Abstracts of the 4th International Electronic Conference on Forests (IECF 2024), 23–25 September 2024

Abstract

The 4th International Electronic Conference on Forests—Science, Society and Innovation Nexus in Forestry: Pathways to Global Sustainability (IECF 2024) was organized by MDPI and MDPI Forests. The conference took place online from 23–25 September 2024. This conference report is an abstract collection from six different sessions of IECF 2024.

1. Introduction

The 4th International Electronic Conference on Forests (IECF 2024), 23–25 September 2024, was a testament to the collective spirit of the global forestry community, convening virtually to navigate the multifaceted challenges and possibilities of our time.

Forests are more than just timber reserves; they are the lifeblood of our planet. The echoes of their significance reverberate in numerous global discussions, from climate change conferences to health summits. Beyond their role in biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem service provision, forests embody the essence of cultural heritage, spiritual reverence, artistic inspiration, and much more. Their intertwining roots, much like our global community, remind us of the strength in unity and collaboration.

Recent disasters worldwide and future scenarios have heightened our realization of the imperative role forests play, not just in ecological balance but in the very fabric of human health and well-being. In these trying times, it is pivotal that we champion the cause of sustainable forest management, viewing it not merely as a mandate but as a shared responsibility.

This conference stands as a beacon for pioneering innovations, fostering synergies, and promoting a holistic approach to forest research and management. It is a canvas where ideas meet action, where expertise bridges gaps, and where the future of forests becomes a collaborative vision.

The conference included the following topics:

S1. Forest Ecology and Management;

S2. Forest Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Earth Observations;

S3. Climate Smart Forestry and Forest Innovations;

S4. Forest Wildfires;

S5. Wood Science, Production Chains, Fuelwood, and Trade;

S6. Bioeconomy and Forest Economics.

2. Session 1: Forest Ecology and Management

2.1. Mixed Methods to Assess Sacred Forest Management Practices in Guinean Forest of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot

Alessandra Manzini ¹, Saliou Boni Biao ², Safietou Soumaré ³, Luc Descroix ⁴

• EUTOPIA SIF Post Doctoral Research fellow, SPIRAL Project at PLACES LAB, CYU Cergy Paris, France and CASES group University Pompeu Fabra Barcelona Spain
• Laboratoire d’Analyse et de Recherche sur les Dynamiques Economiques et Sociales pour le Développement (Lardes), Faculté de Lettre, Arts et Sciences Humaines, Université de Parakou, Bénin. BP 123 Parakou, Bénin
• PhD Université Iba der Thiam de Thies, Université Côte d’Azur, Advanced Study in Geomatics Université du Québec à Chicoutim
• Senior Investigator, UMR PALOC IRD/MNHN, French National Museum of Natural History, Paris. Hydrologist at IRD (French Research Institute for Sustainable Development).

According to the FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, the planet has lost 178 million hectares of forest since 1990. Africa had the highest annual rate of net forest loss, 3.9 million hectares in 2010–2020, due to human activities. Sacred Forests (SFs) are unique ecosystems, deeply intertwined with religious or traditional belief systems, key historical events, and specific burial practices. Sacred forests represent a holistic approach to the sustainable management of forests and are one response to the accelerating biodiversity loss. This research aims to describe how Sacred Forests in the Guinean forest of West Africa hotspot (Guinea, Senegal, and Benin) have been preserved, comparing their ecological dynamics with other forest management models. The case studies apply mixed methodologies to observe forest dynamics and survey Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Satellite remote sensing series help to diachronically monitor ecosystem dynamics. Interactive qualitative methodologies include socio-anthropological research, questionnaires, participant observations, and interviews with stakeholders of Sacred Forests’ socio-ecological systems. The results show that the case studies are not subjected to the same anthropogenic pressures as other surrounding forests. Leveraging TEK and integrating scientific ecological knowledge (SEK) on SFs’ socio-ecological systems, the paper advocates for a more holistic and inclusive approach to understanding and managing forests. Recognizing that local communities have long-standing relationships and deep-rooted knowledge systems can contribute significantly to sustainable forest management and conservation efforts.

