Forests - Biodiversity

Title

Local habitat and landscape affect Ixodes ricinus tick abundances in forests on poor, sandy soils

Reference

Forest Ecology and Management
Volume 265, 1 February 2012, Pages 30–36

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

A large fraction of the forests in northern Belgium consists of homogeneous pine stands on nutrient-poor and acid sandy soils. However, in common with many other parts of Europe, the current forest management aims at increasing the share of deciduous and mixed forests. This might create favourable habitats for the tick Ixodes ricinus, which is Europe’s main vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in humans. Considering the threat to human health, it is important to know which factors regulate tick abundance. The influence of local habitat and landscape variables on the abundance of I. ricinus ticks were studied by collecting questing larvae, nymphs, and adults at 176 locations in forests in the Campine region (northern Belgium). Both I. ricinus ticks and B. burgdorferi spirochetes occurred throughout the study area, which means that the entire region represents an area of risk for contracting Lyme borreliosis. At the forest stand level, the main tree species and the shrub cover significantly affected the abundance of all life stages of I. ricinus. The abundance was higher in oak stands compared to pine stands, and increased with increasing shrub cover. Additionally, at the landscape level, a positive effect was found for forest edge length but not for forest cover. These patterns may be explained by the habitat preferences of the tick’s main hosts. Our results indicate that forest conversion might indeed create suitable habitats for ticks, which highlights the need for intensive information campaigns and effective tick control measures.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Habitat management
Environment and health >> Biodiversity and human health
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Ixodes ricinus; Borrelia; Habitat; Landscape; Deer

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112711006499
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Wesley.Tack@UGent.be

Title

How does forest certification contribute to boreal biodiversity conservation? Standards and outcomes in Sweden and NW Russia

Reference

Forest Ecology and Management
Volume 262, Issue 11, 1 December 2011, Pages 1983-1995

Author(s)

Marine Elbakidze, Per Angelstam, Kjell Andersson, Mats Nordberg, Yurij Pautov

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is one of the leading forest certification schemes. While many studies concern political aspects and social outcomes of FSC, little is known about the contribution of certification to biodiversity conservation. In Europe, the Russian Federation and Sweden have the largest areas of FSC-certified forest. We assessed the potential of FSC certification for boreal biodiversity conservation in terms of standard content, and outcomes as habitat area set aside and habitat network functionality. First, we compared the biodiversity conservation indicators at different spatial scales in Swedish and Russian FSC standards. Second, focusing on one large state forest management unit in each country, we compared the areas of formally and voluntarily set aside forests for biodiversity conservation. Third, we evaluated the structural habitat connectivity by applying morphological spatial pattern analysis, and potential functional connectivity by using habitat suitability index modelling for virtual species. The Russian standard included indicators for all spatial scales of biodiversity conservation, from tree and stand to landscape and ecoregions. The Swedish standard focused mainly on stand and tree scales. The area of voluntary set-asides for FSC was similar in Sweden and Russia, while formal protection in the Russian case study was three times higher than in the Swedish one. Swedish set-aside core areas were two orders of magnitude smaller, had much lower structural and potential functional connectivity and were located in a fragmented forestland holding. We conclude that to understand the potential of FSC certification for biodiversity conservation both the standard content, and its implementation on the ground, need to be assessed. We discuss the potential of FSC certification for biodiversity conservation with different levels of ambition. We stress the need for developing rapid assessment tools to evaluate outcomes of FSC for biodiversity conservation on the ground, which could be used by forest managers and FSC-auditors toward adaptive governance and management.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest governance and management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Structural habitat connectivity, Potential functional habitat connectivity, Virtual species, Morphological spatial pattern analysis, Pattern classes, Boreal forest

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Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112711005329
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marine.elbakidze@slu.se

Title

Gardens benefit bees and enhance pollination in intensively managed farmland

Reference

Biological Conservation
Volume 144, Issue 11, November 2011, Pages 2602-2606

Author(s)

