Secondary & Degraded Forest Restoration
Young Restored Forests Increase Seedling Recruitment in Abandoned Pastures in the Southern Atlantic RainforestbackgroundThis study examines whether the practice of planting seedlings in abandoned pastures improves restoration outcomes in the Atlantic forest of Brazil. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors compare seedling populations in old growth forest, young restored forest, and abandoned pastures. Open access copy available |
Successional Change and Resilience of a Very Dry Tropical Deciduous Forest Following Shifting AgricultureBackgroundGiven substaintial conversion of very dry tropical deciduous forests in Mexico to agricultural and other land uses, this study examines forest succession over time in such ecosystems. The study was conducted near Nizanda, Oaxaca, Mexico with 26°C average temperatures and 900 mm average rainfall. Available with subscription or purchase |
Regeneration of Five Combretaceae Species along a Latitudinal Gradient in Sahelo-Sudanian Zone of Burkina FasoBackgruondThis study examines seedling density and regeneration processes of 5 species of Combretaceae across latitudinal gradients in the Sahelo-Sudanian ecoregion in Burkina Faso. Species were chosen based on their economic importance and large distributions. Rainfall varies across the area studied from 400-900 mm annually with elevations of about 300 m. The vegetation in the area is strongly seasonal with mostly deciduous trees and most herbacious species dying back during the dry season. Open access copy available |
The Effects of Cultivation History on Forest Recovery in Fallows in the Eastern Arc Mountain, TanzaniabackgroundThe authors of this study looked at fallows of varying age within systems of shifting cultivation to understand factors that influence their recovery. The authors focused on the role of duration of cultivation and cropping history in influencing recovery. All cropping systems in the area are shade intolerant. Research Goals & MethodsPrimary forests, farms, and fallow areas were surveyed for basal area, stand complexity, and diversity (Fisher's alpha). Available with subscription or purchase |
Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources through a Participatory Approach - KenyabackgroundThis study reviews an ongoing mangrove restoration project in the Ghazi region of Kenya. The study seeks to improve the sustainable development and conservation of mangrove forests in order to enhance productivity of natural resources in ways that sustain continuous flow of desired forest products and services. All 10 mangroves found in the Indian Ocean region are found in Ghazi. The dominant mangroves in the Ghazi area are Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal and Avicennia marina. Open access copy available |
Estructura poblacional y parámetros demográficos de Juniperus flaccida Schltdl. (Population structure and demographic parameters of Juniperus flaccida Schltdl.)Open access copy available |
Forest Landscape Restoration: Initiatives in EthiopiaBackgroundEthiopia has experienced significant forest loss and degradation, which has raised concern over the deterioration of ecosystem services and access to forest resources. In response to these trends, WWF and IUCN have pioneered the Forest for Life strategy, which employs a range of initiatives to combat forest degradation. This report focuses on one of those initiative, Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) in Ethiopia. Open access copy available |
Mangrove Ecosystem Recovery and Restoration from Oil Spill in the Niger Delta: The GIS PerspectiveBackgroundIn Nigeria, Mangrove's provide critical environmental and economic services, including maintaining water quality, serving as breeding grounds for important fish and crustacean, and as a source of food and materials. Yet, the country also has a history of oil spills that threaten these important ecosystems. In order to understand the effects of oil spills on mangroves, this study examines the land cover change of mangrove ecosystems in the Niger Delta between 1986 and 2008. Open access copy available |
Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests in Thailand: Policy and PracticebackgroundThis article provides an overview of efforts to rehabilitate degraded lands in Thailand. The authors synthesize articles and government policies to understand different plans of action for the government. Based on their analyses, they outline the challenges facing forest rehabilitation efforts and specific areas that need improvement. Open access copy available |
Influence of species richness and environmental context on early survival of replanted mangroves at Gazi bay, KenyaBackgroundMangrove restoration is often unsuccessful, thus this study involves long-term large-scale experiments measuring a range of ecosystem functions in replanted mangrove stands in Ghazi in Kenya funded by Earthwatch. Open access copy available |