2.2. Celebration of Landscapes in Indian Tribes Culture: Study of Baiga Tribe in Madhya Pradesh

Jyoti Yadav ¹, Janki Gonawala ²

• Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur (MNIT Jaipur), Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017, India
• School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462030, India

The knowledge of using natural resources like flora, fauna, and minerals, materials for survival, and livelihood to cure human and animal diseases has been developed in several old tribal communities like the Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh. This great reliance on the surrounding landscape can be seen in the tribal communities’ daily affairs. They live in the most interior part of the forest, and they are constantly dependent on the forest’s agro-climatic conditions, resources, nature of soil fertility, availability of water, etc. Context and the surrounding landscape are the paramount sources of food and livelihood of tribal communities in India. Each tribe of India has its kind of landscape manipulating techniques in the form of agricultural, grazing, poultry farming practices etc. Their lives mostly rely on the harvest they get from the surrounding landscape throughout the year and thus become the primary source of their survival. Festivals are their way of expressing respect, gratitude and worship to these landscapes. My objective is to try to understand tribal community festivals and interdependency with their context and surrounding landscape. To understand this affinity between tribal community and their landscape I will try to provide brief study of BAIGA tribe of Madhya Pradesh of India.

2.3. Monitoring the Biotic Stressors in a Mediterranean Holm Oak Forest: Outcomes of the Project SpecFor

Alberto Bernacchi ¹, Roberto Danti ¹, Gianni Della Rocca ¹, Giovanni Emiliani ¹, Lorenzo Arcidiaco ², David Pellegrini ², Elisa Pellegrini ³, Pippi Lorenzo ³, Samuele Risoli ³, Claudia Pisuttu ³, Cristina Nali ³, Lorenzo Cotrozzi ³, Sara Barberini ¹

• Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), National Research Council (CNR). Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
• Institute for BioEconomy (IBE), National Research Council (CNR). Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
• University of Pisa (UNIPI), Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE). Via del Borghetto, 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy.

Holm oak forests are currently a key element in the ecological and socio-economic sustainability of forest ecosystems in the Mediterranean area, but over the last few decades, extensive dieback and mortality episodes of Quercus ilex L. have been documented after severe drought events.

The project “SpecFor” focused on a typical Mediterranean forest ecosystem located along the southern coast of Tuscany (Parco Regionale della Maremma) where severe holm oak declines have recently been reported (Summer 2017). The goal is to develop an accurate and high-throughput framework for detecting forest damage and monitoring forest responses to biotic stresses based on the use of satellite imagery: hyperspectral and optical data.

A climatological analysis from 1950 to 2023 has been carried out, involving the analysis of temperature and precipitation variables extracted from the ERA5 Land dataset produced and distributed by ECMWF (Copernicus Climate Service). The climatological analysis allowed us to derive the anomaly time series of temperature and precipitation, both annual and monthly, and the most scientifically used drought index (SPEI—Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index).

Three plots characterized by low, medium, or high degrees of three decline, were evaluated by phytopatological surveys (visual inspection and fungal identification by culturomic approach), and the ecological role of the fungal communities was investigated using Next-Generation Sequencing metabarcoding. Then, the assessment of forest health and tree growth was correlated with the vegetation index (NDVI) derived from satellite images. By combining advanced remote sensing techniques with traditional field methods and molecular analysis, the project aimed to develop a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interactions between environmental factors, tree health, and fungal communities in Mediterranean Holm oak forests.

2.4. Aerophotogrammetry and Artificial Intelligence to Quantify Trees and Palms in Amazon Native Rainforests

Savanah Franco de Freitas, Juliana Sousa de Holanda, André Luiz Alencar de Mendonça

• Forest Sciences Department, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Manaus Campus, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus 69077-000, Brazil

The Amazon rainforest is composed of dense and large vegetation; this implies arduous data collection to study forest dynamics. To assist with these studies, remotely piloted aircrafts (RPAs) can be used to collect images of the forest to acquire characteristics such as the height of the forest, used for biomass and carbon calculations. This technology with machine learning can help in the processing of extensive data; however, it has not yet been applied to Amazon forests, and it offers an opportunity to improve the accuracy of carbon estimates. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the artificial intelligence (AI) YOLOv5 in a Google Colab environment to count palms and trees in aerophotogrammetric images captured with the DJI Phantom 4 Pro and a camera. The AI training, validation and testing phases were applied with 1229 images to generate six models to detect and quantify palms and trees in three sites in the state of Amazonas in Brazil. The models were evaluated using the AI metrics precision, recall and mean average precision (mAP) and the remote sensing metrics omission errors, commission errors and accuracy. The models Palms400 and Trees600 obtained the best performances in mAP, with 76% for both; nevertheless, accuracy was highest in the Trees200 and Palms200 models, with 53% and 38%, respectively. In all models, the omission was higher than the commission, where the models did not detect all the objects, while commission errors did not exceed 20%. Thus, it is possible to say that the models performed well and it is recommended to use more different images of the objects in the AI phases, such as different shapes and colors, to improve AI for forestry applications, in order to satisfy remote sensing metrics as well as AI metrics.