Ulrika Samnegård, Anna S. Persson, Henrik G. Smith

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The recent loss of pollinating insects and out-crossing plants in agricultural landscapes has raised concern for the maintenance of ecosystem services. Wild bees have been shown to benefit from garden habitats in urban and suburban areas. We investigated the effects of distance from garden habitats on wild bees and seed set of a native out-crossing plant Campanula persicifolia, in intensively managed agricultural landscapes in Southern Sweden. Bee abundance and species richness, as well as plant seed set, were higher closer to gardens (<15 m) than further away (>140 m). This highlights private gardens as a landscape wide resource for pollinators but also the lack of sufficient pollination of wild plants in contemporary agricultural landscapes.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Habitat management
Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Urban biodiversity

Keywords

Apoidea; Bombus; Campanula; Pollinator; Seed set; Agriculture; Landscape

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320711002618

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ulrika.samnegard@botan.su.se

Title

How does forest certification contribute to boreal biodiversity conservation? Standards and outcomes in Sweden and NW Russia

Reference

Forest Ecology and Management
Volume 262, Issue 11, 1 December 2011, Pages 1983-1995

Author(s)

Marine Elbakidze, Per Angelstam, Kjell Andersson, Mats Nordberg, Yurij Pautov

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is one of the leading forest certification schemes. While many studies concern political aspects and social outcomes of FSC, little is known about the contribution of certification to biodiversity conservation. In Europe, the Russian Federation and Sweden have the largest areas of FSC-certified forest. We assessed the potential of FSC certification for boreal biodiversity conservation in terms of standard content, and outcomes as habitat area set aside and habitat network functionality. First, we compared the biodiversity conservation indicators at different spatial scales in Swedish and Russian FSC standards. Second, focusing on one large state forest management unit in each country, we compared the areas of formally and voluntarily set aside forests for biodiversity conservation. Third, we evaluated the structural habitat connectivity by applying morphological spatial pattern analysis, and potential functional connectivity by using habitat suitability index modelling for virtual species. The Russian standard included indicators for all spatial scales of biodiversity conservation, from tree and stand to landscape and ecoregions. The Swedish standard focused mainly on stand and tree scales. The area of voluntary set-asides for FSC was similar in Sweden and Russia, while formal protection in the Russian case study was three times higher than in the Swedish one. Swedish set-aside core areas were two orders of magnitude smaller, had much lower structural and potential functional connectivity and were located in a fragmented forestland holding. We conclude that to understand the potential of FSC certification for biodiversity conservation both the standard content, and its implementation on the ground, need to be assessed. We discuss the potential of FSC certification for biodiversity conservation with different levels of ambition. We stress the need for developing rapid assessment tools to evaluate outcomes of FSC for biodiversity conservation on the ground, which could be used by forest managers and FSC-auditors toward adaptive governance and management.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest governance and management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Structural habitat connectivity, Potential functional habitat connectivity, Virtual species, Morphological spatial pattern analysis, Pattern classes, Boreal forest

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112711005329
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marine.elbakidze@slu.se

Title

Road, forestry and regional planners' work for biodiversity conservation and public participation: a case study in Poland's hotspot regions

Reference

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management

DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2011.575297

Author(s)

Malgorzata Blicharska, Per Angelstam, Hans Antonson, Marine Elbakidze & Robert Axelsson

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

We studied how regional, road and forestry planning sectors work to implement policies about biodiversity conservation and public participation. Evaluations were based on a normative model for planning derived from the existing international policies and relevant literature. Key planning actors were then interviewed with regard to their understanding of biodiversity and participation policies as well as ability to act and willingness to implement them. The results indicate several gaps in planning processes, for example, insufficient knowledge about biodiversity conservation and participation, limited resources and tools for planning of functional habitat networks and collaboration, poor connections between local and regional planning, and weakly developed public participation. The main problem for effective policy implementation seems to be related to planners' ability to act, which indicates that relatively low priority was given to provide resources for biodiversity conservation and public participation by the relevant units. We discuss our findings in relation to the implementation of environmental policies in the new EU countries of Eastern and Central Europe.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental information services >> Environmental communication >> Stakeholder/public engagement
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09640568.2011.575297
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Malgorzata.blicharska@slu.se

