The Role of Rhus trichocarpaMiq. Patches in Pine Forest Dynamics in Japan

Abstract

Rhus trichocarpaMiq. is a short-statured pioneer tree species that creates patch communities during the early successional stages of some pine forests in Japan. A 0.6 ha sample plot was established in a Japanese red pine (Pinus densifloraSieb, et Zucc.) stand to evaluate the influence of patch structure on regeneration of R. trichocarpaand other tree species. The plot included 47 patches of R. trichocarpa.The survivorship of R. trichocarpaseedlings was high in small patches, but low in large ones. The small patches expanded, transforming into large ones over several years. Several tree species such as Quercus serrataThunb., Primus apetalaFranch. et Sav., Sorbus commixiaHedl., and Magnolia obovataThunb. invaded the patches after the fruiting of R. trichocarpa.They grew faster than R. trichocarpain these patches and broke through the R. trichocarpacrown layer after about 10 years.

The fruits of R. trichocarpaattract birds which disperse seeds produced by other tree species. Thus, the R. trichocarpapatch plays a vital role in changing from pioneer tree species to shade-tolerant tree species.     

Underpricing and Overexploitation of Tropical Forests

Abstract

Forest pricing policies for tropical timber and forest concessions can play an important role in the management, conservation, and preservation of tropical forests. The paper draws on regional studies of forest revenue systems and forest concession arrangements, country case studies, and studies in individual countries of West and Central Africa and South East Asia (Grut, Gray, and Egli, 1991; Gray and Hadi, 1989; Gray and Hadi, 1990; and Gray, 1983). Forest pricing and concession management policies, problems, and experiences in individual countries are examined, common problems and experiences highlighted, and alternatives identified. From these, the elements of a forest pricing and concession management system which supports sustainable management, efficient utilization, and forest renewal are developed.     

Integrating a Research Station into Community Development and Area Protection in Nicaragua

Abstract

The entire southeast of Nicaragua and parts of neighbouring Costa Rica are presently being organized according to an ambitious regional development scheme called Si-a-Paz (Yes-to-Peace). Included are areas from high to low management intensity, such as sustainable agricultural and ranching developments, forest restoration and buffer zones, cultural monuments, as well as biological and wildlife reserves. Integrated in this grand scheme is the isolated subsistence community of New Greytown (San Juan del Norte), access point to a stunning variety of unique habitats, including riverine, estuarine, marine, coastal lowland, and upland environments, which are virtually intact at this time. A research station is planned for this growing community, with the intent to not only serve the exploration of the nearby Rio Indio-Maiz Biological Reserve, but also to contribute lo the economic development of the community itself, by assuring scientifically sound resource management input, diversification of the local economy and environmental education of the public. This paper focuses on the history of this project, and the interaction of governmental and non-governmental organizations in making it happen.     

Carbon in Terrestrial Systems

Abstract

This analysis reviews the state of the knowledge regarding carbon sequestration in terrestrial biomass with specific focus on tropical systems in Central America and Panama. Natural forests, exotic plantations, native species plantations, and agroforestry systems are considered in light of their carbon sequestration potential, their initiation and maintenance costs, and their ability to access the emerging regulated and informal carbon markets. All four of these systems show great potential to take up or store carbon and thus contribute to atmospheric reductions of C0₂. Research, investment, and institutional support are required to assist in the clear definition and expansion of carbon supply possibilities for market transactions.     

Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

New markets for ecosystem services have emerged in response to the failure of traditional biodiversity conservation mechanisms to effectively protect and conserve the processes that support ecosystem function and process (Landell-Mills and Porras, 2002; Pagiola et al., 2002). Sustainable tourism-one market tool that potentially supports biodiversity servicesaims to balance the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural features of tourism development by maintaining environmental resources, the socio-cultural livelihoods of host communities, and providing stakeholder benefits (WTO, 2004). Proponents claim that sustainable tourism contributes toward maintaining biodiversity, while critics fear that marketing various components of biodiversity as distinct services (e.g., only protecting unique places for sustainable tourism, and only protecting extremely biodiverse places for bioprospecting), fails to protect the integrity of the functioning, and dynamic ecosystem (Landell-Mills and Porras, 2002). This chapter serves as one section of a four-part analysis of existing and emerging markets for biodiversity services using Panama as a case study. Based on projections of future sustainable tourism markets, this analysis presents policy options that could positively augment future sustainable tourism ventures.     