2.5. Changes in Foliar Traits Through Environmental Gradients in Two Mediterranean Quercus Species and Their Hybrids

Santiago José González Carrera ¹, Eduardo Sánchez Benito ¹, Alfonso Escudero Berián ¹, María Montserrat Martínez Ortega ², Sonia Mediavilla Gregorio ¹

• Departamento de Biología Animal, Ecología, Parasitología, Edafología y Química Agrícola. Área de Ecología. Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain.
• Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal. Universidad de Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain.

We analyzed several leaf morphological traits of two Quercus species widely distributed in the Iberian Peninsula (Q. faginea and Q. pyrenaica) and their hybrids, under contrasting environmental conditions, to determine differences between groups, if they are consistent in the different climatic zones and whether they could confer an advantage to any of the groups in the new predicted climate scenario.

This study was carried out in three areas located in the central-west of Spain; in each area, three plots relatively close to each other were selected: one with apparent dominance of Q. faginea, another with dominance of Q. pyrenaica and intermediate zones with both species. In each plot, 10 specimens of the supposedly dominant category in each case were selected, after having been categorized using AFLPs. From each of the 90 specimens, leaf samples were taken and used for morphological analysis, including a total of 18 different traits.

Only three traits revealed discriminant value between the three genetic groups (leaf weight per unit area, maximum width of the blade and depth of lobes), with the hybrids showing greater proximity to Q. faginea for the rest of the characteristics and consistent results in the different study areas. In all three groups, the leaves tend to be larger, with larger petioles and a greater number of and deeper lobes in the area where temperatures are higher.

Contrary to what was expected, it was not the hybrids that showed the greatest variability between areas, but rather the Q. faginea individuals that showed the greatest capacity to modify these traits in response to the different climatic conditions between study areas, which, together with their characteristic foliar traits (greater weight per unit area, smaller leaf size, and shorter petioles), could determine a greater probability of persistence in the face of climate change.

2.6. Changes in Photosynthetic Pigment Concentrations Induced by Pinewood Nematode Infection on In Vitro Pine Shoots

Gonçalo Pereira ¹, Larisa Varela ², Jorge M. S. Faria ^{2, 3}

• INIAV, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-159 Oeiras, Portugal
• INIAV, I.P., National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-159 Oeiras, Portugal.
• GREEN-IT Bioresources for Sustainability, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal

The pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, infects susceptible pine species and causes pine wilt disease. After reaching the pine’s internal tissues, the PWN feeds on the resin canals and vascular tissue and quickly reproduces to large populations, causing a cessation of resin flow and embolism events in the tree’s water column. At the pine leaves, the low water supply heavily damages the biochemical reactions of photosynthesis, reducing the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance. Impaired photosynthesis leads to the first visible symptoms of pine wilt disease, namely, the yellowing and drooping of pine needles. In vitro cultures are useful tools to research changes in fine biochemical reactions because they allow for reproducibility and genetic homogeneity. In the present work, in vitro maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) shoot cultures were used to assess changes in the concentration of photopigments, i.e., chlorophyl a and b, carotenoids, and the stress-related anthocyanins, by resorting to spectrophotometry techniques. Infection with the pinewood nematode led to a 30% reduction in leaf concentrations of chlorophyl A and a 50% reduction in chlorophyl B. Carotenoid concentrations increased by70%, while no changes were observed for anthocyanins. This preliminary study allows for gauging the impacts of pinewood nematode infection of pine at the initial stages of pine wilt disease as a contribution to developing an early detection method for this phytoparasite.

