English
Potential impacts of COVID-19 on tropical forest recoveryBACKGROUNDEcosystem Restoration is one of the goals of several organizations including the UN. COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainties in achieving these goals as focus has shifted to the health sector and rebuilding the economy. Two, UN critical meetings have been delayed; platforms for governments to publicly participate in tracking restoration progress and making new commitments. Other environmental changes have also been noted including wildlife’s response to the sudden absence of humans and improved air quality in many major cities. Open access copy available |
Tree planting is not a simple solutionBACKGROUNDTree planting has been identified as a panacea for environmental problems leading to the initiation of large- scale reforestation projects by governments and non- profit organizations. Many of the top- down reforestation projects have failed and have not been properly done, resulting in negative outcomes e.g., destruction of native grasslands in the savannas, increased social inequity among smallholders and dispossessing the local people. Available with subscription or purchase |
Short term responses of soil microarthropod community to clear felling and alternative forest regeneration methodsBACKGROUNDClear felling is being criticized to be contributing to a reduction in biodiversity and negatively impacting ecosystem functioning. This study uses soil microarthropods as good indicators of ecological effects of forest harvesting after clear felling. It is conducted in four sites in central Finland, on spruce stands when the soil is frozen to minimize damage on the forest floor. Available with subscription or purchase |
Structural diversity and regeneration of the endangered Prunus africana (Rosaceae) in ZimbabweBACKGROUNDPrunus Africana is widely recognized for its medicinal purposes resulting in high unsustainable use and selling in the international market. Its bark contains many healing properties. Overexploitation has led to its listing in CITES list of endangered species. A remnant population is still available at the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe however, the area is prone to land use changes. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoration of Degraded Tropical Forest LandscapesBACKGROUNDForest loss and degradation negatively affect rural communities whose livelihoods are dependent on forests for ecological goods and services. To address the challenge, three solutions have been proposed, expanding networks of protected areas, improving agricultural productivity on abandoned lands and reforestation. Of the three, new approaches to restoration have shown to have the potential to address forest degradation and rural poverty. Available with subscription or purchase |
Improving land and water managementBACKGROUNDThis working paper from World Resources Institute (WRI) gives a glimpse of the challenges experienced by smallholder farmers across developing countries. Issues on land – from insecure tenure to degradation, exacerbated by pressures from climate change, has resulted into a significant drop in crop yield. This led to more poverty and food insecurity. However, linkages between scientists and farmers provide some hope in terms of possible solutions to increase agricultural production. Improved land and water management is at the center of all this. Open access copy available |
Towards food security and improved nutrition: increasing the contribution of forests and treesBACKGROUNDThis Policy brief is a product of a knowledge and information sharing between Biodiversity International, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), and the World Bank. This was designed for policymakers on two vital areas: what they need to know; and what they need to do. It also provides different case studies on various interventions towards ensuring food security and access to improved nutrition. Open access copy available |
Maximizing Seed Resources for Restoration in an Uncertain FutureBackgroundForest loss is being experienced in many parts of the globe. Seed based plant restoration is now the goal of many land management agencies. There is a growing demand for seed to meet these restoration projects. The effects of climate change on seed availability, viability and the success of these restoration projects is still unknown. Open access copy available |
Restoring forests as a means to many endsBACKGROUNDThe earth is nearly reaching environmental thresholds which can result in devastating effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. Failure to take action can lead to disruptions of ecosystems, economies, and the society. Protecting and restoring native ecosystems is needed, however, changes in forest cover have not been well understood. Also, the knowledge of where and how to focus such restoration efforts is still limited. Available with subscription or purchase |
The use of Ecosystem-based Adaptation practices by smallholder farmers in Central AmericaBACKGROUNDAmidst the impacts of climate change in agricultural sector, there is an increasing number of smallholder farmers across the different landscapes of Central America engaged in sustainable, Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) practices Open access copy available |