Title

Effect of habitat area and isolation on plant trait distribution in European forests and grasslands

Reference

Ecography
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0587.2011.07286.x
EU funded

Author(s)

Regina Lindborg, Aveliina Helm, Riccardo Bommarco, Risto K. Heikkinen, Ingolf Kühn, Juha Pykälä, Meelis Pärtel

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

A number of studies show contrasting results in how plant species with specific life-history strategies respond to fragmentation, but a general analysis on whether traits affect plant species occurrences in relation to habitat area and isolation has not been performed. We used published data from forests and grasslands in north-central Europe to analyse if there are general patterns of sensitivity to isolation and dependency of area for species using three traits: life-span, clonality, and seed weight. We show that a larger share of all forest species was affected by habitat isolation and area as compared to grassland species. Persistence-related traits, life-span and clonality, were associated to habitat area and the dispersal and recruitment related trait, seed weight, to isolation in both forest and grassland patches. Occurrence of clonal plant species decreased with habitat area, opposite to non-clonal plant species, and long-lived plant species decreased with grassland area. The directions of these responses partly challenge some earlier views, suggesting that further decrease in habitat area will lead to a change in plant species community composition, towards relatively fewer clonal and long-lived plants with large seeds in small forest patches and fewer clonal plants with small seeds in small grassland patches. It is likely that this altered community has been reached in many fragmented European landscapes consisting of small and isolated natural and semi-natural patches, where many non-clonal and short-lived species have already disappeared. Our study based on a large-scale dataset reveals general and useful insights concerning area and isolation effects on plant species composition that can improve the outcome of conservation and restoration efforts of plant communities in rural landscapes.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Habitat management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2011.07286.x/abstract
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Regina.lindborg@natgeo.su.se

Title

Climate change vulnerability of forest biodiversity: climate and competition tracking of demographic rates

Reference

Global Change Biology, 2011; 17 (5): 1834
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2010.02380.x

Author(s)

James S. Clark, David M. Bell, Michelle H. Hersh, Lauren Nichols

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Forest responses to climate change will depend on demographic impacts in the context of competition. Current models used to predict species responses, termed climate envelope models (CEMs), are controversial, because (i) calibration and prediction are based on correlations in space (CIS) between species abundance and climate, rather than responses to climate change over time (COT), and (ii) they omit competition. To determine the relative importance of COT, CIS, and competition for light, we applied a longitudinal analysis of 27 000 individual trees over 6–18 years subjected to experimental and natural variation in risk factors. Sensitivities and climate and resource tracking identify which species are vulnerable to these risk factors and in what ways. Results show that responses to COT differ from those predicted based on CIS. The most important impact is the effect of spring temperature on fecundity, rather than any input variable on growth or survival. Of secondary importance is growing season moisture. Species in the genera Pinus, Ulmus, Magnolia, and Fagus are particularly vulnerable to climate variation. However, the effect of competition on growth and mortality risk exceeds the effects of climate variation in space or time for most species. Because sensitivities to COT and competition are larger than CIS, current models miss the most important effects. By directly comparing sensitivity to climate in time and space, together with competition, the approach identifies which species are sensitive to climate change and why, including the heretofore overlooked impact on fecundity.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Habitat management
Climate change and energy >> Climate change adaptation >> Biodiversity impacts
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

bayesian analysis, climate change, climate tracking,competition,drought,resource tracking, tree demography

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2010.02380.x/abstract
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jimclark@duke.edu

Title

Is spatial structure the key to promote plant diversity in Mediterranean forest plantations?

