Conducting sustainability impact assessments of forestry-wood chains: examples of ToSIA applications

Within the EFORWOOD project, new methodological approaches to assess the sustainability impacts of forestry-wood chains (FWC) were developed by using indicators of environmental, social and economic relevance. This paper introduces and discusses the developed approach and the two main products developed in the EFORWOOD project: the Database Client and the Tool for Sustainability Impact Assessment (ToSIA), which hold, calculate and integrate the extensive information and data collected. Sustainability impact assessment (SIA) of FWCs is based on measuring and analysing environmental, economic and social indicators for all of the production processes along the value chain. The adoption of the method varies between applications and depends on the specification of the FWC in the assessment and what questions are studied. ToSIA is very flexible and can apply forest-, product-, industry- and consumer-defined perspectives. Each perspective influences the focus of the analysis and affects system boundaries. ToSIA can assess forest value chains in different geographical regions covering local, regional, national and up to the continental scale. Potential issues and scenarios can be analysed with the tool including, for example, the impacts of different forest policies on the sustainability of an FWC. This paper presents how ToSIA can be applied to solve such diverse problems and underlines this with examples from different case studies. Differences in chain set-up, system boundaries and data requirements are highlighted and experiences with the implementation of the sustainability impact assessment methods are discussed. The EFORWOOD case studies offer valuable reference data for future sustainability assessments.     

Towards assessing the sustainability of European logging operations

The forest-based sector has been at the forefront in operationally implementing the sustainability concept, its associated principles and indicators for sustainable forest management. Several methods have been developed to study environmental impacts of forestry activities, but none of the existing tools address all the dimensions of sustainability along the whole forest wood chain (FWC) in a balanced way. Consequently, the decision was made to develop a tool for sustainability impact assessment (ToSIA), the modelling framework for sustainability impact assessment of FWCs. The objective of the EU Project Eforwood was to develop ToSIA, a decision support tool. Within ToSIA, a FWC is modelled as a number of interconnected processes. For each process, a range of economic, environmental and social indicators and their respective values are calculated, thus representing the three pillars of sustainability. By this method, the multifunctionality of forests can be assessed and supply chains can be compared with respect to sustainability. Sensitivity analysis and scenario techniques can be applied to learn about the effect of expected changes to the structure of the chain, the material flows and the indicator values. In order to provide the tool with information about forest and logging operations, data were collected at two fundamental levels: (1) a regional level with case studies in Scandinavia, Iberia and Baden-Württemberg and (2) a European level with a case study that reflects conditions in the 27 countries of the European Union. This paper describes and details the harvesting and logging processes for the European countries. The results are displayed for each of the three regional case studies as well as aggregated to five principal areas in Europe: Eastern, Northern, Western, Central and Southwest Europe.     

Exploratory multi-criteria analysis in sustainability impact assessment of forest-wood chains: the example of a regional case study in Baden–Württemberg

Sustainability impact assessment (SIA) is a prospective, integrated assessment approach for potential impacts of policy actions. Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) can be used to facilitate a multi-indicator evaluation in this framework in order to foster rational and transparent decision-making processes for SIA. Based on the outputs of the EFORWOOD project, this paper presents an exploratory MCA to a regional forest-wood chain (FWC) in Baden–Württemberg. This assessment is based on a set of sustainability indicators at process level for a baseline year 2005, reference futures ‘A1’ and ‘B2’ following the definition of the IPCC and a bio-energy scenario implanted into the reference future ‘A1’. The indicator values were calculated by the process tool ToSIA. It is demonstrated how time steps for parts of the regional FWC (forest management, harvest and transport to the mill gate) can be evaluated, as well as the outcomes of different scenarios for a time period. For this purpose, a novel software tool, ToSIA-MCA, is used to calculate relative sustainability impact rating (SIR) based on a PROMETHEE II algorithm. Further, we performed uncertainty analysis to test the stability of ranking results in the absence of real preference information with regard to uncertainty in indicator data. By comparing different indicator weighting patterns, the sensitivity of SIR calculation was further tested. The exploratory MCA outcomes are critically evaluated against the background of assumptions, and data used in the regional case, and an outlook is given on the importance to gain stronger stakeholder involvement in real-life applications.     

