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Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management

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A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Economics, Policy, and Social Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 12466

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Panagiotis P. Koulelis

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Forest Management and Economics, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—“Demeter”, Institute for Mediterranean Forest Ecosystem Research, Terma Alkmanos, 11528 Athens, Greece
Interests: forest management; forest sector; forest trade; forest growth and climate; forest policy

Prof. Dr. Zacharoula S. Andreopoulou

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Forest Informatics, Faculty of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 247, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: forest and environmental informatics; internet services (e-commerce, e-learning, e-government, e-working); green ICT; green regional policy; green smart apps

Dr. Dimitris Fotakis

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Guest Editor

Ellinikos Georgikos Organismos—DIMITRA, Forest Research Institute, Vasilika, 57006 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: operational research; forest ecosystem management tools; decision optimization tools; multi-objective forest management; heuristic algorithms
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Economic and policy analysis is vital in forest management, harmonizing economic growth, environmental protection, and social welfare. This approach, rooted in 19th-century conservation movements, has evolved with the acknowledgment of the key role forests have in preserving ecosystems, addressing climate change, and supporting livelihoods.

Policy analysis must always consider the assessment of economic implications resulting from various forest management strategies, while also considering their social and environmental impacts. This approach is essential for crafting frameworks that advocate for responsible forest practices, involving stakeholders at local, national, and global tiers.

Cutting-edge research in this domain explores innovative approaches to quantify the economic value of ecosystem services and their trade-offs provided by forests, and it investigates the effectiveness of various policy instruments and innovative digital approaches, such as market-based mechanisms and community-based management models, in achieving sustainable outcomes. In addition, effective forest management practices directly impact the trajectory of forest growth, fostering resilience and diversity.

This Special Issue welcomes research papers that shed light on the intricate interplay between economics and policy in sustainable forest management. This involves a range of research areas, including analyzing the cost and benefits of various forest applications, evaluating the efficiency of policies, examining the influence of international or national agreements on forests, and utilizing green technologies that support sustainable forest management or decision making. Furthermore, the Special Issue aims to explore the incorporation of indigenous and local knowledge into forest management practices, with the goal of fostering positive outcomes for environmental preservation, socio-economic considerations, and the enduring sustainability and productivity of the forest sector.

Dr. Panagiotis P. Koulelis
Prof. Dr. Zacharoula S. Andreopoulou
Dr. Dimitris Fotakis
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
forest sector
forest growth
climate
smart forest
green policies
green informatics
decision optimization

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Financial Viability of Forest Concession in Brazilian Amazon

by Fernanda Borges de Lima, Álvaro Nogueira de Souza, Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi, Luiz Moreira Coelho Júnior, Ingrid Borges de Lima, Agadir Jhonatan Mosmann, Cleria Regina do Nascimento Mossmann and Cláudio Júnior Oliveira Gomes

Forests 2024, 15(10), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15101808 - 16 Oct 2024

Viewed by 494

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the financial viability of forest concessions in the state of Pará, Brazil. Two Forest Management Units (FMUs) were analyzed: FMU-2, located in Saracá-Taquera National Forest, and FMU-3, located in Caxiuanã National Forest. Financial indicators were evaluated under different timber productivity scenarios (20 m³/ha and 25.8 m³/ha). At a logging intensity of 20 m³/ha, FMU-2 was not financially viable. However, both FMUs were financially viable at 25.8 m³/ha. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that FMU-2 requires a logging intensity of over 22 m³/ha and a sawmill yield efficiency of at least 45%. The ideal cost for sawn wood would be USD 226.53/m³, with royalties of USD 16.00/m³. FMU-3 consistently demonstrated positive financial results, despite fluctuations in production costs. The financial viability of investing in forest concessions in state of Pará depends largely on forest productivity, sawmill yield, royalties, and sawn wood costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

14 pages, 17293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alternative Tree Species for Sustainable Forest Management in the Brazilian Amazon

by Fernanda Borges de Lima, Álvaro Nogueira de Souza, Eraldo Aparecido Trondoli Matricardi, Ricardo de Oliveira Gaspar, Ingrid Borges de Lima, Hallefy Junio de Souza, Mario Lima dos Santos, Eder Pereira Miguel, Luís Antônio Coimbra Borges, Cassio Rafael Costa dos Santos, Fernando Nunes Gouveia and Maria de Fátima de Brito Lima