2.7. Climate Response of Ring Width in Some Shrub Species in the Forest-Steppe of Northern Mongolia

Enkhtuvshin Dechinperlii ¹, Gundegmaa Vanjil ¹, khishigjargal Mookhor ², Munkhsanaa Purevdorj ³

• Department of Biology, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• School of Agroecology, Mongolian University of Life Science Zaisan 17024, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• The 1st school of general education of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The impacts of land use changes and climate change on shrub expansion have been extensively documented in the Northern Hemisphere. Studies conducted in the Tibetan Plateau indicate that shrub expansion is more reliant on soil moisture than in the Arctic, where results indicate that changes in temperature and precipitation have a significant correlation with shrub expansion. Studies on the spread of shrubs throughout Central Asia, including the northern part of our country, are, sadly, insufficient. We carried out studies on 6 shrub species present in the Shatan river area to determine the response of several shrub species to climate factors, growth patterns, and growth types of dependent habitat types. According to the results of our research, there is a correlation (R² = 24) between the morphological characteristics of the shrub. Also, depending on the type of habitat, the growth of annual rings is different (p = 0.0001). In addition, each species has a different annual ring width (p = 0.0001). In terms of climatic factors, wind had a negative effect (R² = 47) and precipitation had a positive effect (R² = 57) on the annual ring width of Salix divaricate, a shrub growing in river valley habitats, and it was weakly related to other species. This differential pattern indicator may function depending on the habitat. That being the case, dominant shrub species in southwestern Khentii taiga, Mongolia, have successfully been proven to have high dendrochronological potential and it is practicable to apply it for rangeland and ecological assessments.

2.8. Emerald Ash Borer in the Park with a Long-Time History of Black Ash Sawfly Defoliation

Valentyna Meshkova ¹, Olga Zinchenko ², Vladyslav Us ³, Yuriy SKRYLNYK ⁴

• Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Physiology, Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry & Forest Melioration, Kharkiv, 61024, Pushkinska str. 86
• Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Physiology, Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry & Forest Melioration, Kharkiv, 61024, Pushkinska str. 86.
• B.M. Litvinov Department of Zoology, Entomology, Phytopathology, Integrated Protection and Quarantine of Plants, State Biotechnological Universityсampus KhNAU, p/o “Dokuchayevs’ke-2”, Kharkiv raion, Kharkiv oblast, 62483 Dokuchaievsk, Ukraine
• Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Physiology. Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry & Forest Melioration, Kharkiv, 61024, Pudhkinska str. 86

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is native to temperate Northeast Asia. It invades Fraxinus sp. in large parts of the USA, Canada, and European Russia. In 2019, the pest was found in the Luhansk region of Ukraine, and by 2023 it had spread to forests and urban stands of the Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Kyiv regions. Particularly in 2023, EAB began to infest Fraxinus excelsior L. in the Molodezhny Park in Kharkiv (50°00′ N; 36°25′ E) (Ukraine), which had been regularly damaged by the ash black sawfly Tomostethus nigritus Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) for more than 20 years. The data on each tree’s defoliation and health history were documented. Usually, EAB infestation is identified by the exit holes of beetles. However, in the case of infestation of the upper crown parts, the identification of the new spread of this pest can be late. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to determine tree characteristics that attract EAB. Long-term (since 2013) data about 90 ash trees’ diameter, crown type, defoliation, health condition, epicormic shoot occurrence, etc., were compared to EAB presence in 2023 and 2024, identified by exit holes. In 2024, EAB infested 80% of the trees with traces of woodpeckers feeding, 91.1% with dieback, and 90.6% with epicormic shoots, asobserved in 2023. EAB infestation increased with tree defoliation by ash black sawflies. In 2024, EAB had infested all trees colonized by ash bark beetles (Hylesinus sp.) in 2023, and 88% of trees colonized by ash bark beetles in 2024. For 2023–2024, the proportion of trees with EAB exit holes increased from 8.9 to 79.2%, and those with dieback from 13.5 to 81.1%. Indirect symptoms (dieback and traces of birds feeding) suggest an additional infestation of more than 13% of trees.