前苏联西伯利亚森工科研所的科研工作与我们的借鉴

前苏联西伯利亚森工科研所的重点研究领域是, 开发以TT-4M为通用底盘的各种集材拖拉机和装载机, 研究山地森林采伐工艺、汽车运输道路修筑新工艺, 开发小河水运机械系统, 完善采运机具维修保养系统, 研制新型制材机械以及采伐、造材、加工剩余物的综合利用等.我国森工科研主要借鉴之点是建立科研中试基地、选择适合林区经济发展条件的科研项目, 调整科研组织结构及人才结构, 开展一些林区急需的中、小型科研课题.     

A criteria and indicator prognosis for sustainable forest management assessments: Concepts and optional policy baskets for the high forest zone in Ghana

ABSTRACT

This article establishes principles conveyed by criteria and indicators as a useful tool for measuring progress made toward sustainable forest management (SFM). Pedagogically, the conceptual construction raises questions on the following topics: (a) the various management practices and policies that exist in the high forest zone, (b) how criteria and indicators for assessments are selected, and (c) how progress made toward SFM is measured. Performance scores are established for indicators identified within the three sectors (forest ecosystems, forest communities, and the economy) for sustainability assessment. Measuring progress toward SFM operations are quantitatively performed with estimated maximum and minimum thresholds levels at which resource-use would be sustained using the Measure of Forest Resource-Use Sustainability Scale (MoFRUSS). The outcome of the measurement operations, as depicted by MoFRUSS, reveals the actual extent to which stakeholder’s initiatives toward sustainable forest management has progressed and in which direction it is moving. It also offers optional policy baskets for resource management interventions from which the socio-eco economic bundle is recommended if the forestry sector of Ghana’s Vision 2020 (sustainable development) is to be achieved with improved societal well-being, improved environmental health and vitality, and improved economic growth and development.     

Tool wear for lesser known tropical wood species

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between tool wear and some chemical and physical properties for four different Mozambican lesser known tropical species,: Pseudolachnostylis maprounaefolia (ntholo), Sterculia appendiculata (metil), Acacia nigrescens (namuno) and Pericopsis angolensis (muanga). Tool wear is an important aspect for sawmilling and for the woodworking industry. For Mozambique, the utilization of available lesser known wood species will help to increase domestic industry and the economic usage viability of sustainable forest management. A set of experiments was performed on a shaper with a mechanical feed mechanism. Tools of a cemented carbide grade for woodworking were used, and the cutting parameters were fixed. Edge recession and tool wear radius were measured for monitoring tool wear. The wear mechanism was investigated using a scanning electron microscope. The experimental results showed that the chemical properties of the wood species have a great effect on tool wear. Wood silica content was the most important factor affecting tool wear. Wood density and extractives had a low influence on tool wear. The highest tool wear was observed in ntholo, which also had the highest ash and silica contents. A single parameter for evaluation of tool wear was not sufficient to describe the amount of total tool wear.     

基于VAR模型的森林生态系统适应性管理与经济发展动态关联分析———以黑龙江省大小兴安岭森林生态功能区为例

将衡量森林生态功能区森林生态系统适应性管理效果的指标分解为气候调节、生态保持、产品供给、休闲服务4项,通过主成分分析计算得到各个指标的重要性; 利用VAR模型分析黑龙江省大小兴安岭森林生态系统适应性管理与经济发展的相互影响; 根据脉冲响应函数分析得到森林生态系统适应性管理与经济发展之间的动态关联关系,据此给出若干提高森林生态系统服务水平和促进经济发展的对策和建议。     

Using biological criteria and indicators to address forest inventory data at the state level

The Santiago Declaration identified seven criteria and 67 indicators for assessing the conservation and sustainable management of temperate and boreal forests. Data collected by the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service can be used to directly address at least 11 biological indicators.The FIA program has conducted periodic inventories of forestland for several decades. These inventories provide statistical estimates of forest area, timber volume, growth, removals, and mortality. Recent legislation has mandated that the Forest Service inventory the forestland of the US on an annual basis measuring the entire set of national sample plots over a 5-year period.This paper identifies which criteria and indicators can be addressed by FIA data; the scale at which it may be appropriate to use these data; and how recent changes will impact the Forest Service’s ability to provide information needed to address these indicators. Data from the two most recent inventories of Iowa (1974 and 1990) and Minnesota (1977 and 1990) are used to show how criteria and indicators relate to trends in forest composition and extent, timber resource utilization, and the population size of native and non-native trees. These two states have distinctly different forest resources, ranging from sparse to dense, and provide a good test of the effectiveness of using forest inventory data to provide criteria and indicator information at the state level.Analysis of the data for the last two inventories of Iowa and Minnesota reveals that the area of timberland has increased by 34 and 8%, respectively, while growing-stock volumes have increased by 47 and 23%. Volumes of most native species increased over the period, especially for pioneer species such as Juniperus virginiana L. [Little (1979). Agricultural Handbook No. 541, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ft. Collins, CO] (eastern red cedar). A notable exception was the 52% decline of Ulmus americana L. (American elm) due to the spread of Dutch elm disease. The number of non-native species also increased. In Iowa, the estimated number of live Ulmus pumila L. (Siberian elm) trees, a non-native species, went from 0 in 1974 to 675×10³ in 1990. During the 1990 inventory of Minnesota another non-native species, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (tree of heaven), was sampled for the first time.     

