Quantitative and financial evaluation of non-timber forest products(case study:Zemkan basin forests,West of Iran)

Although Zagros forests in western Iran lack industrial timber value due to the severe climate and socioeconomics problems, non-timber products are of great value and importance due to their high economic potential and also their potential to improve the welfare of forestdwelling and forest-fringe villagers. This study was done in the forests of the Zemkan basin, an important part of central Zagros forests, Iran, to recognize the non-timber forest products（NTFPS）, investigate their potential economic value and role in people＇s livelihood. Data, collected using forest cruising, participatory observations, interviews with indigenous and local persons and experts, identified wild pistachio resin, wild pistachio fruit, oak fruit and oak syrup（Shokeh manna） among the non-timber products in this basin with total potential harvestable NTFPs of 77.16,771.602, 13248.68, and 1324.868 tons per year,respectively. The economic rent from NTFPs is 33 US$/ha/year and its total expected values with consideration of real interest rate when the exploiter invests the capital in the bank（6.4 %） and when money is borrowed from the bank to execute the incorporated projects（8.4 %） are $516/ha and $393/ha, respectively. Furthermore, families＇ economic share from potential profit of NTFPs is annually$601 per household. In addition wild pistachio resin has the highest share of the total potential profit of NTFPs and its equal to 51 % of the total of potential profit of NTFPs.Therefore, it is suggested that decisions be made to increase the infrastructure and strengthen the local selling market to enhance the cash income from NTFPs. Forest participatory management practices are suggested to organize and improve traditional use of the forests.

Population distribution and threats to sustainable management of selected non-timber forest products in tropical lowland rainforests of south western Nigeria

Uncontrolled harvesting of non-timber forest products （NTFPs） poses a serious risk of extermination to several of these species in Nigeria. Yet, there is a paucity of information on the distribution, population status and sustainable management of NTFPs in most of the tropical lowland rainforests. We, therefore, assessed the population, distribution and threats to sustainable management of NTFPs within the tropical lowland rainforests of Omo and Shasha Forest Reserves, south western Nigeria. Data were obtained through inventory surveys on five top priority species including： bush mango （Irvingia gabonensis （Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke） Baill）, African walnut （Tetracarpidium conophorum （Mull. Arg.） Hutch. ＆ Dalziel syn. Plukenetia conophora）, chew-stick （Massularia acuminata （G. Don） Bullock）, fever bark （Annickia chlorantha Setten ＆ P.J.Maas syn. Enantia chloranta） and bush pepper （Piper guineense Schumach. ＆ Thonn.）. Purposive and stratified random sampling techniques were used for the inventory. Each forest reserve was stratified into three, viz： less disturbed natural forest （for areas that have been rested for at least ten years）, recently disturbed natural forest （for areas that have suffered one form of human perturbation or the other in the last five years）, and plantation forest （for areas carrying forest plantation）. Data were collected from eighteen 10 m × 500 m belt transects located in the above strata. The species were generally fewer in both plantation and recently disturbed natural forest than the less disturbed natural forest, suggesting that forest disturbances （habitat modification） for other uses may have an effect on the occurrence and densities of the NTFPs. Exceptions to this trend were found for P. guineense and T. conophorum, which were fairly common in both plantation and recently disturbed natural forest. Among three tree NTFP species （i.e. I. gabonensis, M. acuminata and A. chlorantha）, only I. gabonensis showed a significant difference in overall DBH size classes for both reserves （t=？2.404; df =21; p=0.026）. Three tree NTFP species in both reserves further showed differences from the regular patterns of distribution of trees. The fairly regular reverse J-shaped size class distribution observed for M. acuminata in the study sites, however, suggests a recuperating population. In general, destructive harvesting of species, logging operations, low population size, narrow distribution ranges and habitat degradation are the major threats to the population of NTFPs in the study area. The implications of our findings for sustainable management of NTFPs in the study area are discussed and recommendations are made for a feasible approach towards enhancing the status of the species.