Sustainable Development of Forests as a Way to Preserve the Natural Basis of Forestry

Abstract

The term “sustainability” has been around for a long time and many definitions of the term are in use today. The concept has evolved over the years from meaning merely regeneration of trees, to a definition that considers all functions of the forest as being essential. However, valid doubt exists as to whether we could ever gather the extensive information needed to make accurate judgements about socioeconomic sustainability. The danger in too general a use of the concept is that it will become a blanket which covers underlying goals that are not compatible. Applied to forests, sustainability must include a consideration of preservation of genetic information to maximize the system's ability to respond to change.     

SECTION 4:INTEGRATED ASSESSMENTS

Abstract

Reforestation of degraded lands is occurring on a limited basis in portions of the Panama Canal Watershed (PCW). In theory, markets for ecosystem services could encourage more extensive reforestation and ensure that reforestation efforts provide more than just timber. The most relevant ecosystem markets for the PCW are carbon sequestration, watershed services, and four biodiversity markets-bioprospecting, certification of biodiversity friendly products, ecotourism, and existence value. This paper examines the possibility for a land owner or land manager to participate in two or more of these markets. Two land use scenarios-native forest plantation and small-holder agroforestry-emerge as likely candidates for participation in multiple ecosystem service markets. These scenarios are examined to determine whether the strength of incentives to provide a bundle of timber and ecosystem services is sufficient to encourage expansion of these land uses with the Panama Canal Watershed.     

A Method for Rapid,Spatially Explicit Habitat Assessment for Forest Songbirds

Abstract

The management of forest ecosystems for sustainabil-ity requires knowledge of the abundance and distribution of all resources, including wood and wildlife, and the ability to predict the impact of management on these resources. Spatially explicit inventories for wildlife are lacking for the vast majority of species. We propose, with example, a method of rapid habitat assessment which can be conducted with available data to produce a spatially explicit inventory of habitat for a species. Information from the literature and some census data were used to construct a simple model of potential habitat for a boreal forest songbird. Available spatial data, including landcover from Landsat TM data, and a digital elevation model, were used to map the distribution of key habitat characteristics onto the landscape. We argue for the development of these preliminary wildlife habitat models using habitat characteristics that are map-pable with currently available remotely sensed data. Given the current trend toward the development of large scale databases of topography and extant land cover, spatially explicit potential habitat models can be efficiently and inexpensively developed to provide a framework for incorporating wildlife habitat into forest management. The relationships between rapid habitat assessment, long-term studies, monitoring, and population viability analysis are discussed.     

株洲市高保护价值森林识别研究

高保护价值森林是指森林中有对人类的生产、生活以及发展起着至关重要的存在价值和可利用价值的区域。针对高保护价值森林的识别提出一个新概念———高保护价值因子,即森林高保护价值的替代因子,基于此因子的筛选和阈值的确定以及其森林生态服务功能,对株洲市所有森林区域进行高保护价值森林的识别,得到株洲2013年度共有高保护价值森林185089.7 hm2。     

Sustainable Management of Forests for Atmospheric CO2 Depletion

Abstract

The topic of forest sector carbon balance in connection with climate changes currently has both great scientific and political importance for ecological sustainability on a global scale. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased by 1-2 ppm per year in the last few decades. The present paper examines the actual and potential role of forest management to deplete atmospheric CO2 concentration, with specific reference to the Italian situation as a case study. Italian carbon emission derived from fossil fuels amounts to 432 Mt/year, of which 65% comes from burning oil. Annual CO2 absorption, estimated by combining the 1985 National Forest Inventory data with selected biomass data, proves to be quite relevant, amounting to more than 10% of the annual Italian CO2 emission. This is a prudent estimate, since no account is taken of the contributions of non-tree vegetation and soil. Current forest management standards are mainly oriented to conservation. Optimisation of forest management specifically purposed also to carbon storage and non-wood products substitution may further enhance the role of Italian forest sector for atmospheric CO2 depletion: in such a view, practical issues (amelioration of existing forest stands; adjustment of harvesting yield to the actual production capacity of forest stands and adjustment of production standards towards high durable wood products; afforestation and tree cropping by means of changes in land use) are addressed within a sustainability framework.     

