (LAI).
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jeferson Alberto de Lima, Kelly Cristina Tonello
Summary: Sustainability is important for the exploitation of resources without depletion. This study evaluated the effects of Sustainable Forest Management on rainfall partitioning and forest hydrology processes in the Brazilian Amazon. Throughfall exceeding rainfall was found in both unlogged and logged forests, with higher net precipitation in the unlogged forest. The amount of stemflow was also higher in the unlogged forest, indicating the impact of logging practices on the ecohydrology processes.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gianluca Cerullo, Filipe Franca, Tom Finch, Philip Erm, Hannah Griffiths, Julio Louzada, Chris G. Bousfield, Mike R. Massam, Carlos A. Peres, Jos Barlow, Rhys E. Green, David P. Edwards, Andrew Balmford
Summary: Timber extraction poses a threat to tropical ecosystems, and therefore, productive harvesting operations that protect biodiversity need to be designed. Different logging management options exist, ranging from less-intensive land-sharing logging to intensive harvesting combined with preservation of old-growth forest. Through simulations of logging concessions and production targets, this study examines how logging practices affect species abundances, population sizes, functional diversity, and trait characteristics in the Amazon rainforest. The results indicate that protecting old-growth forest is crucial for limiting biodiversity declines in tropical timber concessions, but compensatory payments are required to offset reduced profits.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cassio Alencar Nunes, Erika Berenguer, Filipe Franca, Joice Ferreira, Alexander C. Lees, Julio Louzada, Emma J. Sayer, Ricardo Solar, Charlotte C. Smith, Luiz E. O. C. Aragao, Danielle de Lima Braga, Plinio Barbosa de Camargo, Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino Cerri, Raimundo Cosme de Oliveira, Mariana Durigan, Nargila Moura, Victor Hugo Fonseca Oliveira, Carla Ribas, Fernando Vaz-de-Mello, Ima Vieira, Ronald Zanetti, Jos Barlow
Summary: Human activities significantly threaten the biodiversity and carbon stocks of tropical forests, and the impacts vary among different land-use and land-cover transitions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Bolier Torres, David Eche, Yenny Torres, Carlos Bravo, Christian Velasco, Anton Garcia
Summary: Deforestation poses a serious threat to diversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, and the study found that adopting best management practices in livestock can promote sustainable production and reduce emissions from deforestation. The majority of the Kichwa population resides in the medium zone, while the upper and lower areas focus on milk production and dual-purpose cattle respectively.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Irving Uriel Hernandez Gomez, Edward A. Ellis
Summary: Evaluation and monitoring of forest biomass are crucial for addressing global warming and preserving biodiversity. This study developed temporal above ground biomass (AGB) maps for the Mayan Zone of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico using National Forest Inventory (NFI) vegetation data and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image data. The study found that forest biomass remains stable, with no significant difference between selectively logged areas and conserved mature forests. Biomass losses were observed due to deforestation for commercial cultivation and pasture, while shifting agriculture areas showed slight AGB gains. The mapping approach using NFI data and SAR imagery has great potential for monitoring forest loss and degradation in the Yucatan Peninsula.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Diego Oliveira Brandao, Lauro Euclides Soares Barata, Carlos Afonso Nobre
Summary: This article reviews the impact of human-induced environmental changes on forest products and forest-dependent communities in the Amazon region. The study finds that populations of species associated with forest products are decreasing due to deforestation and selective logging, leading to changes in species composition and loss of valuable species. Over 1 billion native trees and palms are being lost every two years, resulting in economic losses estimated between US$1-17 billion. This loss of native plant species has long-lasting effects on the economic opportunities of forest-dependent communities. However, investments in science and technology offer potential solutions for recovering deforested and degraded lands and engaging companies that use forest products.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Renan Le Roux, Fabien Wagner, Lilian Blanc, Julie Betbeder, Valery Gond, Helene Dessard, Beatriz Funatzu, Clement Bourgoin, Guillaume Cornu, Bruno Herault, Frederique Montfort, Plinio Sist, Agnes Begue, Vincent Dubreuil, Francois Laurent, Francois Messner, Ali Fadhil Hasan, Damien Arvor
Summary: This study used remote sensing data to examine the greening of tropical forests and found that greening in fire degraded forests is more dependent on water resources. It is expected that under climate change, increased drought and fire occurrences may lead to long-term drying of tropical forests.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Thein Saung, Tual Cin Khai, Nobuya Mizoue, Tetsuji Ota, Tsuyoshi Kajisa
Summary: The study investigated the conditions of illegally logged areas in natural production forests in Myanmar, revealing that illegal logging was much more prevalent than legal logging, with a focus on species suitable for charcoal production. These illegally logged areas showed a lower stock of commercial trees but an increase in bamboo clumps, indicating a need for active restoration measures such as bamboo cutting and replanting of commercial species.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Geovanna Hinojoza-Castro, Montserrat Gomez-Delgado, Wenseslao Plata-Rocha