Diversity of non-timber forest products in Cachar District, Assam, India

We identified 67 and 21 NTFP-yielding plant and animal species, respectively, in a reserve forest in Cachar district of Assam. We recorded globally threatened species listed by IUCN as Critically Endangered （plant species Dipterocarpus turbinatus）, Vulnerable （plant species Aquillaria malaccensis）, Endangered （animal species Hoolock hoolock, Indotestudo elongata and Manis pentadactyla）, and Vulnerable （animal species Nilssonia hurum and Rusa unicolor）. The whole plant or animal and/or their various parts were used as food or medicine, in house construction, magico-religious activities and others. While some NTFPs were harvested throughout the year, others were harvested seasonally. A comprehensive NTFP policy, along with scientific measures for regen- eration, restoration and augmentation of NTFP-yielding plants and animals, would help in addressing the conflicting demands of conservation and livelihood in the forests of this area.

Market analysis for timber and forest products in China

This paper introduces the general condition of forestry resources of China and the demand and supply of timber and forest products. The market for timber and forest producls has borne dual pressure because of the population explosion and growth of the domestic economy. A major contemporary strategy for sustainable forestry includes the promotion of the Forest Products Industry (FPI), the substitution of other materials for timber,and the encouragement of imports of timber and forest products. The author analyzes the effect of these policies on the market for timber and forest products. In addition, the difficulties encountered by most mid-to large -scale state- owned forest enterprises during the transition from a centrally-planned economy to a market economy are examined. Finally, the author points out the countermeasures and means for reform of these old forest enterprises with a view toward future prosperity of the market for timber and forest products.

Assessing forest sustainability trajectory with temporal changes in timber output and ecological reserve: the case of China

We classified forest resources into four modes：high timber output and high ecological reserve（Mode T-E）; high timber output and low ecological reserve（Mode T-e）; low timber output and low ecological reserve（Mode t-e）; and low timber output and high ecological reserve（Mode t-E）. Ecological reserve is stand volume per unit area of natural forests and total area of natural forests;timber output is defined as total area of timber forests and unit area of timber production. We used this classification system to examine forest development in China between1950 and 2013. Data were acquired mainly from forest inventory statistics published by China’s Forestry Administration between the 1970 s and 2013. I Information from the 1950 s was acquired from relevant literature. Our analysis suggests that China’s forest resources transitioned from Mode t-E to Mode T-e during the period between the early 1950 s and late 1970 s, resulting in the destruction of both ecological vigor and timber resources. During the following 20 years, strategies were implemented to improve the ecological reserve and increase timber supply,resulting in a decline in the rate of forest degradation. Over the past decade, China’s forest resources have reached Mode T-E as a result of improvements in both the ecological reserve and the timber supply. Currently, the total area of timber forests is relatively low, representing the limiting factor for improvement in overall forest functionality. Nevertheless, along with increased efforts to protect natural forests and develop fast-growing forest plantations, it is hopeful that China’s forest resources will achieve a sustainable state. The four-mode TOER（timber output, ecological reserve） method introduced in this paper is a simple but an effective approach for characterizing the overall quality and quantity of forest resources. The data used for this type of evaluation are typically easy to obtain and reliable. This methodology has potential to be applied to forests in various regions and countries.

Export Competitiveness and Sustainable Development of the Ukrainian Timber Industry

This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of the export dynamics within the Ukrainian timber industry, emphasizing its pivotal role in the national economy. The study begins by outlining the research objectives, context, and innovative methodologies, setting the stage for a deep dive into the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable and competitive trade. It explores Ukraine’s rich forest biodiversity across varied vegetation zones and its geopolitical significance. Detailed evaluations of forest resource management, policy frameworks, and institutional support form the core of the analysis. Challenges such as imbalanced export structures and legal inconsistencies are critically examined. The research employs trade gravity models and competitive indicators like the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Market Share (MS) to assess factors influencing exports and to forecast potential growth areas. The findings inform strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing export capacity through market diversification, brand development, and legal stability. The conclusion highlights the need for strategic interventions to harness Ukraine’s timber resources sustainably, balancing economic gains with environmental stewardship.