2.9. Exploring Sustainable Forest Management in the Indian Himalayas: A Case Study of Traditional Knowledge and the Impact of Modern Development on Forest Ecology

Aanchal Seth

• Department of Political Science, Panjab University Research scholar Chandigarh India (160015)

In a world where climate disasters have caused suffering for both the environment and humans, it is important to explore the existing relationship between forest ecology and the way it is managed by people. This article proposes to examine a case study of local forest management practices in the Indian Himalaya region. It will delve into their sustainable methods of managing the forest using traditional knowledge and examine the impact of modern development on their forest ecology. The area of study will be the mountain region of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh, India. The research methodology for this study will primarily involve qualitative research methods such as interviews and focus group discussions with local community members. The importance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the development of sustainable forest management practices that are both ecologically and socially beneficial. By examining the traditional knowledge and practices of the locals, this study will highlight the importance of incorporating local knowledge and practices in forest management policies. This study seeks to understand the dynamics between traditional and modern forest management practices and how they influence forest ecology. The findings of this research study will contribute to the development of a sustainable and holistic forest management policy that can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. This study will also draw attention to the need for greater collaboration between policymakers and local communities in developing effective forest management strategies.

2.10. Exploring the Land Use Land Cover Change and Its Implications for Climate Regulation in the Ibadan Metropolis

Oluwakemi Igbonwosa Oluranti, Alfred Ossai Onefeli, Taofeek Ayobami Babalola, Precious Nguli

• Department of Forest Production and Products, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria.

Land use/land cover is one of the major common global environmental challenges. Land use explains the interactions between humans and the environment, the results of anthropogenic activities, and the changes resulting from the activities. These changes contribute greatly to Earth–atmosphere interactions, biodiversity loss, and forest degradation. The detection of changes in land use/land cover gives important information about the trends in these changes. Their analysis will help to make informed and necessary decisions for climate regulation policy in Ibadan. This study analyzed the land use and land cover dynamics of the 11 local governments in the city of Ibadan using Landsat images taken from USGS Earth Explorer. The images were classified by Maximum Likelihood classification into four LULC classes: bare land, built-up areas, vegetation, and water bodies. The results showed that, in the city of Ibadan, there was a 29.93% decrease in land covered with vegetation between 2002 and 2022; 20.4% of vegetation areas was converted into built-up areas; and about 8.2% of vegetation areas was converted to bare land. The share of built-up areas increased from 10.32% of the total area to 36.12% in 2022. The NDVI result (0.59 in 2022, 0.56 in 2014, and 0.39 in 2022) showed a decrease in green areas due to the increase in built-up areas. This study revealed that urbanization processes are mainly responsible for land use/land cover change in Ibadan. In conclusion, this study advanced our knowledge of land use/land cover in Ibadan by providing information that is useful for policymakers and will help guide meaningful actions toward climate regulation.

2.11. Factors Affecting Bud Induction in Fitzroya Cupressoides (Alerce) Embryos Cultured In Vitro

Yohana Claribel Mutio ¹, Ana Laura Gallo ², Paloma Moncaleán ³, María Laura Vélez ²

• Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico (CIEFAP)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Secretaría de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Provincia del Chubut, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
• Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico (CIEFAP)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
• NEIKER-BRTA, Department of Forestry Sciences, 01192 Arkaute

‘Alerce’ is an endangered conifer native to Patagonia. Seed production is cyclic; seeds are frequently inviable in a high proportion, present dormancy, and there are no studies of their viability under long-term storage conditions. These difficulties impact their use in ex situ conservation programs. Thus, in vitro culture may provide valuable tools for the propagation of ‘alerce’. We aimed to analyse the influence of stratification, scarification, and sterilization procedures; explant type; basal culture media composition; and 6-benzyladenine (BA) concentration on the success of bud induction. Firstly, we tested the effect of stratification, scarification, three sterilization methods, and four culture media (LP, SH, and the same media but with half macronutrients: HLP, HSH) supplemented with 4.4, 22, or 44 µM BA on bud induction, using whole seeds as explants. Stratification at 4 °C was evaluated in a period of 7–60 days; scarification was performed by immersing the seeds in H₂SO₄ for 2 min or in H₂O at 90 °C until reaching room temperature (before or after stratification). All seed lots that underwent stratification exhibited high contamination levels (>90%), whereas those subjected to scarification showed neither contamination nor bud induction. Secondly, an experiment without stratification nor scarification was conducted using the same media and BA concentrations mentioned above. Seeds were sterilized with 3% H₂O₂ + Tween 20 for 10 min, and whole zygotic embryos were used as explants. The contamination rate was 26.7%. Significantly higher bud induction was obtained with HSH (72.2 ± 25.4%) and with HLP (48.5 ± 8.7%), both supplemented with 4.4 µM BA. Bud formation was not observed with SH or LP supplemented with 22 or 44 µM BA. Seed viability (20.1 ± 5.7%) was similar to that reported for this species. These results will contribute to the development of a propagation protocol through organogenesis for alerce, a threatened species.