Summary: Urban expansion is a significant process that affects land use distribution, and analyzing the behavior of real estate developers is crucial for understanding and simulating urban growth.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan G. Loaiza, Yaneth Bustos-Terrones, Victoria Bustos-Terrones, Sergio Alberto Monjardin-Armenta, Alberto Quevedo-Castro, Rogelio Estrada-Vazquez, Jesus Gabriel Rangel-Peraza
Summary: Groundwater is an important freshwater source worldwide, but excessive extraction and pollution pose challenges for water sustainability in Mexico. This study evaluates the water quality of the Cuernavaca aquifer and finds that the groundwater is suitable for potable use and irrigation. Statistical analysis reveals significant correlations between nitrates and other parameters, providing insights for improving the sustainable development of the aquifer.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lidia Yadira Perez-Aguilar, Wenseslao Plata-Rocha, Sergio Alberto Monjardin-Armenta, Cuauhtemoc Franco-Ochoa
Summary: Aridity is a global problem that affects large areas of land due to climatic events and human actions. This study focuses on developing a geospatial simulation model for arid zones in the northwestern region of Mexico in the short and medium term. Historical satellite data was used to conduct a retrospective analysis and simulate future changes in aridity. The results indicate an increase in arid regions and a decrease in humid regions, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing aridity in vulnerable regions.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Evangelina Avila-Aceves, Wenseslao Plata-Rocha, Sergio Alberto Monjandin-Armenta, Jesus Gabriel Rangel-Peraza
Summary: Floods are frequent and dangerous natural disasters globally, accounting for over 50% of recorded disasters from 1990 to 2020. The inadequate planning and economic circumstances of settlements in flood-prone areas are major contributors to this problem. Geospatial modelling, including hydrological and hydraulic models, GIS-based techniques, and machine learning algorithms, has been widely used for large-scale flood simulation in the past decade.
STOCHASTIC ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND RISK ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Correction
Engineering, Environmental
Evangelina Avila-Aceves, Wenseslao Plata-Rocha, Sergio Alberto Monjardin-Armenta, Jesus Gabriel Rangel-Peraza
STOCHASTIC ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND RISK ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan G. Loaiza, Jesus Gabriel Rangel-Peraza, Sergio Alberto Monjardin-Armenta, Yaneth A. Bustos-Terrones, Erick R. Bandala, Antonio J. Sanhouse-Garcia, Sergio A. Renteria-Guevara
Summary: In this study, a methodology for estimating surface water quality using remote sensing was developed. The methodology involved the use of Landsat satellite imagery and in situ measurements to generate mathematical models for three water quality parameters: total organic carbon (TOC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and chlorophyll a (Chl-a). The models were validated and found to have good to acceptable fits with real water quality data measurements. This alternative approach shows potential for accurately estimating water quality based on field measurements and satellite images.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guadalupe Yuceli Sanchez-Nunez, Sergio Arturo Renteria-Guevara, Jesus Gabriel Rangel-Peraza, Sergio Alberto Monjardin-Armenta, Antonio Jesus Sanhouse-Garcia, Zuriel Dathan Mora-Felix
Summary: Urban storm drainage is crucial for the well-being of city residents with heavy rainfall. However, different hydrological studies often use different criteria to determine the design flow rate, causing problems in integrating and reviewing the results. To solve this problem, we propose a new method based on photogrammetry to delineate urban basins and obtain the necessary parameters for design flow rate.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Evangelina Avila-Aceves, Sergio A. Monjardin-Armenta, Wenseslao Plata-Rocha, Yedid G. Zambrano-Medina
Summary: The risk of flooding is increasing, making hydrologic-hydraulic models valuable for flood forecasting. This study evaluated three models and found that the Snyder model performed better in predicting flow patterns. The simulation also identified potential overflow zones along the Tamazula River.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Yedid Zambrano-Medina, Cuauhtemoc Franco-Ochoa, Wenseslao Plata-Rocha, Fernando Garcia-Paez, Miguel Montoya-Rodriguez, Edgar Mendoza-Baldwin
Summary: This study examines the key drivers of historical shoreline changes in the northern coastal strip of Sinaloa, Mexico, and their implications on erosion risk. The findings suggest that human activities have been the main drivers of shoreline changes and environmental damage, resulting in increased vulnerability and erosion risk. The study provides a foundation for future analyses focused on predicting shoreline changes and coastal risk.
TECNOLOGIA Y CIENCIAS DEL AGUA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Wenseslao Plata-Rocha, Sergio Alberto Monjardin-Armenta, Carlos Eduardo Pacheco-Angulo, Jesus Gabriel Rangel-Peraza, Cuauhtemoc Franco-Ochoa, Zuriel Dathan Mora-Felix
Summary: The study analyzes the causes of deforestation in the North Pacific Basin, Mexico from 2002 to 2014, using a combination of specialized consultation and spatial logistic regression modeling. The results showed that agricultural expansion, infrastructure extension, wood extraction were the main proximate causes, while demographic factors, economics factors, and policy and institutional factors were the main underlying causes. The spatial logistic regression model highlighted forestry productivity, slope, altitude, distance from population centers, farming areas, and natural protected areas as significant factors influencing deforestation.