Integrating species and successional classes for wood production in a mixed forest restoration system in a neotropical region

As forests in neotropical regions,particularly in developing countries,are devastated,interventions to restore biodiversity and its ecological functions are needed.Rural producers have thus been encouraged to grow trees for wood production as an economic activity.The objective of this study was to quantify the increment of wood density of four forest species from different successional classes of a mixed system of restoration in a neotropical forest in Brazil.Tree discs were sampled at breast height and analyzed radially by X-ray densitometry to obtain apparent density and basic density.Three trees each of a species from the pioneer,early and late secondary successional stages and of the dominant species in the climax community.The radial profiles indicated increasing density from the pith to bark of trunks,except for some variations due to wood defects and growth.Average density was 0.576 g cm^(-3),0.655 g cm^(-3),0.706 g cm^(-3)and 0.775 g cm^(-3),respectively,for Peltophorum dubium,Schinus terebinthifolius,Cariniana estrellensis and Hymenaea courbaril.Radial profiles indicated higher amplitudes in the apparent densities for slow-growing species.X-ray densitometry generated parameters such as minimum,average and maximum densities,and radial density variations.These parameters are important for understanding the ecological functional role of successional classes of the Atlantic Forest from the Neotropical region.

A management planning system for even-aged and uneven-aged forests in northeast China

The most common scientific approach to numerical landscape-level forest management planning is combinatorial optimization aimed at finding the optimal combination of the treatment alternatives of stands. The selected combination of treatments depends on the conditions of the forest, and the objectives of the forest landowners. A two-step procedure is commonly used to derive the plan. First, treatment alternatives are generated for the stands using an automated simulation tool. Second,the optimal combination of the simulated treatment schedules is found by using mathematical programming or various heuristics. Simulation of treatment schedules requires models for stand dynamics and volume for all important tree species and stand types present in the forest.A forest planning system was described for Northeast China. The necessary models for stand dynamics and tree volume were presented for the main tree species of the region. The developed models were integrated into the simulation tool of the planning system. The simulation and the optimization tools of the planning system were described. The optimization tool was used with heuristic methods, making it possible to easily solve also spatial forest planning problems, for instance aggregate cuttings.Finally, the use of the system is illustrated with a case study, in which nonspatial and spatial management plans are developed for the Mengjiagang Forest District.

Optimum stand density of Chinese pine forests in Taihang limestone mountains, Shanxi Province

Data analysis was made for 54 stands of Chinese pine forests for soil and water conservation and timber. The regression equations were drawn up on forest density and different rafter timber and bush coverage.Based on those equations, the number of rafter timber trees, storage, number of non-raffer timber trees, stand volume and the output value were calculated for six different forest densities ranged from 1250 to 6600 trees/hm2.According to the economic and ecological criteria, the optimum density for Chinese pine forests was determined as 1 650 trees/hm2.

Linear programming approach for optimal forest plantation

The aim of this research was to identify species suitable for plantation. We first identified species for potentially suitable for plantation based on ecological capabilities regarding soil properties. We determined the area of plantation for different species based on ecological capabilities. Then, we collected relevant data such as growth patterns of different species, labor requirements for plantation and plantation cost. A linear programming model and two integer linear programming models were used for optimization. The appropriate species based on ecological capabilities were ash, elm, maple, oak and bald cypress. A linear programming model was used based on ecological capabilities classification to determine the land area of different species for plantation. Then, two integer linear programming models were employed to select the species for plantation. We set ecological properties unequal for all of the species in the first run of the integer programming model. Two groups were classified： group one included maple and ash; group two included bald cypress,oak and elm. The second integer programming model assumed equal ecological properties for all the species.Results of linear programming showed that maple and bald cypress were appropriate for plantation at the site and their plantation areas should be 151.3 and 355.3 ha, respectively. Results of the first integer linear programming model showed that maple and bald cypress would be economically profitable for plantation. The results of the second integer linear programming model showed that only bald cypress would be appropriate for plantation.

Estimation of Economic Value of Agroforestry Systems at the Local Scale in Eastern Sudan