Forests 2024, 15(10), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15101763 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 651

Abstract

The scarcity of hardwoods from tropical forests makes the search for alternative species necessary for commercialization. This study aimed to establish groups of timber species from the Amazon Forest with potential for logging purposes through the assessment of their physical-mechanical properties, aiming to identify alternative species that can meet the market demands. We utilized data from the Forest Products Laboratory (LPF) (containing information on basic density and other wood mechanical properties) and the Timberflow platform, as well. We applied a multivariate cluster analysis technique with the aim of grouping species based on the technological characteristics of their wood and evaluating similarity among them to obtain homogeneous groups in terms of economic potential and utilization. The results indicated four homogeneous groups: Cluster 1 (40.72% of species, basic density-db: 690 kg m⁻³), Cluster 2 (13.92%, db: 260 and 520 kg m⁻³), Cluster 3 (27.32%, db: 550 and 830 kg m⁻³), and Cluster 4 (18.04%, db: 830 kg m⁻³). Most of the 20 listed species are classified as more commercially viable (70%), with high wood density. Species identified as alternatives include Dialium guianense and Zollernia paraensis for Dipteryx odorata, Terminalia argentea for Dinizia excelsa, Terminalia amazonia and Buchenavia grandis for Goupia glabra, and Protium altissimum and Maclura tinctoria for Hymenaea courbaril. The analysis highlighted the overexploitation of a restricted group of species and the need to find alternatives to ensure the sustainability of forest management. This study contributed to identifying species that can serve as alternatives to commercial ones, promoting a more balanced and sustainable forest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

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19 pages, 1273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Methodology for the Monitoring of Socio-Economic Indicators of Private Forest Owners towards Sustainable Forest Management: The Case of Lithuania

by Mindaugas Škėma, Asta Doftartė, Dalia Perkumienė, Marius Aleinikovas, Aidanas Perkumas, Hélder Fernando Pedrosa e Sousa, Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis and Olegas Beriozovas

Forests 2024, 15(9), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091657 - 19 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1159

Abstract

The development of a monitoring system for the socio-economic indicators of private forest owners includes the comprehensive collection of various socio-economic data. These data encompass general information about private forests owners, the need for monitoring, periodicity, and other relevant factors. This holistic approach allows for a detailed assessment of the social and economic conditions of private forest owners, as well as the economic efficiency of their operations, ultimately aiming to achieve sustainable forest management. This research builds upon previous studies by the authors that investigated the need for monitoring of the socio-economic indicators of private forests and involved interviews with forest experts. Based on the data obtained from these earlier efforts, this study aims to present a refined methodology for monitoring of the socio-economic indicators of Lithuanian private forest owners. Based on the findings of this research, it is highly recommended that monitoring be implemented at the state level across the entire territory of the Republic of Lithuania. The results of this research show that the monitoring of the economic and social indicators of private forest owners benefits not only the owners but also the state and society as a whole. Residence size, property size, and association membership emerged as the most significant factors influencing the need for forest monitoring, while knowledge in forestry, distance to the forest, and gender showed weaker but still notable effects. The research results suggest that monitoring can help to ensure the sustainable management of forests and the maintenance of ecosystem services, in addition to contributing to the region’s economic development. It is recommended that this monitoring be conducted every five years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

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32 pages, 6457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Which Provinces Will Be the Beneficiaries of Forestry Carbon Sink Trade? A Study on the Carbon Intensity–Carbon Sink Assessment Model in China

by Changxi Liu, Enjun Xia and Jieping Huang

Forests 2024, 15(5), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050816 - 7 May 2024