2.12. Form Factors and Diameter Height Modeling of Sal (Shorea robusta) in Nepal

Manisha Subedi

• Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 46000, Nepal

Timber volume estimation is fundamental for sustainable forest management. This study focused on estimating the form factor of Shorea robusta in various physiographic regions of Nepal, with a specific aim to develop a diameter-height model for the Terai region. Data collection involved the destructive sampling of 109 randomly selected S. robusta trees, with recorded information including diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, and crown parameters. After destructive felling, overbark and underbark stem diameters, along with section lengths, were measured at intervals of 1 m up to the tree tip.

The analysis revealed average overbark form factors of 0.42, 0.41, and 0.4, and underbark form factors of 0.41, 0.4, and 0.38 in the Terai, Siwalik, and Middle Mountain regions, respectively. Form factor significantly varied with diameter class in Terai (p = 0.02 < 0.05) and (p = 0.04 < 0.05), Siwalik (p = 0.05 ≤ 0.05) and (p = 0.05 ≤ 0.05), and the Middle Mountain region (p = 0.006 < 0.05) and (p = 0.01 < 0.05) for overbark and underbark, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship, with DBH increasing with height (0.86, 0.80, and 0.83) while decreasing with both DBH (−0.47, −0.42, −0.64) and form factor (−0.41, −0.34, −0.40), respectively, in all regions. The Pearson correlation test further confirmed these relationships at the 5% level of significance.

For estimating tree height in the Terai region, a power form of the model H = 1.3 + 4.194 ∗ DBH^0.464 demonstrated the best fit, with an adjusted R-squared of 0.79, RMSE of 3.47, AIC of 267.22, and a significant p-value (p = 0.0001). This model contributes valuable insights for height estimation in Shorea robusta stands in the Terai region.

This research provides species-specific form factors that help improve the quantification of volume and other forest products, contributing to sustainable forest management in Nepal.

2.13. Impacts of Soil Climate on Distributions of Forest-Forming Conifers in Current and Future Climates

Elena Parfenova, Nadezhda M. Tchebakova

• Forest Institute of FRC KSC SB RAS

Forests in Central Siberia represent a vast massif composed of six major conifers that shape the boreal forest: Siberian pine, Siberian fir, Siberian spruce, Scots pine, and two larches (Siberian larch on permafrost-free areas and Gmelin larch on permafrost). First, we built a bioclimatic model to predict major forest-forming conifer distributions based on atmospheric climate: warmth, water, and cold and soil permafrost. Our goal in this study is to supplement our model with soil climates: soil warmth and moisture and fertility resources.

For the mountain forests in southern Siberia (90–100 E and 52–56 N), a soil model was developed that related the forest composition to basic soil characteristics (warmth, moisture, texture composition, soil type, humus content, pH, C:N ratio etc.). Soil data (100 sites) were collected from the literature, which were accompanied by forest compositions from forest inventories and calculated climate data. The future climate was derived from the GCM INM-CM5-0 climate model for two scenarios, ssp126 and ssp585, at the mid-century.

Soil properties were found to be important for conifer distributions over the mountains but less important than the atmospheric climates were. The genetic soil types and soil warmth and moisture appeared to be most important for the forest composition. The rest of the soil characteristics were much less important. Siberian larch and Siberian pine were found to be the most plastic conifers; Siberian fir was found to be the most demanding conifer. In the future climates, under additional warmth and plentiful rain across the mountains, as follows from the climate change scenarios, hydro-thermal conditions in soils would be favourable for the sustainability and productivity of coniferous forests.

