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.

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.

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.

Rate of timber production in a tropical rainforest ecosystem of Southwestern Nigeria and its implications on sustainable forest management

Timber harvesting data are very essential for sustainable management of forest resources.These data are very scarce in developing countries.Therefore,we collected and analyzed data on the rate of timber production of the free areas and the forest reserves in Ondo State,Nigeria.The data collected from the State Department of Forestry＇s official records,annual reports and files were on the species,volume and number of different economic timbers exploited on monthly basis between 2003 and 2005.Analyses were done with the student t-test and one-way analysis of variance.Results reveal that the highest numbers of species,families and stems were exploited in the free areas when compared with what was exploited from the reserves for the three-year period.However,the total volume of trees removed from the reserves was significantly higher（p〈0.05） than what was removed from the free areas.A total 60 different indigenous hardwood species in 25 families were exploited from the free areas,and 57 in 23 families from the reserves.The total number of stems exploited from the forest ecosystem of Ondo state during the three-year period stood at 111377 with an estimated volume of 295089.67 m^3.While the mean number of stems and volume exploited per annum is 37125 and 98363.22 m^3,respectively.The monthly average number of stems and volume is 3094 and 8196 m^3,respectively.The t-test results show that there were significant differences（p〈0.05） in number of stems and volume removed from the free areas and the reserves.The ANOVA results reveal a significant increase（p〈0.05） in logging activities between the years of 2003 and 2004 but there was a decline in year 2005.This trend reveals that economic timber species were disappearing from the forests and the ecosystem was seriously disturbed during logging activities.Principles for achieving the goals of sustainable forest management（SFM） and urgent conservation measures to mitigate the consequences of forest degradation were suggested.

Ecosystem service multifunctionality of mixed conifer-broad-leaved forests under climate change and forest management based on matrix growth modelling

Climate change and forest management are recognized as pivotal factors influencing forest ecosystem services and thus multifunctionality.However,the magnitude and the relative importance of climate change and forest management effects on the multifunctionality remain unclear,especially for natural mixed forests.In this study,our objective is to address this gap by utilizing simulations of climate-sensitive transition matrix growth models based on national forest inventory plot data.We evaluated the effects of seven management scenarios(combinations of various cutting methods and intensities)on the future provision of ecosystem services and multifunctionality in mixed conifer-broad-leaved forests in northeastern China,under four climate scenarios(SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,SSP5-8.5,and constant climate).Provisioning,regulating,cultural,and supporting services were described by timber production,carbon storage,carbon sequestration,tree species diversity,deadwood volume,and the number of large living trees.Our findings indicated that timber production was significantly influenced by management scenarios,while tree species diversity,deadwood volume,and large living trees were impacted by both climate and management separately.Carbon storage and sequestration were notably influenced by both management and the interaction of climate and management.These findings emphasized the profound impact of forest management on ecosystem services,outweighing that of climate scenarios alone.We found no single management scenario maximized all six ecosystem service indicators.The upper story thinning by 5%intensity with 5-year interval(UST5)management strategy emerged with the highest multifunctionality,surpassing the lowest values by more than 20%across all climate scenarios.In conclusion,our results underlined the potential of climate-sensitive transition matrix growth models as a decision support tool and provided recommendations for long-term strategies for multifunctional forest management under future climate change context.Ecosystem services and multifunctionality of forests could be enhanced by implementing appropriate management measures amidst a changing climate.

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.

Forestland prediction of China based on forest ecosystem services for the first half of 21st century

A new model was developed to predict forestland demand of China during the years of 2010-2050 in terms of the concept of forest ecosystem services. On the basis of the relationship between forest ecosystem services and classified forest management, we hypothesized that the ecological-forest provides ecological services, whereas commercial-forest supplies wood and timber production, and the influences of the growth of population, social-economic development target, forest management methods and the technology changes on forest resources were also taken into account. The prediction reveals that the demand of total forestland of China will be 244.8, 261.2 and 362.2 million ha by the year 2010, 2020 and 2050, respectively. The results demonstrated that China will be confronted with a shortage of forest resources, especially with lack of ecological-oriented forests, in the future. It is suggested that sustainable management of forest resources must be reinforced and more attention should be drown no enhancing the service function of forest ecosystem.

Tree Planting:How Fast Can It Accelerate Post-fire Forest Restoration?——A Case Study in Northern Da Hinggan Mountains,China

In 1987,a catastrophic fire burned over 1330000 ha in the densely forested area of the Da Hinggan Mountains in the northeastern China.After the fire,intensive management including burned trunk harvesting and coniferous tree planting had been conducted to accelerate forest restoration.To study the long term effect of these activities on forest recovery,we used a simulation modeling approach to study long-term(300 years) forest dynamics under current planting and natural regeneration scenarios.Results indicate that under tree planting scenario in the severely burned area,the dominant species Dahurian larch(Larix gmelinii) can reach pre-fire level(60% of the area) within 20 years and the maximum abundance can reach nearly 90% within 100 years.While under natural regeneration scenario,it needs about 250 years to reach its pre-fire level.From the perspective of timber production,tree planting can bring twice as much timber volume as that under natural regeneration within 300 years,which is the average longevity of L.gmelinii.It needs about 70 years to reach the timber volume of pre-fire level under the planting scenario,whereas it requires at least 250 years to reach the timber volume of pre-fire level under natural regeneration scenario.Another dominant species Asian White birch(Betula platyphylla) responded negatively to the planting of coniferous species.In general,tree planting of coniferous species after fire can greatly accelerate forest restoration in terms of species abundance and target timber volume,with desirable ecological and economic returns.

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.

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.

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.

Estimating costs of salvage logging for large-scale burned forest lands: A case study on Turkey's Mediterranean coast

Different forest fires causing different degrees of effects occur in fire-sensitive forests due to various reasons such as climate change.Useful as well as harmful aspects of forest fires are a multi-disciplinary research topic.Geographical information systems(GIS)and remote sensing(RS)methods offer a number of benefits for researchers and operators in the field of forest fire research.The present study analyses timber pricing based on forest contractor demands of post-salvage logging processes.The effect of timber obtained from compartment units on producers’pricing policy was modelled.Sapadere forest fire area(2500 ha)located in Antalya in Turkey was selected as the main study area.Topography parameters(aspect,slope and slope position),stand types(diameter class and crown closure),and burn severity were analyzed together using GIS and R software packages.A multi-linear regression model(R^(2)=0.752)demonstrated that factors that had the most impact on pricing were slope position,aspect,stand age,crown closure and burn severity.This model can be used to estimate salvage logging prices in Calabrian pine(Pinus brutia Ten.)stands with similar parameters.Forest administrators and contractors may readily address the unit price of timber by estimating approximate costs in a given forest area for which they are going to bid.This will help reduce operational planning times of harvesting procedures in burned stands.

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.

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.

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.