Viewed by 1430

Abstract

Carbon emissions pose a significant challenge to sustainable development, particularly for China, which is the world’s largest emerging economy and is under pressure to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce emissions amid escalating human activities. The variation in economic development levels and carbon sequestration capacities among its provinces poses a significant hurdle. However, previous research has not adequately examined this dual discrepancy from the perspective of spatial heterogeneity, resulting in a lack of differentiated management of forest carbon sinks across diverse regions. Therefore, to mitigate this discrepancy, this study presents an assessment methodology that analyzes over 100 types of natural and plantation forests using forest age and biomass expansion factors. This study presents a model that can significantly support the efforts of both China and the whole world to achieve carbon neutrality through the improved management of forest carbon sinks. This approach facilitates the assessment of carbon offsets required to meet reduction targets, the development of a provincial framework for carbon intensity and sequestration, and the exploration of their potential for trading markets. Analysis is conducted using MATLAB. Key achievements of this study include the following: (1) The collection of a comprehensive carbon stock dataset for 50 natural and 57 plantation forest types in 31 provinces from 2009 to 2018, highlighting the significant role of new forests in carbon sequestration. (2) The development of a provincial carbon status scoring system that categorizes provinces as carbon-negative, carbon-balancing, or carbon-positive based on local forest sink data and carbon credit demand. (3) The formulation of the carbon intensity–carbon sink assessment (CISA) model, which suggests that provinces with middle- to upper-middle-level economies may have a prolonged need for carbon sink credits during their peak carbon phase. Furthermore, the results show that carbon trading may benefit Guangxi and Yunnan, but may also bring opportunities and risks to Hunan and Hubei. To address regional imbalances, this study advocates tailored policies: carbon-negative and carbon-balancing provinces should enhance carbon sink management, while carbon-positive provinces must focus on energy structure transformation to achieve sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

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19 pages, 1647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Natural Disturbances on the Central European Timber Market—An Analytical Study

by David Březina, Jakub Michal and Petra Hlaváčková

Forests 2024, 15(4), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040592 - 25 Mar 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1277

Abstract

Central European countries are strategic wood exporters in the European and international wood trade. In the context of wood exporters, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and Austria are the important countries providing the development and stability of the forestry and wood sector. The share of these countries’ exports in total EU exports represents more than 52% of the volume of wood exported over 5 years. After the Netherlands, the five mentioned countries recorded the highest increase in roundwood production of all EU and EFTA countries in the years 2000–2022 (from 46% (AT)–126% (CZ)), and the European average is 26%. The last decade has been characterised by a significant destabilisation of the Central European timber market as a result of natural disturbances linked to climate change, which also threatens the long-term competitiveness and preservation of this sector in the economic systems of national economies. The article provides an analytical insight into the historical development of natural calamities and their macroeconomic consequences in Central European countries. The data forecast an unfavourable development of the timber market in Europe caused by the ongoing calamity situation, the pricing policy of the timber trade, the oversaturation of the market with lower-quality calamity timber, insufficient processing capacities for primary processing of wood and its use in secondary processing, and, last but not least, the limited stock of timber in the coming years in selected Central European countries (due to an extreme increase in harvesting plans within the last 5 years, with consequences that will be felt in the coming decade). For the continued economic function of forests and the availability of wood supply for future generations, the current evolution of calamities in forest ecosystems is critical, and long-term strategic measures based on empirical data are necessary. The information presented in this paper can serve as a tool for the objectification of strategic decisions in the development of forestry policies in selected countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

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17 pages, 1467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Market-Oriented Environmental Regulation Impacts the Bamboo Industry in China

by Ting Gao, Changming Chen and Zhen Zhu

Forests 2024, 15(3), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15030457 - 29 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1257

Abstract

In recent years, stricter environmental rules have affected the entire bamboo industry in China. The increased costs for managing environmental issues hinder the growth of the bamboo forest harvesting and transportation sector in the upstream part of the industry chain. Analyzing how environmental changes affect the entire bamboo industry can give a deeper understanding of the regional transfer within the bamboo industry in China, and it can give more experience to the bamboo industry in developing countries. This study, based on the Pollution Haven Hypothesis and the theory of externalities, collected panel data from 16 provinces in China from 2000 to 2020 and examined the discrepancies in bamboo industry development and the varying intensities of market-oriented environmental regulation (MER). By constructing a fixed effects model and employing econometric methods, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal impact of MER on the output value of the bamboo harvesting and transportation industry (BHTI) and explored whether MER is a crucial factor causing the transfer of the bamboo industry across regions. The findings indicate that there is a noticeable shift of BHTI from the eastern to the central and western regions. Additionally, there is a substantial adverse effect of MER on the BHTI output value, especially in the eastern region. This confirms the transfer of industries between regions, which is a novel contribution of this article. Based on the findings of this study, some recommendations have been given for the response to the environmental regulation for bamboo industries in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

