Open access copy available
Habitat Distribution of Dipterocarp Species in the Leyte Cordillera: an Indicator for Species – Site Suitability in Local Reforestation ProgramsBackgroundThis article presents the results of a vegetation study in primary forest areas of Leyte, in vicinity of the case study site (near Mt. Pangasugan). It provides information on habitat distribution patterns and elevational ranges of dipterocarp species with the purpose of providing baseline data for ensuring species-site suitability for local reforestation programs. Open access copy available |
Differential Seedling Establishment of Woody Plants along a Tree Density Gradient in Neotropical SavannasBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Designing Mixed Species Tree Plantations for the Tropics: Balancing Ecological Attributes of Species with Landholder Preferences in the PhilippinesbackgroundThis paper reports on the assessment of forest stands planted as part of the Rainforestation Farming Program and the management of plantations by local landowners regarding the original intent of planting. Research Goals & MethodsData was collected beginning 6-11 years after initial plot planting. Forest stands were evaluated for structure and floristic composition. Subsequent measurements were taken in 2008 and 2012. Open access copy available |
Neotropical Secondary Forest Succession: Changes in Structural and Functional CharacteristicsBackgroundThis paper reiviews the main biotic and abiotic factors that influence patterns of secondary forest succession in the Neotropics after complete forest clearance due to human activities. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors look at patterns of species replacement and various processes that occur during succession and suggest that the sequence of processes may be predictable even if species composition is not. Open access copy available |
Methodology for Comparative Analysis of Sustainability in Agroforestry SystemsbackgroundThis paper analyses different forms of agroforestry systems, including political and institutional linkages in the Caí and Taquari river valleys of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul in an effort to determine their sustainability. Open access copy available |
Intensive Silvopastoral Systems: Improving Sustainability and Efficiency in Cattle Ranching LandscapesBackgroundThe article summarizes productivity benefits from implementation of intensive silvo-pastoral systems (ISPS) in Colombia, Mexico and Brazil, including benefits for the well-being of cattle, heightened biodiversity, and decreased area needed for production (allowing for greater quantities of forest area). The authors also summarize challenges inhibting greater adoption of intensive silvo-pastoral systems, and potential policy solutions for overcoming these challenges. Open access copy available |
Climate Resilient Participatory Afforestation and Reforestation ProjectBACKGROUNDThe project takes place in one of the most densely-populated agrarian countries in the world, Bangladesh, which has also been facing the problem of high rates of deforestation. In the last three decades, Bangladesh’s forest cover has declined by 2.1 percent per year. On the other hand, the country is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as storms, floods and drought. The lower part of Bangladesh adjoining the Bay of Bengal is particularly prone to frequent tropical cyclones, storm surges and salinity intrusion. Climate change models suggest that the intensity of super cyclonic events will further increase over the coming decades. Open access copy available |
ERECON, Ministry of Environment Cambodia, UNU: Kampong Cham province, Mondol Kiri province, and Battam Bang province, CambodiaBackgroundDeforestation has been a signficant issue in Cambodia since the 1970s due to agricultural expansion and unstable political eras. This has caused severe flooding or drought downstream, environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. Relatively recently, there has been an increasingly call to promote restoration and conservation of environment and sustainable use and management of natural resources. Open access copy available |
Restoration of degraded forest land in Thailand: the case of Khao KhoBackgroundIn the 1960s, the Khao Kho district in Thailand experienced extremely deforestation and destruction due to both armed conflict and an influx of migration to the area. In 1990, the UNDP began the project "Reforestation of Denuded Forest Lands in Khao Kho" in order to reverse these trends. Open access copy available |
Eden Project and the Forest Restoration Unit, ThailandBackgroundThe Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in north-west Thailand attracts millions of visitors annual but has also been degraded by slash-and-burn agriculture and tourism use. The Forest Restoration Research Unit has collaborated with scientists and the national park to attempt to restore the degraded land and return it to a rich tropical forest. Open access copy available |