The objective of this paper is to institute farmers’ own perceptions of the on-and off-farm benefits of agroforestry systems (AFS). Using use value approach, this paper presents empirical evidence on the use values of three types of AFS practiced by the refugees and their hosting communities in Eastern Sudan. The total economic value (TEV) was applied as a framework to estimate the ecosystem values of AFS under study. Goods values were estimated using specific market values, while the services values were qualitatively described according to local perceived values of the local communities. Perceived TEV of AFS includes marketable and non-marketable goods and services. The main direct marketable and sustainable high value products include: food, cash crops, firewood, gum, fodder, NTFPs medicine, fodder, and honey. The valuation results reveal that AFS in the project sites have significantly contributed to the livelihoods of the local communities. Overall, the average net direct-use value of marketable products across all sites was estimated at 7,346,000.0 SDG (1,335,636.36 US$) HH/annum. Gum Arabic alone accounted for 38%, followed by sorghum grain and fodder 35%, and cash crops (sesame) 18%. This value would be many time higher if other indirect values (non-marketable) services such as shade, aesthetic and recreation, environmental protection, biodiversity and carbon sequestration are quantified. The goods and services mentioned above provide sustainable income to the farmer directly and viable benefits to the region indirectly. Hence, AFS in the study sites shows the way to reconcile two conflicting goals: short-term food and livelihood needs with long-term environmental conservation and improvement. The study provides evidence that the high local perceived values of AFS in the study sites constitute a central means of livelihood, whereas its contribution to the local economy. The study stresses the need to quantify the monetary values of non-marketed products to consistently account for resource availability and usage to further sound policy decisions. Tenure security, farmer support services and human capital development were major areas identified for policy development.

Positive association between forest management, environmental change, and forest bird abundance

Background: The global decrease in wildlife populations, especially birds, is mainly due to land use change and increasing intensity of land use(Parmesan and Yohe 2003). However, impacts of management tools to mitigate biodiversity loss at regional and global scales are less apparent in forest regions that have a constant forest area,and which did not suffer from habitat degradation, and where forests are sustainably managed, such as in Central Europe or the northeastern USA. A biodiversity assessment for Germany suggested, for example, that bird populations were constant(Bundesamt für Naturschutz 2015).Results: This study shows that changes in the environment and in forest management over the past 45 years have had a significant, positive effect on the abundance of non-migratory forest bird species in Central Europe. Economy(timber prices and GDP), forest management(timber harvest and mixed forest area), and environmental factors(atmospheric CO_2 concentration and nitrogen deposition) were investigated together with changes in abundances of migratory and non-migratory forest birds using partial least squares path modeling. Climate change, resulting in longer seasons and milder winters, and forest management, promoting tree diversity, were significantly positively related to the abundance of non-migratory forest birds and explained 92% of the variation in their abundance in Europe. Regionally-migrating forest birds had stable populations with large variation, while birds migrating across continents declined in recent decades, suggesting significant, contrasting changes in bird populations in Europe. In northeastern North America we also found evidence that non-migratory forests have experienced long-term increases in abundance, and this increase was related to management. The increase of populations of nonmigratory forest birds in Europe and North America is associated with an increase in structural diversity and disturbances at the landscape level.Conclusions: Our results suggest that reports about bird decline in forests should separate between migratory and non-migratory bird species. Efforts to mitigate the general decline in bird abundance should focus on land-use systems other than forests and support sustainable forest management independent of economic conditions.

Analysis of the changes in forest ecosystem functions,structure and composition in the Black Sea region of Turkey

We used geographical information system to analyze changes in forest ecosystem functions, structure and composition in a typical department of forest management area consisting of four forest management planning units in Turkey. To assess these effects over a 25 year period we compiled data from three forest management plans that were made in 1986, 2001 and 2011. Temporal changes in forest ecosystem functions were estimated based on the three pillars of forest sustainability： economics, ecology and socio-culture. We assessed a few indicators such as land-use and forest cover, forest types,tree species, development stage, stand age classes, crown closure, growing stock and its increment, and timber biomass. The results of the case study suggested a shift in forest values away from economic values toward ecological and socio-cultural values over last two planning periods. Forest ecosystem structure improved, due mainly to increasing forest area, decreasing non-forest areas（especially in settlement and agricultural areas）, forestation on forest openings, rehabilitation of degraded forests, conversion of even-aged forests to uneven-aged forests and conversion of coppice forests to high forests with greater growing stock increments. There were also favorable changes in forest management planning approaches.