Reference

Basic and Applied Ecology
Volume 12, Issue 3, May 2011, Pages 251-25

Author(s)

P. Gonzalez-Moreno, J.L. Quero, L. Poorter, F.J. Bonet and R. Zamora

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Mediterranean forest plantations are currently under an intense debate related to their ecological function, sustainability and future performance. In several Mediterranean countries, efforts are directed to convert pine plantations into mixed and more diverse forests. This research aims to evaluate the effect of the spatial configuration of pine plantations on regeneration and plant diversity in order to facilitate plantation management towards more diversified stands. Spatial characteristics of plantations (proximity to different vegetation types, fragmentation and internal patch structure) were related to abundance of seedlings of an ecologically important broadleaved species, Holm Oak (Quercus ilex L.), and the Shannon diversity index of the community. Q. ilex seedling abundance and plant diversity in pine plantation patches are favoured by the proximity to oak patches located uphill. Fragmentation affected only plant diversity, with smaller patches having more diversity. The internal structure of the pine patch influenced both regeneration of Q. ilex and diversity. Pine patches with lower pine tree density were characterized by higher diversity and less Q. ilex regeneration confirming that internal structure affects species differently. From a management perspective, the process of conversion of Mediterranean pine plantations to mixed oak–pine forests could be facilitated by (1) having the seed source uphill from the plantation, (2) increasing the fragmentation of plantations and (3) promoting the internal heterogeneity of plantations to create a diverse range of light environments matching the different requirements of species.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Habitat management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Fragmentation, Shape, Landscape ecology, Context, Geometry, Spatial configuration, Distance, Dispersal

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1439179111000272
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pgonzalez@ebd.csic.es

Title

Unfolding the organised irresponsibility: Ecosystem approach and the quest for forest biodiversity in Finland, Peru, and Russia

Reference

Forest Policy and Economics
Volume 13, Issue 3, March 2011, Pages 159-165

Author(s)

Juha Hiedanpaa, Juha Kotilainen and Matti Salo

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The decline of biological diversity is one of the major global concerns of our time. Despite all the efforts over the past 15 years since the Rio Summit, we have seen no improvement in the state of biodiversity; in fact, if anything, the decline has accelerated. The paper argues that problematic institutional incentive structures are an important contributing factor that aggravates biodiversity crisis worldwide. In this, countries do differ from each other, but in essence biodiversity loss has become more severe because of the empty status function for biodiversity and the organised irresponsibility allowed by erroneous natural resources policies not able to reasonably and efficiently address the interlinkedness of human and ecological systems. The paper uses Finland, Peru, and Russia as examples. The paper concludes by offering an explanatory hypothesis how slowly acknowledged significance of ecosystem functions and, consequently, ecosystem approach is initiating changes in the governance principles of forest resources in these three countries – and why.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental economics >> Ecosystem services >> Ecosystem service identification
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Biodiversity crisis, Institutional economics, Incentive structure, Organised irresponsibility, Ecosystem approach, Ecosystem services

Entry Source:

N/A

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389934110001656
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juha.hiedanpaa@rktl.fi

Title

Can voluntary standards regulate forestry? Assessing the environmental impacts of forest certification in Sweden

Reference

Author(s)

Johanna Johansson and Gun Lidestav

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of to what extent forest certification schemes contribute to the enhancement of environmental protection in Swedish forestry. Our assessment is built on the analysis of three different data sets, namely: 1) the Swedish National Forest Inventory (NFI), 2) the Swedish Database for Forest Owner Analysis, presenting data on small-scale forestry practices and certification, and 3) a follow-up mail survey addressed to private small-scale forest owners with certified forest properties. Our NFI analysis indicated some minor improvements in forest conditions, corresponding with the interim target for enhanced biological diversity (dead wood, broad-leaved trees and old forests). The improvements were less evident on large-scale forest properties (certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council scheme) than on small-scale private forest properties (mainly certified in accordance with the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes). This contradicts a common assumption that a much higher degree of certification with stricter environmental standards will give more evident positive impacts on environmental conditions. However, results from the follow-up survey showed that more harvesting activity had taken place on certified small-scale forest properties than on non-certified properties. This could mean more negative effects on biodiversity. We conclude by stressing the importance of improving quantitative methods for determining a cause-and-effect relationship between certification and nature protection; previous research tends to report rather far-reaching conclusions based on limited data sets.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest >> governance and management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest >> biodiversity

