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Forests
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Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation
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Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Biodiversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2024) | Viewed by 9460

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Yali Wen

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Guest Editor
Department of Forestry Economics, School of Economics and Management, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: sustainable forest management and utilization; wild animal conservation; sustainable livelihood
Prof. Dr. Runsheng Yin

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Guest Editor
Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
Interests: forest policy and economics; ecosystem restoration assessment; forest carbon accounting
Dr. Xiaoqian Chen

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Forestry Economics, School of Economics and Management, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: forest governance; forest trade and investment; forest bioeconomy; climate smart forestry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Four billion hectar world forests provide habitats for about 80 percent of amphibian species, 75 percent of bird species and 68 percent of mammal species, and they are also the largest land carbon reservoir, absorbing and storing around 30% of current fossil fuel emissions. About 1.6 billion people worldwide depend on forests for food, livelihoods, employment and income. The critical importance of sustainable forest management and utilization to ensure protecting the animals, plants and related ecology systems that thrive in forests have been well recognized worldwide; yet, forests and their biodiversity continue to be lost at an alarming rate. Ensuring biodiversity conservation is globally embedded into sustainable forest management policies is curial to halting deforestation and restoring biodiversity by 2030.

This Special Issue aims to provide valuable insights on the development of policy tools to ensure biodiversity conservation be well planned and integrated into global, regional and national forest management practices. Regional and national level case studies are welcomed. 

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • The evolution of sustainable forest management practices at the regional and national levels;
  • Challenges to integrating biodiversity conservation with sustainable forest management policies;
  • Market-based instruments to promote biodiversity conservation in sustainable forest practice;
  • The impacts on local livelihoods in forest area caused by biodiversity conservation activities;
  • The role of new technologies, such as barcoding, block chain and AI, in biodiversity conservation activities;
  • Future perspectives for enhancing biodiversity conservation policies.

