South Asia
Quantitative Assessment of People-Oriented Forestry in Bangladesh: A Case Study in the Tangail Forest DivisionbackgroundThis research evaluates the profitability of three different types of plantation - strip, agroforestry, and woodlot - grown via a people-oriented forestry program in Bangladesh. Research Goals & MethodsThis research is based on case study analysis and utilizes participant interviews, focus group discussions, and analyzing annual costs from the Tangail Divisional Forest office. From this data, the researchers were able to describe net present values and benfit-cost ratios. Open access copy available |
Effect of Reforestation using Tectona grandis on Infiltration and Soil Water RetentionBackgroundIn this study, researchers examine the effect of teak (Tectona grandis) reforestation on soil infiltration and water retention in Sri Lanka. They compare the reforested site (12 years after planting) with a corn field and an abandoned pasture dominated by Imperata cylindrica grass. Available with subscription or purchase |
Nitrogen Dynamics of Actinorhizal Casuarina Forest Stands and its Comparison with Alnus and Leucaena ForestsBackgroundNitrogen plays a key role in soil fertility and plant productivity. Therefore, in regions in which deforestation has increasingly led to savannization and desertification, afforestation by fast-growing, n-fixing tree species is preferable. This study examines the characteristics of nitrogen fixing trees. Research Goals & MethodsThe nitrogen retention rates of three dry tropical forest tree species were measured, by examining rates of N cycling through vegetation, litter and soil pools. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Horseradish Tree, Moringa pterygosperma (Moringaceae)— A boon to Arid Lands?BackgroundThe horseradish tree (Moringa pterygosperma) is being introduced into drought-ridden lands t o augment the local food and fodder supply.This study evaluates the reforestation potential of Moringa in India and Africa. Available with subscription or purchase |
Effect of Adult Density on Regeneration Success of Woody Plants in Natural and Restored Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest Fragments in Puducherry Region, IndiaBackgroundThis study tested variables contributing to successful regeneration of Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) species in southern India, a forest type that is highly biodiverse but fragmented and commonly designated as “sacred groves”. Conclusions & TakeawaysThe researchers found that whether in longstanding “groves” or in reforested areas, adult tree density more strongly enhances the regeneration of any given species than do other factors such as the species’ dispersal mode or life form (e.g. tree, shrub, or liana). Open access copy available |
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Projects: Lessons for Future Policy Design and ImplementationBackgroundThis study reviews six representative Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) initiatives, two each from Africa, Asia and Latin America, by presenting their strengths, weakensses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). Open access copy available |
Forest Transition Pathways in Asia – Studies from Nepal, India, Thailand, and CambodiabackgroundThis study draws on data from Nepal, India, Thailand, and Cambodia to examine trajectories of forest-cover change along gradients of deforestation and reforestation. Open access copy available |
Social and Ecological Synergy: Local Rulemaking, Forest Livelihoods, and Biodiversity ConservationBackgroundDecentralized forest management with local community involvement is often viewed as a way to incentivize sustainable forest use through enhanced local knowledge, shared accountability, and perceived legitimacy. However, the effectiveness of decentralized management towards these goals is unclear both theoretically and in practice. There are few systematic multicountry empirical analyses that identify important factors and their complex relationships with social and ecological outcomes. Open access copy available |
Forest Conservation, Afforestation and Reforestation in India: Implications for Forest Carbon StocksbackgroundThis article presents an assessment of the implications of past and current forest conservation and regeneration policies and programmes for forest carbon sinks in India. Open access copy available |
Explaining Success on the Commons: Community Forest Governance in the Indian HimalayabackgroundThis study describes how a range of causal influences shape forest conditions in diverse ecological and institutional settings in the Indian Himalaya. Open access copy available |
