Multi-Objective Forest Landscape Projection Modelling-Problems and Prospects

Abstract

To be able to make the right decisions in forestry today, the long-term effect of these decisions has to be considered. Multi-objective forest landscape projection models are tools that can be used to illustrate the effect of different management alternatives in a landscape. An integrated approach facilitates multi-objective considerations and decisions. A number of modelling systems has been developed. A modelling system contains numerous sub-models, each one modelling a particular part of the forest ecosystem, the socio-economy or other aspects of interest. Models and data are intimately connected, and different methods for collecting data and their relevance for different models are examined. The sub-models interact with each other in such a way that the dynamics of a forest is simulated.

This article examines different sub-models for tree growth, economy, biodiversity, forest recreation and soil, and various uses for multi-objective forest landscape projection models are suggested and some examples are presented. Almost every model is associated with variation, uncertainty, and underlying assumptions. Errors in data and models, their origin and propagation through models, are discussed. The future development of forest models and their employment in planning and decision making are considered.     

Valuing Water in a Multiple-Use System – Irrigated Agriculture and Reservoir Fisheries

Irrigation projects often provide water formany uses beyond crop irrigation. Sincewater uses within an irrigation system areoften interdependent, failure to addressall uses may result in inefficient,inequitable, unsustainable, or unsafe waterallocations. Accounting for the multipleuses of irrigation water leads to moreinformed decision making, resulting in moreproductive, equitable, and sustainableoutcomes. This paper demonstrates theimportance of accounting for alternativeuses of irrigation water by examining theeconomic contribution of agriculture, arecognized consumptive water use, andreservoir fisheries, an unrecognizednonconsumptive water use. The economicvalues of water for these uses areestimated for the irrigation project areaas a whole and on a per-cubic-meter basis. These values are used to examine theeconomic implications of alternativeintegrative water management practices. Theanalysis focuses on the Kirindi Oyairrigation system, located in southeasternSri Lanka, and has broader implications forother multiple-use systems.     

芬兰多用途林业分析

发展多功能林业是林业可持续经营的新兴议题。林业在芬兰地位非常重要, 已成为国民经济的重要支柱。芬兰林业已进入多功能利用阶段, 在木材生产、户外休闲、草莓和蘑菇采摘、狩猎、驯鹿和自然保护等方面表现突出, 取得了显著的综合效益。     

Evaluation of the performance of the community rainforest reforestation program in North Queensland,Australia

The Community Rainforest Reforestation Program (CRRP) in north Queensland, Australia, was a multi-faceted experiment in facilitating farm forestry. It was motivated in part by the World Heritage listing of the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforests, which removed a large resource from the timber industry. Survey results indicate that some landholders have applied high-quality silvicultural management to their stands with a view to timber production, while others have been more interested in wildlife habitat and other non-wood benefits. Although not necessarily a success in terms of its stated goals, the program can be credited with a number of achievements. It yielded valuable experience in growing native tree species, job training for young unemployed people, and collaboration between Federal, State and local government in forest industry development. The program generated positive environmental outcomes and lessons for future timber and environmental planting programs on private lands. While the area planted and quantity of timber produced will fall far short of initial expectations, and some limitations arose with the job training activities, it nevertheless appears to have been a worthwhile project.     

Sustainable management of planted forests: some comparisons between Central Europe and the United States

Following the introduction of planned forestry and the regular high forest system more than 250 years ago, forests in Central Europe became increasingly shaped by plantation silviculture. Many natural woodlands were replaced by planted forests, and forest plantations are still being established through afforestation of extensive land areas. Nowadays, forests are managed for many different purposes, including wood production, recreation, ecological, cultural, and amenity values, biodiversity, and soil and groundwater protection. This brings new challenges to forest management and silviculture. To reach a sustainable forestry, in the sense of Brundtland (WCED 1987), we are now reshaping European forestry toward a more nature oriented silviculture. Maybe forestry in the United States and elsewhere can benefit from the mistakes made in Europe during the last two centuries and take a shortcut toward sustainable forestry.