Prof. Dr. Yali Wen
Prof. Dr. Runsheng Yin
Dr. Xiaoqian Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable forest management and utilization
  • biodiversity conservation
  • wildlife conservation
  • sustainable livelihood
  • market based instrument
  • forestry policy
  • new technology in forest management and conservation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4363 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Soil and Topography Factors on Larix gmelinii var. Principis-rupprechtii Forest Mortality and Capability of Decision Tree Binning Method and Generalized Linear Models in Predicting Tree Mortality
by Zhaohui Yang, Wei Zou, Haodong Liu, Ram P. Sharma, Mengtao Zhang and Zhenhua Hu
Forests 2024, 15(12), 2060; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122060 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 290
Abstract
Understanding the factors influencing individual tree mortality is essential for sustainable forest management, particularly for Prince Rupprech’s larch (Larix gmelinii var. Principis-rupprechtii) in North China’s natural forests. This study focused on 20 sample plots (20 × 20 m each) established in [...] Read more.
Understanding the factors influencing individual tree mortality is essential for sustainable forest management, particularly for Prince Rupprech’s larch (Larix gmelinii var. Principis-rupprechtii) in North China’s natural forests. This study focused on 20 sample plots (20 × 20 m each) established in Shanxi Province, North China. This study compared three individual tree mortality models—Generalized Linear Model (GLM), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and Bayesian Generalized Linear Model (Bayesian GLM)—finding that both GLM and Bayesian GLM achieved approximately 0.87 validation accuracy on the test dataset. Due to its simplicity, GLM was selected as the final model. Building on the GLM model, six binning methods were applied to categorize diameter at breast height (DBH): equal frequency binning, equal width binning, cluster-based binning, quantile binning, Chi-square binning, and decision tree binning. Among these, the decision tree binning method achieved the highest performance, with an accuracy of 90.12% and an F1 score of 90.06%, indicating its effectiveness in capturing size-dependent mortality patterns. This approach provides valuable insights into factors affecting mortality and offers practical guidance for managing Larix gmelinii var. Principis-rupprechtii forests in temperate regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation)
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16 pages, 2417 KiB  
Article
Unraveling Forest Practice Policies in China: Subnational Comparisons through Policy Prescriptiveness Framework
by Yimin Fu, Yixian Sun, Jinlong Liu, Benjamin William Cashore and Wenyuan Liang
Forests 2024, 15(6), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15060927 - 26 May 2024
Viewed by 861
Abstract
Forest policy classification is critical to conducting comparisons and understanding performance variations across cases. Chinese-style forest policy has been in a black box to many outsiders, who tend to assume a decentralization policy model due to a great diversity of forest and socio-economic [...] Read more.
Forest policy classification is critical to conducting comparisons and understanding performance variations across cases. Chinese-style forest policy has been in a black box to many outsiders, who tend to assume a decentralization policy model due to a great diversity of forest and socio-economic conditions in China. To test this hypothesis, we used the policy prescriptiveness framework to classify on-the-ground forest practice policies in central government and eight provinces, covering extensive territorial variations. We found that the eight subnational cases that implemented local policies appeared to be consistent with central policies, but there were also subtle differences within them. Our findings show that China utilized centralized and top-down policy models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation)
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18 pages, 763 KiB  
Article
Can Cooperatives Enhance the Income-Generating Effect of Eco-Industries for Farmers?—Empirical Evidence from the Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve, China
by Li Ma, Zimeng Chen, Kaiwen Su, Han Zhang, Yali Wen and Yilei Hou
Forests 2024, 15(5), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050757 - 26 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1172
Abstract
Promoting the development of eco-industries plays a significant role in achieving the harmonious symbiosis between economic growth and environmental protection as well as enhancing the comprehensive effectiveness of ecological and economic benefits. Due to their unique nature, cooperatives may play a crucial role [...] Read more.
Promoting the development of eco-industries plays a significant role in achieving the harmonious symbiosis between economic growth and environmental protection as well as enhancing the comprehensive effectiveness of ecological and economic benefits. Due to their unique nature, cooperatives may play a crucial role in facilitating the integration between farmers and the development of eco-industries. To investigate whether cooperatives possess the capacity to enhance the income-generating effects for farmers involved in eco-industries, this study selected the Crested Ibis National Nature Reserve (CINNR), a representative area for eco-industry development, as the research site. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews, and this research empirically analyzed the impact of cooperatives on the income-generating effect of farmers using endogenous switching regression (ESR). The findings are threefold. First, cooperatives indeed enhance the income-generating effects for farmers engaged in eco-industries. Second, variables such as the distribution of agroforestry materials, premium capacity, soil quality, and status of village cadres have a positive impact on farmers joining cooperatives, whereas punishment initiatives discourage their participation. Third, for farmers who have joined cooperatives, factors such as the distribution of agroforestry materials, premium capacity, low-cost conservation initiatives, land area, status of village cadres, the proportion of labor force, technical training, soil quality, and land area positively affect their income from eco-industries. Conversely, punishment initiatives, age, and land location negatively impact their income. The results of this study provide new ideas for farmers to participate in the development of eco-industries, new evidence showing co-operatives can improve farmers’ income, and new directions for coordinating conflicts between conservation and development in protected areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation)
20 pages, 18785 KiB  
Article
Traditional Knowledge of Plants for Sunggau Rafters on Three Forest Types for Conservation of Apis dorsata in Indonesia
by Suci Dian Hayati, Ibnul Qayim, Rika Raffiudin, Nunik Sri Ariyanti, Windra Priawandiputra and Miftahudin Miftahudin
Forests 2024, 15(4), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040657 - 4 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1290
Abstract
The traditional knowledge of sunggau rafters for Apis dorsata nesting is essential for livelihood and forest conservation. We determine the plant species needed to support the conservation of A. dorsata in Belitung Islands, Indonesia, by investigating the distribution of the sunggau in the [...] Read more.
The traditional knowledge of sunggau rafters for Apis dorsata nesting is essential for livelihood and forest conservation. We determine the plant species needed to support the conservation of A. dorsata in Belitung Islands, Indonesia, by investigating the distribution of the sunggau in the three types of forests, the traditional knowledge regarding the plant species used for sunggau, and the vegetation structure of forests in which the sunggau is installed. Distribution of sunggau were explored on heath, swamp heath, and mangrove forests. We conducted a vegetation survey in those forests and an ethnobotanical survey by interviewing bee farmers regarding the plants used for sunggau and other uses. We found 95 sunggau distributed in the heath, swamp heath, and mangrove forest. Based on interviews, we recorded 65 plant species for sunggau and six other uses, including bee forages. Calophyllum sp., Cryptocarya sp., Melaleuca cajuputi, and Syzygium urceolatum are the most important plants according to bee farmers. The last two species dominate all forests, except mangroves, which are dominated by Lumnitzera littorea, according to vegetation surveys. However, the availability of several plants for sunggau is declining. Therefore, the conservation of A. dorsata needs the sustainability of sunggau and bee forage plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation)
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12 pages, 1483 KiB  
Article
How Does Carbon Trading Impact China’s Forest Carbon Sequestration Potential and Carbon Leakage?
by Dan Qiao, Zhao Zhang and Hongxun Li
Forests 2024, 15(3), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030497 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1721
Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the impact of forest carbon sink trading in China, examining its effects from 2018 to 2030 under various carbon pricing scenarios. Using the Global Timber Market Model (GFPM) along with the IPCC Carbon Sink Model, we [...] Read more.
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the impact of forest carbon sink trading in China, examining its effects from 2018 to 2030 under various carbon pricing scenarios. Using the Global Timber Market Model (GFPM) along with the IPCC Carbon Sink Model, we simulate the potential shifts in China’s forest resources and the global timber market. The study finds that forest carbon trading markedly boosts China’s forest stock and carbon sequestration, aligning with its dual carbon objectives. China’s implementation of forest carbon trading is likely to result in a degree of carbon leakage on a global scale. During the forecast period, our study reveals that the carbon leakage rates under three different forest carbon trading price scenarios, which at estimated at 81.5% (USD 9.8/ton), 64.0% (USD 25/ton), and 57.8% (USD 54/ton), respectively. Notably, the leakage rate diminishes as the forest carbon sink price increases. Furthermore, analysis also suggests that regional variations in the average carbon sequestration capacity of forests, alongside the structure of China’s timber imports, emerge as significant factors influencing the extent of carbon leakage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation)
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16 pages, 6267 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Nitrogen Application on Leaf and Root Functional Traits of Davidia involucrata Saplings
by Mei Liu, Jiahao Wen, Wenjuan Xu, Yamei Chen and Zhiliang Ma
Forests 2023, 14(8), 1668; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14081668 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1453
Abstract
Understanding the effects of nitrogen (N) deposition on plant functional traits can provide insights into their adaptation strategies. We conducted an N application experiment (0, 5, 10, 15 g N m−2) with potted saplings of the endangered species Davidia involucrata and [...] Read more.
Understanding the effects of nitrogen (N) deposition on plant functional traits can provide insights into their adaptation strategies. We conducted an N application experiment (0, 5, 10, 15 g N m−2) with potted saplings of the endangered species Davidia involucrata and examined 24 functional traits of both leaves and roots. We found that N application increased the leaf morphological traits, except for a significant decrease (by 19.2%–27.0%) in specific leaf area (SLA). Compared to the control treatment, N application significantly increased the specific root surface area (SRA), specific root length (SRL), and root tissue density (RTD) by 9.2%–20.1%, 20.2%–47.9%, and 30.8%–46.4%, respectively, while root diameter was conservative and insensitive to N application. Additionally, N application had contrasting effects between leaf and root carbon, N, and phosphorus contents and their stoichiometry. SRL, SRA, and RTD were positively correlated with most leaf photosynthetic traits, but negatively correlated with SLA. Moreover, root biomass and root chemical traits were also tightly correlated with leaf photosynthetic traits and chemical traits. These results suggest that N application may trigger a resource-conservative strategy for leaves but a nutrient-acquisitive strategy for roots. Future N deposition combined with other practices, such as simultaneous P fertilizer application, can be effective for the scientific conservation of D. involucrata populations in their natural habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation)
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Review