Rehabilitation of Former US Military Lands Bordering the Panama Canal

Summary

The Panamanian government is currently negotiating with the United States to determine the extent of the cleanup of US military bases along the Panama Canal. The withdrawal of the US will be completed December 31, 1999. At present, there is no mechanism to ensure that the US will fund, assist with, or assume liability for environmental hazards left on former US Department of Defense lands. Known contamination consists of unexploded munitions on former firing ranges used by the US Army, Navy, and Air Force. Most of these areas are forested with forests of varying age, type, and structure. Complete cleanup could involve complete deforestation of the former bases and firing ranges. The Nature Conservancy has evaluated the ecology of the lands using their “Rapid Ecological Assessment” protocol. The US plans for the lands to become protected areas with warning signs and jersey barriers to protect the public. Panama wants assurance that future cleanup and potential legal damages will be paid for by the US. This paper attempts to summarize the current situation and recommends a potential strategy to both conserve the most biologically diverse forest while maximizing the level of rehabilitation of the areas. It is based on observations and interviews made during a ten-day trip to the Panama Canal Watershed, as well as on news articles, fact sheets from a peace advocacy organization, and primary sources such as correspondence between the US and Panama and minutes from meetings.     

水库库区山地封山育林效益分析

对天台县里石门水库８ａ封山育林效益分析结果表明：通过封山育林，使森林植被得到保护，林种结构发生变化，使森林复盖率从６３．０％提高到９３．６％；封山育林与人工造林相比，其总投资远远低于人工造林（它们之间约为１∶７３），库区封山育林，还能发挥保持水土、涵养水源的作用，提高库区的生态效益。     

哈巴雪山省级自然保护区植被分布特征及其多样性保护研究

基于对哈巴雪山省级自然保护区植被多样性专题考察,总结归纳保护区植被景观特征及水平、垂直分布规律。对保护区植被演替状况进行科学分析,结果认为,显域植被类型显示出顶级群落特征,云南松林、华山松林、高山松林为水平地带相对稳定的次生(亚演替)顶级群落。充分挖掘各种天然植被的保护价值,并从自然性、稀有特有性、生物多样性、脆弱性、生态系统重要性、易受干扰性6个方面确定保护区需要优先保护的植被类型。     

拟建中的罗平万峰山自然保护区的保护价值

拟建中的万峰山自然保护区,位于云南省曲靖市罗平县。其保护价值为：①建立绿色屏障,保障国土安全;②喀斯特自然博物馆,科研教学的理想场所;③珍稀物种荟萃,白化猕猴新发现;④生物多样性造就了生态多样性和景观多样性;⑤恢复和重建岩溶生态,有利国泰民安奔小康。     

新疆建设兵团第八师林地保护利用规划探讨

总结了兵团第八师林地资源现状,分析了其中林地保护利用存在的问题和原因,提出了兵团林地保护利用发展目标和任务,以及今后如何对林地保护与利用的措施。     

东宁县高保护价值森林判定

论述了东宁县高保护价值森林判定方法和结果,提出了高保护价值森林的经营意见。     

通河县林地保护规划落界数据说明

林地图斑落界是林地保护利用规划编制工作的主要环节,是落实林地图斑空间位置、核实资源基数,查清森林资源现状的基础性工作。笔者详细论述了通河县林地保护规划落界数据的基本情况、图斑落界方法和结果比较,对林地保护利用规划编制工作具有参考价值。