Ecosystem Services and Ecological Processes
Preliminary Studies on Imbrasia oyemensis, A valuable Non-Wood Forest Product in CameroonBackgroundIn many countries throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America, insects significantly contribute to food security. One widely eaten insect in Cameroon is the Imbrasia oyemensis, an edible caterpillar. The caterpillar primarily feeds on the locally known Sapele tree, which is also exploited for timbr production. In order to understand more about the potential competitive nature between logginf and harvesting I. oyemensis, this study aims to examine some of the unknown factors of the moth species that contribute to its survival. Open access copy available |
Targeted reforestation could reverse declines in connectivity for understory birds in a tropical habitat corridorbackgroundThis study looks at how conservation efforts over the last 25 years have impacted functional connectivity of forest habitat in northeastern Costa Rica’s San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor. The study focuses on insectivorous understory forest birds. Open access copy available |
Assessing Forest Degradation: Towards the Development of Globally Applicable GuidelinesbackgroundThis FAO report defines forest degradation and provides guidelines for assessing levels of degradation with the purpose of influencing policies and forest management plans towards restoration. The report provides directions on how to measure four markers: 1) growing stock and biomass, 2) biodiversity, 3) production of forest goods, and 4) soil erosion. Open access copy available |
Disappearing Forests in Malawi: Causes and SolutionsBackgroundMalawi has experienced rapid population growth coupled with soil erosion, land degradation, deforestation, hunger, and poverty. While it appears these trends are related, the author argues that the causes are more complex. Open access copy available |
Les Forêts du Bassin du Congo: Etat des Forêts 2006 (Forests of the Congo Basin: State of the Forests 2006)The authors compiled an comprehensive report on the state of the forests in twelve forested landscapes of the Congo Basin region of Africa. They include a wide range of topics including conservation, human inhabitants of the forests, exploitation of forest resources, other threats to the forest, and priorities for restoration.
Available with subscription or purchase |
Plan d'amenagement et de gestion de la foret galerie de Makera: 2009-2013 (Management plan for the Makera gallery forest: 2009-2013)This report provides a biologic, economic, and sociologic context for the state of the Makera gallery forest in Rwanda.The authors provide plans for management, ongoing research, and community engagement with the forest. Open access copy available |
Les facteurs déterminants le succès de reproduction de la Tourterelle des bois (Streptopelia turtur) dans un milieu agricole Nord-AfricainThe authors provide ecological information regarding the use of trees and agriculture by the turtle dove. They argue for increased research to determine the success of fruit trees on sustaining populations of wildlife.
Open access copy available |
National Forest Policy of MalawiBackgroundIn Malawi, there has been extensive forest degradation, estimated at an annual loss of 2.8%. The degradation is caused by a variety of factors, including agriculture expansion, human settlement, fire use, timber and non-timber over extraction. The 2016 Forest Policy of Malawi outlines a policy-approach to stop and revert these trends. Open access copy available |
Malawi State of Environment and Outlook Report: Environment for Sustainable Economic GrowthBackgroundAlthough Malawi’s rich natural resources – forests, fertile soils, water resources, and fisheries – offer opportunity for sustainable development, mismanagement of these resources and poverty-related resource exploitation pose a risk for resource degradation. This periodic (2010) State of the Environment and Outlook report discusses trends, threats and opportunities in the environmental, health, demographic, industrial and agricultural sectors. Open access copy available |
Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture: Contributing to Food Security and Sustainability in a Changing WorldbackgroundThis report identifies challenges in current agricultural production and argues for the incorporation of biodiverse agricultural practices to best realize sustainable development goals. Open access copy available |