Keywords

Forest certification, National Forest Inventory, Environmental objectives,  Regulation, Forest practices

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389934110001516
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johanna.johansson@pol.umu.se

Title

Unfolding the organised irresponsibility: Ecosystem approach and the quest for forest biodiversity in Finland, Peru, and Russia

Reference

Forest Policy and Economics Volume 13, Issue 3, March 2011, Pages 159-165

Author(s)

Juha Hiedanpää, Juha Kotilainen and Matti Salo

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The decline of biological diversity is one of the major global concerns of our time. Despite all the efforts over the past 15 years since the Rio Summit, we have seen no improvement in the state of biodiversity; in fact, if anything, the decline has accelerated. The paper argues that problematic institutional incentive structures are an important contributing factor that aggravates biodiversity crisis worldwide. In this, countries do differ from each other, but in essence biodiversity loss has become more severe because of the empty status function for biodiversity and the organised irresponsibility allowed by erroneous natural resources policies not able to reasonably and efficiently address the interlinkedness of human and ecological systems. The paper uses Finland, Peru, and Russia as examples. The paper concludes by offering an explanatory hypothesis how slowly acknowledged significance of ecosystem functions and, consequently, ecosystem approach is initiating changes in the governance principles of forest resources in these three countries - and why.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental economics >> Ecosystem services >> Ecosystem service identification
Forests; Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Biodiversity crisis, Institutional economics, Incentive structure, Organised irresponsibility, Ecosystem approach, Ecosystem services

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389934110001656
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juha.hiedanpaa@rktl.fi

Title

Can voluntary standards regulate forestry?; Assessing the environmental impacts of forest certification in Sweden

Reference

Forest Policy and Economics
Volume 13, Issue 3, March 2011, Pages 191-198

Author(s)

Johanna Johansson and Gun Lidestav

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of to what extent forest certification schemes contribute to the enhancement of environmental protection in Swedish forestry. Our assessment is built on the analysis of three different data sets, namely: 1) the Swedish National Forest Inventory (NFI), 2) the Swedish Database for Forest Owner Analysis, presenting data on small-scale forestry practices and certification, and 3) a follow-up mail survey addressed to private small-scale forest owners with certified forest properties. Our NFI analysis indicated some minor improvements in forest conditions, corresponding with the interim target for enhanced biological diversity (dead wood, broad-leaved trees and old forests). The improvements were less evident on large-scale forest properties (certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council scheme) than on small-scale private forest properties (mainly certified in accordance with the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes). This contradicts a common assumption that a much higher degree of certification with stricter environmental standards will give more evident positive impacts on environmental conditions. However, results from the follow-up survey showed that more harvesting activity had taken place on certified small-scale forest properties than on non-certified properties. This could mean more negative effects on biodiversity. We conclude by stressing the importance of improving quantitative methods for determining a cause-and-effect relationship between certification and nature protection; previous research tends to report rather far-reaching conclusions based on limited data sets.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest governance and management
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Keywords

Forest certification, National Forest Inventory, Environmental objectives, Regulation, Forest practices

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389934110001516
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johanna.johansson@pol.umu.se

Title

Spatial planning for biodiversity conservation: Assessment of forest landscapes' conservation value using umbrella species requirements in Poland

Reference

Landscape and Urban Planning
Volume 102, Issue 1, 30 July 2011, Pages 16-23

Author(s)

Tobias Edman, Per Angelsta, Grzegorz Mikusinski, Jean-Michel Roberg, and Arkadiusz Sikora