Evidence Emerging from the Survey on European Union Timber Regulation [REG. (EU) 995/2010] in Italy

Illegal logging is a pervasive problem of major international concern that causes many negative social, economical and environmental consequences. EUTR is a tool adopted in 2010 and entered into force in 2013 to stop the trade of timber illegally logged within the EU market. The implementation in Italy is still in progress and varies among regions. This study considers the respondents’ opinions on different EUTR characteristics, implementation processes and compliance activities. Taking Italy as an example, the questionnaire was delivered to relevant Italian foresters and timber operators in the forest-timber system. Two hypotheses are under verification: 1) if Italian forest-wood-timber sector integrated EUTR into its activity and 2) if the Italian Due Diligence system is a valid model to other countries. The questionnaire has been submitted to the wood industry stakeholders. It has been organized into six sections to collect information about the professional characteristics of respondents, their experiences on EUTR, the opinion about EUTR and FLEGT, the support received on EUTR implementation, the opinion about the checks system, and the role of EUTR in marketing timber products. Questionnaire data have been elaborated in different ways. Conclusion underlines the EUTR Italian system criticalities and some suggestions for a more effective use of EUTR in the wood market. The picture that emerges from the results collected is that the EUTR, although proposed for morally and ethically valid purposes, doesn’t have unanimous effectiveness. In particular, EUTR can generate a distortion of the market, new expenditures for importers. Various operators applaud the role of certification schemes for sustainable forest management, which indirectly makes it possible to prevent the aforementioned problem. The Italian EUTR system is working only for satisfying Regulation 995/2010 targets. This must be considered as the starting point;however, three innovative topics could be developed in the future: digitalization and computerization of EUTR certification, integration of EUTR certification with forest certifications schemes and other quality certifications, and use of EUTR in the marketing initiatives.

经济林种植户有机肥施用行为及影响因素分析——基于陕西省589户种植户调查数据

在积极倡导环境保护的时代背景下,探讨经济林种植户有机肥施用行为的影响因素,对林业绿色可持续发展具有重要影响。以陕西省589户经济林种植户的调查数据为基础,运用Heckman样本选择模型,着重分析电商参与和社会网络对经济林种植户有机肥施用行为的影响。结果表明,74%的种植户选择施用有机肥,但有机肥投入资金占肥料总投入较低。种植户电商参与、社会网络正向影响其有机肥施用决策和施用程度,并且社会网络在电商参与影响有机肥施用程度的过程中起正向调节作用。此外,家中农用机械数量、经济林种植面积以及是否被评选为科技示范户种植户也会对种植户有机肥施用行为产生影响。

苹果等6种经济林不同时期果实BVOCs成分分析

为探究常见经济林树种不同时期果实在自然状态下释放植物源挥发性有机物(BVOCs)组成成分差异,并分析其香气类型,选取苹果、桃、李、梨、山楂和枣6种经济林树种为研究对象,采用动态顶空采集法收集释放的BVOCs,结合自动热脱附-气相色谱/质谱联用技术进行BVOCs分析。结果表明,6种果实膨大期和成熟期均检测出12类BVOCs,组分总数量前者(305)大于后者(275),2个时期果实释放烷烃类、烯烃类、芳香烃类、酯类和醛类BVOCs占比最大;不同时期6种果实有10种共有BVOCs为2,2,4,6,6-五甲基庚烷、正十九烷、a-柏木烯、正戊醛、庚醛、辛醛、天然壬醛、癸醛、苯乙酮和庚胺醇;苹果、桃、李和梨随着果实生长发育BVOCs成分数量减少;不同时期6种果实香韵涵盖香型有差异,并随果实生长发育,青草香、果香、檀木香、醛香和柑橘香占比明显增加。表明不同时期6种经济林植物果实释放BVOCs组成成分和相对含量差异明显,在果实成熟期,主要香气BVOCs成分相对含量较高,是果实香精开发的最佳时期。

Tree species diversity and utilities in a contracting lowland hillside rainforest fragment in Central Vietnam