2.14. Land Use Conflict Between Farmers and Herdsmen—Implication for Agricultural and Rural Development in Nigeria

Michael Adedotun Oke

• Founder Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Federal Capital Territory Agricultural Development Programe, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja +234; Nigeria
• Extension Services Department, Federal Capital Territory Agricultural Development Programe, 232 Kaida Along Old Kuntunku, Gwagwalada P.O.Box 11611, Garki, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, +2348027142077, +2348188554446

In sub-Saharan Africa, the demand for livestock products, particularly milk and meat, is anticipated to increase between 3.2 and 3.9 percent year between 1997 and 2020 as a result of population expansion, income growth, and urbanization. They were evicted from Northern Nigeria due to the worsening environmental conditions, land degradation, and ongoing drought in the Sudan/Sahel savanna between 1960 and 1970. This explained why pastoralists left their home base and moved as far as the Guinean savanna and the edges of the forests in southern Nigeria. The movement of nomadic pastoralists is said to be governed by variations in rainfall, grazing animals, pasture, and water. Gbaka reaffirms that while constantly moving toward pasture, water sources, salt licks, and livestock markets, the nature of the terrain that permits unhindered movement and protective mechanisms for their livestock against the whims of nature, they occasionally avoid the tsetse flies, severe weather, tribal enemies, livestock bandits, tax assessors, and hostile social environments. Additionally, such migration acts as a drought coping technique, Land disputes can cause conflict between farmers and herders. The effect of this is noticed on household wellbeing, loss of material resources, agricultural produce, and lower revenue. This is related to lack of grazing resources and climate change. Data was gathered via a structured interview schedule, focus group talks, visual representation, and personal observations. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were then utilized to analyze the data. This presentation explores the various conflicts and makes recommendations for how to resolve them, including increasing awareness of land management, enforcing different regulations among farmers and herdsmen, providing grazing land, offering extension services to teach farmers and herdsmen about conflict coping.

2.15. Modern Genetic and Dynamic Forest Typology: Priority Development Areas and Outstanding Problems

Natalya Ivanova ¹, George Andreev ²

• Institute Botanic Garden, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 119334
• Institute Botanic Garden Ural Branch of RAS, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, 620130

The success of forest management depends to a large extent on the ecological classification on which it is based [1]. The purpose of this work is to review the current state, priority lines of development and unresolved problems of the original directions of ecological classification: genetic and dynamic forest typologies. Articles in journals on genetic and dynamic forest typologies from the past 10 years were selected and analyzed. Since its inception, genetic forest typology has focused on the study and classification of forests with complex structure and dynamics, and the use of new data analysis methods. The dynamic forest typology was originally developed to classify the disturbed vegetation of northern areas, which have relatively simple structures and dynamics. The current priority research areas of genetic and dynamic forest typology are the improvement of the conceptual and methodological bases of accounting in classification units for forest dynamics; the development of systems of regional classification of disturbed territories for their restoration; and the improvement of the methodology for identifying forest types based on the remote sensing of territories and modern data analysis methods. Currently, these typologies are being developed in parallel, using their scientific basis as well as the strengths of the European forest ecological classifications and the Braun–Blanquet approach. These typologies are of key importance for forest management in the Russian Federation and have great potential for further development under conditions of climate change and anthropogenic impacts.

This research was funded by the state assignment of the Institute Botanic Garden, the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

2.16. Quantitative Wood Anatomy of Scots Pine over 270 Years in the Foothills of the Western Sayan, Siberia

Dmitry Dergunov ¹, Elena Babushkina ^2,3, Mikhail Zharkov ⁴, Liliana Belokopytova ^2,3, Dina Zhirnova ^2,3, Bao Yang ^5,6, Jingjing Liu ⁵, Xiaomei Peng ⁵, Eugene Vaganov ^3,7

• Siberian Federal University
• Khakass Technical Institute, Siberian Federal University, 655017 Abakan, Russia
• Institute of Ecology and Geography, Siberian Federal University, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
• Mathematical Methods and IT Department, Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk 660041, Russia
• Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, People’s Republic of China
• School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People’s Republic of China
• Department of Dendroecology, V.N. Sukachev Institute of Forest, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 660036, Krasnoyarsk, Russia

With the advancement of methods for measuring the cell anatomical structure of conifer tree rings, dendroecology now possesses a robust methodological arsenal for analyzing previously inaccessible information about environmental dynamics during wood formation (xylogenesis). Key stages in this process are represented by quantitative parameters: the number of cells in the radial row (N) indicating production, tracheidograms (intraseasonal curves) of the radial cell diameter (D) reflecting growth by expansion, and cell wall thickness (CWT) representing secondary wall deposition. These parameters serve as promising proxies, offering detailed insights into the processes of seasonal wood growth and its internal and external regulation.

