Latin America and Caribbean
Can Native Tree Species Plantations in Panama Compete with Teak Plantations? An Economic EstimationbackgroundPanama has high rates of primary forest conversion, resulting in depleted timber resources. In response, the timber plantation industry is growing to meet demand, often with non-native species. This study compares the economic feasibility of using native tree species vs non-native species for plantation forestry. Open access copy available |
Farmer Participation in Reforestation Incentive Programs in Costa RicabackgroundThis article evaluates the participation of farm households in reforestation incentive programs in Costa Rica from 1988 to 1995. The Forestry Bond Certificate in Advance (CAFa) was started in 1988 as a grant of 100,000 colones per hectare (it increased to 120,000 colones per hectare) for reforestation to be disbursed over 5 years of plantation establishment. The Forestry Development Fund (FDF) was initiated in 1989 and offers 58,000 colones per hectare over 3 years for reforestation. Open access copy available |
Decentralized Payments for Environmental Services: The cases of Pimampiro and PROFAFOR in EcuadorbackgroundThis article describes two payment for environmental services (PES) programs in Ecuador which, unlike programs run in other countries, are run by decentralized organizations: Pimampiro municipal watershed-protection scheme and PROFAFOR carbon-sequestration programme. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors conduct interviews, community workshops, and collect socioeconomic data to evaluate the programs for additionality (adding to conservation), welfare or poverty alleviation, and the control of leakage. Available with subscription or purchase |
Paying for Environmental Services: An Analysis of Participation in Costa Rica's PSA ProgrambackgroundThis study evaluates demographic and other factors that played a role in the participation of households in Costa Rica's Payment for Environmental Services program. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors rely on economic analysis of technology adoption and farm and forestry program participation to assign variables and draw conclusions. Available with subscription or purchase |
Factors Limiting Tropical Rain Forest Regeneration in Abandoned Pasture: Seed Rain, Seed Germination, Microclimate, and SoilbackgroundThis research evaluates the ability of seeds to be dispersed into and germinate in areas of abandoned pasture. Research Goals & MethodsSeed rain, germination of tree seedlings, percent herbaceous and woody cover, soil moisture, phosphorous, air temperature, and other microclimate conditions were tested in plots located 250m and 25m from the forest edge as well as within the primary forest. Available with subscription or purchase |
Tropical Montane Forest Restoration in Costa Rica: Overcoming Barriers to Dispersal and EstablishmentbackgroundDue to the rapid pace of tropical deforestation, it is essential to design restoration experiments that both further basic knowledge of tropical ecology and inform management strategies to facilitate recovery of these ecosystems. This study synthesizes the results of recent research on tropical montane forest recovery in abandoned pasture in Costa Rica to address limitations on tropical forest recovery in abandoned pasture and designing strategies to facilitate ecosystem recovery. Open access copy available |
Reforestation of Abandoned Pastures: Silvicultural Means to Accelerate Forest Recovery and BiodiversityBackgroundDespite the 2736 native tree species in Ecuador, the majority of forestation activities in the country are based on exotic pines and eucalypts. In this book chapter, the authors describe the reason for this neglect being the lack of knowledge on the ecology and silvicultural treatment and the lack of nurseries growing these species. Available with subscription or purchase |
Initial Performance and Reforestation Potential of 24 Tropical Tree Species Planted Across a Precipitation Gradient in the Republic of PanamabackgroundThe authors of this study planted trees from 22 native species and two exotic species to use in selection trials testing the growth and survivability of trees in plantations in three different sites. Research Goals & MethodsThe sites were chosen for their precipitation gradient from Soberania National Park (2226mm mean annual rainfall), Los Santos (1946mm rainfall), and Rio Hato (1107mm rainfall). Survival, basal diameter, height, crown diameter and wood volume index (VI) were calculated after two years of growth. Available with subscription or purchase |
Institutional Dimensions of Payments for Ecosystem Services: An Analysis of Mexico's carbon Forestry ProgrammebackgroundIn recent years, Mexico has established a payment for environmental service (PES) program where governments pay rural communities and farmers for environmental service provisions: water quality, carbon fixation, biodiversity, etc. These PES programs have been more effective when designed by both providers and users collaboratively. In 2004, the Mexican government developed the program Payments for Carbon, Biodiversity and Agro-forestry Services (PSA-CABSA). Available with subscription or purchase |
Effects of Above- and Below-Ground Competition of Shrubs and Grass on Calophyllum brasiliense (Camb.) Seedling Growth in Abandoned Tropical PasturebackgroundThis article evaluates the above and below-ground competition between grasses, shrubs, and woody seedlings in abandoned pastures in montane Costa Rica. Research Goals & MethodsOne-year-old seedlings of Calophyllum brasilense, a native early-successional tree species, were planted in patches of shrub growth and grass coverage. Seedlings were treated in one of four ways: reduction of root competition, reduction of above-ground competition, reduction of both forms of competition, and control (untreated). Available with subscription or purchase |