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16 pages, 4396 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Greece’s Forest Sector from the Perspective of Timber Production: Evolution or Decline?

by Panagiotis P. Koulelis, Stefanos Tsiaras and Zacharoula S. Andreopoulou

Forests 2023, 14(12), 2331; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14122331 - 28 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

Greece’s trade patterns in wood and wood products align with the broader trade dynamics in the Mediterranean region, where wood and wood products are primarily imported. Using Pettitt’s test, this study revealed a consistent decline in the production of selected wood and wood product categories in Greece, coupled with a noteworthy increase in imports. Following the economic crisis of 2008, a temporary dip in import trends in some categories was observed. Furthermore, Pettitt’s test helped identify the specific years when significant shifts occurred in the time series data. In the latter part of the analysis, the study underscored the significance of various factors within the wood removal production sector, including urbanization, economic growth, personal income, and the labor force. National imports of goods and wood fuel were also identified as playing pivotal roles at the national level. Recognizing the link between economic indicators and wood removals has the potential to inform decisions related to sustainable resource management, conservation initiatives, and strategies for economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

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17 pages, 1505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Empirical Analysis of Relationships between Forest Resources and Economic and Green Performances in the European Union

by Anca Antoaneta Vărzaru and Claudiu George Bocean

Forests 2023, 14(12), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14122327 - 27 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1493

Abstract

The growing concern for environmental sustainability drives efforts toward balancing economic growth with responsible resource management. Forests represent invaluable green assets central to combating climate change and supporting biodiversity. This research investigates the intricate interaction between forest resources and economic and green performances within the European Union (EU). The European Union, as a conglomerate of diverse member states with varying forest endowments and economic contexts, provides a rich framework for examining these connections. This paper applies structural equation modeling (SEM) and cluster analysis to a dataset collected from Eurostat. This study’s empirical findings underscore the multidimensional relationship between forest resources and green and economic performances. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between economic and green performances and forest resources and a negative relationship between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and forest resources, implying a decline in GHG while green and economic performances increase. Cluster analysis identifies distinct groups of EU countries exhibiting similar profiles concerning forest management and economic and green performances. The cluster analysis results highlight the necessity for tailored strategies and policy benchmarking that acknowledge the heterogeneity of EU member states and their unique combinations of forest resources, economic structures, and ecological commitments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

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17 pages, 1965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Environmental Regulation on the Green Overall Factor Productivity of Forestry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

by Deli Li, Yang Li, Gang Tian and Richard K. Mendako

Forests 2023, 14(10), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14102004 - 6 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1277

Abstract

Environmental regulatory instruments are key to achieving synergy between high-quality economic development and ecological civilization construction. This paper measures the green overall factor productivity of the forestry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt by using the super-efficient nonexpected output SBM-ML index model. Additionally, it investigates the environmental regulation’s impact on forestry’s overall green factor productivity by using the conventional panel regression and panel smooth transformation model. The model was based on the relevant data obtained from eleven provinces along the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China from 2006 to 2021. This study concludes that command-and-control regulation of the environment and public engagement with environmental regulation can significantly promote the forestry green overall factor productivity in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the environmental regulation’s effects on the forestry green overall efficiency in the economic region of the Yangtze River are regionally and temporally heterogeneous. The command-and-control environmental regulation also needs to exceed a certain level of regulatory coercion to promote the forestry green overall factor productivity positively. The effects of market-incentive environmental regulation were more pronounced with the increase in the regulatory intensity. When the regulation intensity surpasses the threshold, the public participation form of environmental regulation has a depressing impact on the forestry green overall factor output. To promote the development of the forestry industry in the Yangtze River Economic Zone, it is therefore necessary to strengthen the coordination of different environmental regulations, implement measures in each region, build a market-oriented green innovation system, and promote the structuralization and upgrading of the forestry industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic and Policy Analysis in Sustainable Forest Management)

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