Understanding forest certification using the Advocacy Coalition Framework

Forest certification is an indirect economic incentive for improved forest management. Originating in the early 1990s, and supported by environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs), forest certification has become one of the more controversial topics in forest policy discussions, and the real benefits it provides to forest owners and managers have been questioned. Under these circumstances, the rapid spread of certification has been subject to divergent interpretations. In this article, the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), an actor-based analytical framework developed by Sabatier and Jenkins-Smith in the US, is used to analyse the development of forest certification systems in Canada, Indonesia and Sweden. The ACF provides a convincing framework for this analysis, particularly when it is complemented with elements from the policy network approach and the concept of epistemic communities. Support is provided for several of the key hypotheses of the ACF, and a number of proposals for modifications to the ACF are made. Based on the example of forest certification, it is argued that the ACF can be a useful tool for understanding policy processes with multiple actors and involving policy learning.     

Resisting Rights: Forest Bureaucracy and the Tenure Transition in India

A global ‘forest tenure transition’ is underway, with declining state tenure of previously appropriated forested landscapes and increasing citizen tenure. However, at the local level the process involves complex political-economic struggles with the incumbent power holders. This paper examines these struggles, taking the example of India’s Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (or simply Forest Rights Act). Considering the implementation processes in the state of Andhra Pradesh, the extent to which rural people in forest areas have been able to access the provisions of the Act is assessed. Based on fieldwork from 2010, weaknesses are identified in the way legislated rights are being secured, and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department staffs are found to obstruct the democratic mandate for reform. It is concluded that the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department is operating beyond the normal processes of democratic control and oversight in a bid to retain its hegemony.     

违法运输木材的危害性

打击违法运输木材是政府资源管理的重点和难点，通过对违法运输木材的现状和危害的表述，进一步分析了其产生的经济和社会原因，最后提出了制止违法运输木材的建议，供决策部门参考。     

上海海湾国家森林公园木本蔬菜与草本野菜开发

根据海湾国家森林公园现状及规划,为合理利用现有资源、提高经济效益,制定木本疏菜及草本野菜的林间产业开发方案,在调查分析产品的技术经济指标、投资概算等的基础上,提出主要风险因子及防范措施。       

Enabling Conditions for Successful Community Forest Enterprises

In search of sustainable forest landscapes that reduce poverty and mitigate climate change, many countries have adopted a forest policy model that encourages community forest enterprise (CFE). This paper draws on international experience from the Forest Connect alliance, involving teams supporting small forest enterprises in 12 countries with more than 800 associate members from 60 countries. The hypothesis emerging from this alliance is that three main enabling conditions are required for successful CFEs: accessible commercial forest rights; processes of enterprise-oriented social organisation; and infusion of competitive business skills. Having established criteria and indicators of successful CFE, this paper critically examines a series of eight national and sub-national case studies (for Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Laos, Mozambique and Nepal) to test this central hypothesis. Findings demonstrate a clear association between the implementation of these three enabling conditions and indicators of successful CFE. Examples from Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk (Nepal) and Monapo (Mozambique) illustrate the importance of ensuring these conditions. The paper concludes by drawing a number of policy implications about how to foster the enabling conditions necessary for successful CFE.     

