Mangifera indica
Restoration of degraded forest ecosystem through non-forestry livelihood supports: experience from the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary in BangladeshBACKGROUND:Protected areas cover a small percentage of the land despite their importance, with many rural poor depending on them for subsistence. Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary is highlighted as a significant protected area facing severe biodiversity loss due to heavy forest dependency by local communities. The study evaluates a livelihood support program implemented to reduce forest dependency and enhance biodiversity by providing non-forestry income sources to the forest-dependent communities in Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary. Open access copy available |
Garden Plants in Zimbabwe: Their ethnomedicinal uses and reported toxicityBACKGROUNDIn Zimbabwe, there are several plants that have been grown in homes for primary survival and for aesthetic reasons, both exotic and indigenous species. The properties of some of these plants is unknown yet some have been discovered to be poisonous to humans and livestock. Some cases of plant poison have been accidental, hence there is need to protect the public from the toxicity of these plants. Open access copy available |
Factors Affecting Mortality and Resistance to Damage Following Hurricanes in a Rehabilitated Subtropical Moist ForestBackgroundThis study was conducted in the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF), which was previously abandoned pastureland reforested through mixed planting and natural regeneration. Available with subscription or purchase |
Carbon sequestration and biodiversity of re-growing miombo woodlands in MozambiqueBackgroundThis study aims to determine how slash-and-burn agriculture impacts soil and vegetation carbon (C) stocks and biodiversity on an area of miombo woodland in Mozambique. The study hypothesized that C stocks in vegetation and soils of abandoned agricultural plots (machambas) would be lower than in woodland plots and that C stocks would accumulate more rapidly after abandonment in vegetation than in soils. Available with subscription or purchase |
Impact des aménagements de conservation des eaux et des sols sur la régénération des ressources ligneuses en zone sahélienne et nord soudanienne du Burkina FasoThe article seeks to catalogue trees used for traditional tools. The authors note that in certain areas, over exploitation of resources for traditional needs contributed to forest and soil degradation. They conclude arguing that traditional knowledge must be documented and taken into account in order for sustainable development projects to be successful.
Open access copy available |
Agroforestry Adoption in Haiti: The Importance of Household and Farm CharacteristicsbackgroundDuring the last century, the forest cover of Haiti has decreased from 8-10% of total land area to under 2%. This has serious implications for a nation with rapid population growth, 70% of the population living in rural areas, and 63% of the land is steeply sloping. Intensive agriculture on steeply sloping lands without tree cover could lead to topsoil and fertility losses. To combat this problem, the government implemented a USAID-funded agroforestry program to encourage reforestation strategies such as hedgerows, tree seedlings, and top grafting on smallholder farms. Available with subscription or purchase |
Burning Biodiversity: Fuelwood Harvesting Causes Forest Degradation in Human-Dominated Tropical LandscapesbackgroundOpen access copy available |
Changes in litter decomposition and soil organic carbon in a reforested tropical deciduous cover (India)BackgroundSoil organic carbon is built over time by vegetative decomposition. This study explores potential changes in soil organic carbon in India due to changing patterns of vegetation, such as deforestation, agricultural use, and reforestation with novel species compositions and disturbance cycles. Open access copy available |
Bwa Yo: Important Trees of HaitibackgroundThis book, published in 1996, presents important tree species in Haiti as part of a USAID effort to address environmental degradation in Haiti. The trees presented are mainly those in the agricultural landscape, providing food or fuel, although trees with cultural or ecological importance are also presented. Each tree profile provides information and photos including discussions of the species and common names, importance, taxonomy and botanical features, distribution and ecology, tree characteristics, utilization, propagation, and other findings (biomass studies, growth performance, tree improvement, seed research, and/or planting stock quality). Open access copy available |
A Survey of Small-Scale Farmers Using Trees in Pastures in Herrera Province, PanamabackgroundThe Herrera Province on the Azuero Peninsula of Panamá has experienced significant deforestation for the purpose of cattle ranching. research goal & methodsThe goal of the study was to determine more information about the use of trees in smallholder cow pastures. Herreran pasture owners were interviewed about the different uses for trees in their pastures as well as the variety of tree species. Available with subscription or purchase |