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Maintenance of biodiversity requires spatial planning for the conservation of species habitats. In this study, the distribution of the White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) in Poland was used to assess the usefulness of a demographic model compared to an area-based model for predicting the occurrence of breeding pairs in local landscapes. The models were applied to the European Forest Map and to CORINE land cover data, two spatial databases derived from remote sensing. We tested the performance of the models by comparing predicted occurrence of the species with actual occurrence in 10 km x 10 km of the Polish Ornithological Atlas Database (POAD). Both models proved useful for identifying areas with high potential for hosting breeding woodpeckers. However, the demographic model performed consistently better at predicting the presence of at least one breeding pair in local landscapes. In north-eastern and south-eastern Poland, expected occurrences coincided with the actual occurrence of the species according to POAD. In north-western Poland, however, occurrence was predicted but not confirmed by the atlas data. The eastern regions are situated at the border to Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Slovakia. These countries hold large areas of high conservation value forests and large populations of White-backed Woodpecker. This pattern evokes the need for cross-border governance, and planning with an eco-regional perspective that considers both EU and non-EU countries. Moreover, the results stress the need to incorporate population requirements when assessing the distribution of forests with high conservation value.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity
Biodiversity >> Habitats >> Habitat management

Keywords

Biodiversity conservation, High conservation value forest, Habitat models, Ecoregional planning, Distribution range, Europe

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204611001356
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tobias.edman@lm.se

Title

Mediterranean cork oak savannas require human use to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services

Reference

Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 9: 278-286.
doi:10.1890/100084

Author(s)

Miguel N Bugalho, Maria C Caldeira, João S Pereira, James Aronson, and Juli G Pausas

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Mediterranean cork oak savannas, which are found only in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa, are ecosystems of high socioeconomic and conservation value. Characterized by sparse tree cover and a diversity of understory vegetation - ranging from shrub formations to grasslands - that support high levels of biodiversity, these ecosystems require active management and use by humans to ensure their continued existence. The most important product of these savannas is cork, a non-timber forest product that is periodically harvested without requiring tree felling. Market devaluation of, and lower demand for, cork are causing a decline in management, or even abandonment, of southwestern Europe's cork oak savannas. Subsequent shrub encroachment into the savanna's grassland components reduces biodiversity and degrades the services provided by these ecosystems. In contrast, poverty-driven overuse is degrading cork oak savannas in northwestern Africa. 'Payment for ecosystem services' schemes, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) programs, could produce novel economic incentives to promote sustainable use and conservation of Mediterranean cork oak savanna ecosystems in both Europe and Africa.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental economics >> Ecosystem services >> Ecosystem services
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity

Forests >> Forest services >> Forest industries/products

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.frontiersinecology.org/beyond/?p=275
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migbugalho@isa.utl.pt

Title

Impact of cork extraction on birds: Relevance for conservation of Mediterranean biodiversity

Reference

Biological Conservation
Volume 144, Issue 5, May 2011, Pages 1655-1662

Author(s)

Ana I. Leal, Ricardo A. Correia, José P. Granadeiro and Jorge M. Palmeirim

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Montados are Mediterranean agro-forestry-pastoral systems recognized as an excellent example of balance between socio-economic development and biodiversity conservation. The economic viability of montados dominated by cork oak Quercus suber depends on the extraction of cork (the bark of trees), usually in 9 year cycles, which is mostly used for production of bottle stoppers. This study evaluated the impact of cork extraction on biodiversity, using birds as indicators.
Comparing bird assemblages of areas with recently extracted cork and older cork revealed that only two species of bark gleaners and two of bark-foliage gleaners had lower densities in recently debarked areas. Arthropod sampling revealed that, in the first years after cork extraction, the bark has less prey, suggesting that the reduction in bark gleaners densities is a result of the decreased food availability. Focal observations confirmed that the affected species were those that foraged mostly on cork. However, our data demonstrated that bird richness and the density of the majority of species were unaffected by debarking, and that at the landscape level even bark gleaners had potentially stable populations.
Pressure from the synthetic bottle stopper industry threatens to render montados economically unviable, and consequently be replaced by land uses much less valuable for biodiversity. Showing that cork extraction is compatible with the maintenance of the great ornithological value of montados, our results confirm that it is an economic activity that should be promoted for the benefit of biodiversity.