河南天然林保护工程实施效益评价与生态补偿技术探讨——以栾川县为例

以栾川县为例,对天然林资源保护工程实施7年来。该县的森林资源增长情况及林区经济发展进行了调研,分析评价了天保工程实施以来的森林生态效益以及经济、社会效益;对天保区后续开展的生态补偿技术进行探讨,分析了当前生态补偿存在的问题,提出了建议;指出天保工程取得了显著的生态与社会效益,生态补偿制度需不断完善,才能巩固天保工程的成果,为生态建设提供保障。     

Abstracts of Research Papers Written in Chinese

FOREST PROTECTION Effect of High-Voltage Pulse Current on Vitality and Reproduction of Pine Wood Nematode Liang Jun~1,Wang Xiangfeng~1,Wang Zhenchao~2, Ning Shaohua~1,Zhang Xingyao~1(1.Key Lab.of Forest Ecology Protection of State Forestry Administration,Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection,Chinese Academy of Forestry,Beijing 100091,P.R.China;2.College of     

木材出省批车计划信息系统的设计与开发

为提高林业资源的管理水平 ,推进林业资源管理的科学、高效和可靠 ,应用数据库技术和面向对象的开发方法 ,以VisualBasic为工具 ,进行了木材出省批车计划信息系统的设计与开发 ,实现了基本设置、批车计划、出省证明的录入、查询、统计等功能。在黑龙江省林业厅的应用效果良好     

Developing and testing of a method for the analysis and assessment of multiple forest use from a forest conservation perspective

The goal of this study was to develop a method for analyzing and assessing multiple forest use from a forest conservation perspective and to test this method as a case study at a local forest management unit (Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd., Ontario, Canada).The method adopts a model concept and consists of the definition of a target system for forest conservation, the design of a set of criteria and indicators, the assessment of indicator performance, and the formulation of action plans. Implementation of the method, the state of the forest, and the impact of multiple forest use are analyzed and assessed.The formulated target system for forest conservation contains the goal of integrated, sustainable and natural forest management; the objectives of protection of natural processes, naturalness and natural diversity; and operational targets. The development of the set of criteria and indicators including measurement units is mainly based on the concept of protection of natural processes, but is modified and extended.The examined forest management unit shows good to very good performance for most of the indicators. Overall, the state of the forest can be assessed as good to very good, with only minimal impact caused by the multiple forest use operation. The method is suitable for analyzing and assessing multiple forest use. It contributes to the evaluation of new forest management concepts and forest conservation assessment methods, and supports approaches of certification and criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management at the local level.     

3-level MCGP: an efficient algorithm for MCGP in solving multi-forest management problems

The efficiency gains when harvests are determined using the Faustmann approach instead of Maximum Sustained Yield (MSY), Forest Rent or some silvicultural rules were studies. The analysis was based on a variable-density stand growth model and computations over all admissible combinations of initial stand age and basal area for Finnish Norway spruce and Scots pine sites. Following MSY or Forest Rent led to a major reduction in the economic value of especially highly stocked stands. Finnish silvicultural recommendations (an example of silvicultural rules) encouraged production of higher than optimal quality timber. Applying Forest Rent, MSY or silvicultural recommendations led to respective reductions of 63%, 30% and 13% in the value of a typical conifer forest at a 4% rate of interest. The results also showed that an increase in the rate of interest may lengthen the ongoing rotation if the initial state falls outside the optimal path initiated at bare land.     

The profitability of the timber transport business before and after deregulation

The purpose of the study was to determine how timber transport businesses have succeeded after deregulation. A second goal was to determine whether it is possible to collect year‐end reports from businesses by using a mail inquiry and so measure reliably the so‐called strategic variables that are central to success. The possibility of using mailed questionnaires would eliminate costly personal interviews. Many changes have taken place in the trucking contracting business since deregulation in 1991. Partly in consequence of this, approximately one out of every five businesses have ceased to operate. The most common reason for termination was declining economic viability. The economic health of the businesses still in operation has deteriorated; but not conclusively. The rate of return from the mail inquiry was low, both as far as year‐end results and the questionnaire were concerned. Measurement of the most important strategic variables also proved difficult on the basis of the mail inquiry.     

Review of state-of-the-art decision support systems (DSSs) for prevention and suppression of forest fires

Forest ecosystems are our priceless natural resource and are a key component of the global carbon budget. Forest fires can be a hazard to the viability and sustainable management of forests with consequences for natural and cultural environments, economies, and the life quality of local and regional populations. Thus, the selection of strategies to manage forest fires, while considering both functional and economic efficiency, is of primary importance. The use of decision support systems (DSSs) by managers of forest fires has rapidly increased. This has strengthened capacity to prevent and suppress forest fires while protecting human lives and property. DSSs are a tool that can benefit incident management and decision making and policy, especially for emergencies such as natural disasters. In this study we reviewed state-of-the-art DSSs that use: database management systems and mathematical/economic algorithms for spatial optimization of firefighting forces; forest fire simulators and satellite technology for immediate detection and prediction of evolution of forest fires; GIS platforms that incorporate several tools to manipulate, process and analyze geographic data and develop strategic and operational plans.