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18 pages, 6249 KiB  
Review
Charting the Research Terrain for Large Old Trees: Findings from a Quantitative Bibliometric Examination in the Twenty-First Century
by Chunping Xie, Chang Liu, Dawei Liu and C. Y. Jim
Forests 2024, 15(2), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15020373 - 17 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1264
Abstract
Despite their relatively small numbers, large old trees play disproportionately important roles in global biodiversity and ecosystem functions. There is a lack of systematic reviews and quantitative analyses of the accumulated literature. Understanding the research context and evolution could pump prime research and [...] Read more.
Despite their relatively small numbers, large old trees play disproportionately important roles in global biodiversity and ecosystem functions. There is a lack of systematic reviews and quantitative analyses of the accumulated literature. Understanding the research context and evolution could pump prime research and conservation endeavors. Using the comprehensive Web of Science, we applied VOSviewer (1.6.19) and CiteSpace (6.1R2) bibliometric software to examine the large old tree research field in 2000–2022. The queries of the bibliographic database generated quantitative–visual depictions in the form of knowledge maps. The nodes denote research intensity, and inter-node linkages denote the pathways and frequencies of collaborative activities. The research outputs differed significantly in terms of regions, countries, institutions, high-citation articles, productive researchers, hot topics, and research frontiers. Conspicuous spatial disparities were displayed, with the U.S.A., China, and Australia leading in publication counts and a cluster of European countries making considerable collective contributions. The research collaboration demonstrated a dichotomy: European countries networked more by geographical propinquity, and the top three countries connected by long-distance leap-frog jumps. The entrenched discrepancies between the endowed developed domains vis-à-vis the deprived developing domains were clearly expressed. The research productivity progressed through three stages: initial, growth, and flourishing. The leading institutions, researchers, and highly cited papers were recognized. The keyword analysis pinpointed diverse research hotspots: growth dynamics, conservation and management, ecological functions, and environmental response. This study informs recommendations for future research directions and cooperation on longevity mechanisms, evolutionary adaptation, dynamic monitoring, and temporal–spatial patterns. The integrated application of GIS, machine learning, and big data technologies could strengthen research capability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Management, Utilization and Biodiversity Conservation)
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