Policy theme(s)

Agriculture >> Agricultural management >> Agri-environment schemes
Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity
Forests >> Forest services >> Forest industries/products

Keywords

Cork oak, Cork extraction, Birds, Montados management, Agro-forestry-pastoral system

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320711000826
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aiencarnacao@fc.ul.pt

Title

Effectiveness of the Miyawaki method in Mediterranean forest restoration programs

Reference

Landscape and Ecological Engineering
Volume 7, Number 1, 81-92
DOI: 10.1007/s11355-010-0117-0

Author(s)

Bartolomeo Schirone, Antonello Salis and Federico Vessella

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

In the 1980s, Professor Akira Miyawaki introduced a new and innovative reforestation approach in Japan with the challenge to restore indigenous ecosystems, and maintaining global environments, including disaster prevention and carbon dioxide (CO2) mitigation. Here, natural vegetation successional stages (from bare soil to mature forest) are practically forced and reproduced, accelerating natural successional times. The Miyawaki method has been applied in the Far East, Malaysia, and South America; results have been very impressive, allowing quick environmental restorations of strongly degraded areas. However, these applications have always been made on sites characterized by high precipitation. The same method has never been used in a Mediterranean context distinguished by summer aridity and risk of desertification. A first test was carried out by the University of Tuscia, Department of Forest and Environment (DAF), 11 years ago in Sardinia (Italy) on an area where traditional reforestation methods had failed. For an appropriate Miyawaki application on this site, the original method was modified while maintaining its theoretical principles. Results obtained 2 and 11 years after planting are positive: having compared the traditional reforestation techniques, plant biodiversity using the Miyawaki method appears very high, and the new coenosis (plant community) was able to evolve without further operative support after planting. Therefore, the implementation of supplementary technique along with cost reduction might provide a new and innovative tool to foresters and ecological engineering experts for Mediterranean environmental reforestation program.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity
Forests >> Forest governance and management

Keywords

Ecological restoration, Potential natural vegetation, Ecotechnology,
Reforestation practices comparison, Mediterranean environment

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/k373381m97894w21/fulltext.pdf
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Contact the study author at:

vessella@unitus.it

Title

Long-term approaches to native woodland restoration: Palaeoecological and stakeholder perspectives on Atlantic forests of Northern Europe

Reference

Forest Ecology and Management Volume 261, Issue 3, 1 February 2011, Pages 751-763

Author(s)

Althea L. Davies

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The long timeframes involved in woodland regeneration and adaptation introduce considerable uncertainty into management and conservation planning as most ecological datasets span only a small part of ecosystem dynamics. This is a particular concern in vulnerable habitats, such as Atlantic birch-oak woods in north-western Britain, where range edge populations are at risk from herbivory and climate change. This study combines historical palaeoecology and stakeholder observations to assess how multiple perspectives can inform existing models, expectations and goals for Atlantic woodland management. Long-term evidence for changing woodland composition addresses stakeholder uncertainties over the currently restricted distribution of oak, alder and hazel. Oak has remained a secondary component of birch-dominated woods and habitat definitions based on oak are too narrow to ensure sustainability. Birch has survived numerous periods of climatic and biotic adversity and shows the strongest positive response to historic reductions in grazing pressure. This has led to a pulse of regeneration since c. AD 1900, so current restoration efforts are taking place within the strongest period of woodland expansion in the last c. 500 years. Positive and negative cultural legacies are evident and intervention is considered a necessary restoration tool. Managed grazing at key stages of habitat development can support continued recruitment and regeneration. A more flexible and integrated management approach is recommended. Long-term ecology can provide direction and address uncertainties, while ecological and stakeholder evidence provide the detail necessary to develop effective management that incorporates ecosystem perspectives. This can help shape management strategies that balance possible conflicts over perceived short-term 'damage' to secure longer-term processes. Learning based on multiple temporal perspectives has the potential to contribute to conservation and restoration planning and practice. These principles are more widely applicable in adaptive management.

Policy theme(s)

Forests >> Forest protection >> Forest biodiversity Environmental information services >> Environmental communication >> Stakeholder/public engagement

Keywords

Long-term ecology, Western oakwood, Stakeholder perspectives, Paleoecology, Adaptive management

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112710007061
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

a.davies@macaulay.ac.uk