Background： Within the highly bio-diverse ‘Northern Vietnam Lowland Rain Forests Ecoregion＇ only small, and mostly highly modified forestlands persist within vast exotic-species plantations. The aim of this study was to elucidate vegetation patterns of a secondary hillside rainforest remnant（elevation 120–330 m, 76 ha） as an outcome of natural processes, and anthropogenic processes linked to changing forest values.Methods： In the rainforest remnant tree species and various bio-physical parameters（relating to soils and terrain）were surveyed on forty 20 m × 20 m sized plots. The forest＇s vegetation patterns and tree diversity were analysed using dendrograms, canonical correspondence analysis, and other statistical tools.Results： Forest tree species richness was high（172 in the survey, 94 per hectare）, including many endemic species（〉16%; some recently described）. Vegetation patterns and diversity were largely explained by topography, with colline/sub-montane species present mainly along hillside ridges, and lowland/humid-tropical species predominant on lower slopes. Scarcity of high-value timber species reflected past logging, whereas abundance of light-demanding species, and species valued for fruits, provided evidence of human-aided forest restoration and ‘enrichment＇ in terms of useful trees. Exhaustion of sought-after forest products, and decreasing appreciation of non-wood products concurred with further encroachment of exotic plantations in between 2010 and 2015. Regeneration of rare tree species was reduced probably due to forest isolation.Conclusions： Despite long-term anthropogenic influences, remnant forests in the lowlands of Vietnam can harbor high plant biodiversity, including many endangered species. Various successive future changes（vanishing species, generalist dominance, and associated forest structural-qualitative changes） are, however, expected to occur in smal forest fragments.Lowland forest biodiversity can only be maintained if forest fragments maintain a certain size and/or are connected via corridors to larger forest networks. Preservation of the forests may be fostered using new economic incentive schemes.

林下食用菌栽培的现状及展望

林下栽培食用菌能够充分利用林地空间资源,获得优质食用菌农产品产出,是实现绿色发展、乡村振兴的有效途径。本文以林下食用菌产业的积极意义为切入点,归纳论述了不同林分类型下食用菌的栽培情况和林下食用菌的主要栽培模式,列举了5种典型的林下栽培食用菌案例(黑木耳、大球盖菇、竹荪、灵芝、羊肚菌)。在此基础上,分析了目前我国林下食用菌栽培产业存在的一些问题,并提出发展林下食用菌产业的对策:(1)建立林下复合经营共同体;(2)加强科技创新与技术推广;(3)加强林下经济产业人才培养,促进林菌专业合作组织建设;(4)出台扶持政策,加强市场流通体系建设;(5)完善林下经济相关标准、导则的制定。综上结果,以期能为相关从业人员提供一些参考。

基于文献计量的国内外林下经济研究进展

为深入了解国内外林下经济研究现状和趋势,以2002-2022年Web of Science核心数据库为数据来源,结合Citespace和VOSviewer等软件对国内外林下经济相关文献研究数量、研究机构、研究主题及关键词进行统计分析。结果表明:林下经济累积发文量和累积被引频次呈指数增长的趋势;该领域发文量学者主要分布在美国、巴西、印度、德国、中国等地;世界农林研究中心、法国农业国际合作研究发展中心、中国科学院等机构在该领域发文量最大;林下经济学是一门主要以林学、农学、环境科学、生态学、植物学、土壤学等学科交叉而成的新型学科。此外,基于关键文献和关键词分析,低速发展期(2002-2007年)考虑林木生长、作物产量的影响研究,快速增长期(2008-2017年)考虑间作模式、优良品种选育、土壤理化性质及养分、分析方法、种间关系等机制研究,急速增长期(2018-2022年)作物化学成分(及内含物)和营养价值、植物根际和土壤微生物群落活性的响应机理、遥感技术的运用以及稳定同位素的溯源技术是主要研究趋势。

密度控制和追肥对杉木近熟林改培大径材林的效应分析

为构建南岭山区杉木大径材高效培育技术体系,提高大径材产量与质量,将现有林分改培为大径材林是切实可行的途径。本研究以杉木近熟林为对象,采用正交设计进行疏伐与配方施肥改培试验研究。结果表明:在杉木树高-胸径生长模型研究中,幂函数模型有较好的拟合效果,是最理想的树高-胸径生长模型选择;杉木近熟林改培后第3年,处理前、后各材种变化总体呈现出小、中径材逐步减少,大径材逐步增加的趋势,大径材增量最大的是处理2。影响处理前后树高、胸径和单株材积增量的因子效应大小依次为追施尿素、追施过磷酸钙、保留密度,影响大径材出材量及出材率增量的试验因子有差异,增加大径材出材量和提高大径材出材率的最优组合一致。试验结果表明,当密度处于中等或中等偏高水平、尿素和过磷酸钙均处于中等水平时,最利于提高大径材出材量和出材率。