In this study, we utilized long-term (approximately 270 years) cell chronologies of average and maximum D and CWT for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the subtaiga zone characterized by moderate moisture deficiency. We identified their nonlinear dependencies on cell production in the cambial zone, expressed by N. By indexing those parameters, we excluded these dependencies, thereby minimizing the legacy effects, including inherited external signals. Subsequently, we analyzed the influence of intra-seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation, with daily time resolution, on the anatomical structure of tree rings using the indexed cellular chronologies. Our analysis revealed intraseasonal key intervals during which these climatic factors significantly influence the radial size and cell wall thickness of pine tracheids.

2.17. Red PINOS: A Participatory and Collaborative Governance Experience for Managing Exotic Conifer Invasions in Bariloche, Argentina

Daiana Bardin ^1,2, Jonathan von Below ^2,3, Pedro Laterra ²

• Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica
• Fundación Bariloche (CONICET)
• Laboratorio de etnobiología y desarrollo comunitario, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales (Universidad Nacional de Misiones)

The invasion of pines in the Argentine Patagonia, particularly in Bariloche, poses a significant challenge to biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management. In response, Red PINOS, a participatory and collaborative governance structure, has emerged as a key alternative for articulating and coordinating efforts to address this issue in a comprehensive and holistic manner. This study aims to characterize the role of Red PINOS in mapping the social actors involved in pine invasion management in the natural-urban interface areas of Bariloche. Utilizing actor mapping techniques and social network analysis, the study identified and measured the levels of participation of diverse actors through various articulations. The initiative fostered various links and interactions, resulting in the establishment of a multi-actor, open, and dynamic round table that was previously non-existent.

The research identified twenty-eight actor groups linked to the issue, including ten from the public sector, five from the private sector, six from the academic-scientific sector, and seven from civil society. Currently, the governance table is comprised mainly of individuals from academic-scientific institutions, where the initiative originated, followed by the public sector, and civil society to a lesser extent. An initial link has been established with 70% of the actor groups, with the private sector presenting the greatest challenges for articulation.

The results demonstrate that Red PINOS has facilitated greater communication, consensus, cooperation, and synergy among government entities, non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, and civil society regarding action strategies for more efficient and effective pine invasion management. These positive outcomes are partially attributed to the mobilization of resources, knowledge sharing, and collaborative actions leading to increased awareness of the problem and mitigation of pine invasions. Examples: on-site removal efforts in a pilot area, growth of the social network, increased public interaction, and citizen participation in collaborative mapping of the invasions.

2.18. Research on Optimal Biochar Amount Needed to Mitigate Salt Stress-Induced Effects on Germination and Growth of Moringa oleifera

Afef Hajaji ¹, Malek Ben Khelila ², Eya Habbachi ², Hounaida Ettouil ², Youssef Ammari ¹

• Forest Ecology Laboratory, National Research Institute in Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, Hédi EL Karray, Bp 10, Ariana, 2080. University of Carthage. Tunisia
• Department of Plant Production Sciences and Techniques, Higher School of Agriculture of Mateur, Tunisia

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the increase in abiotic stress caused by climate change. Salt stress is one of the major limiting factors threatening the majority of plant species, such as Moringa tree.

This study aims to assess the optimum use of biochar to alleviate the salinity stress-induced effects on the germination and growth of Moringa oleifera. To achieve our objective, biochar was applied at 5, 10 and 15% rates and saline substrate was applied at several concentrations (5 g, 10 g, 15 g/L NaCl). Our data showed that under the control condition (absence of salt), seed germination occurred earlier in soil amended with 5% of biochar compared to that in control soil (without biochar). It is crucial to note that the germination of Moringa seeds was reduced by 50% when the soils were amended with a rate of biochar of more than 10%. Moreover, in soil with increased salt stress levels, amendment with 10% of biochar enhanced germination. Furthermore, the leaflet number and seedling height were progressively reduced with the increase in the biochar amount in the soil. However, under the salt condition, 5% of biochar is efficient to alleviate the observed negative effect of salt on growth. In fact, the morphological aspects and growth of M. oleifera seedlings are diminished by biochar rates higher than 5%. It is demonstrated that salinity stimulated several adaptive responses such as antioxidant activity and a strong accumulation of secondary metabolites.

Concerning soil physical properties, regardless of culture condition, soil humidity is increased by the presence of biochar. Meanwhile, the soil’s electric conductivity is reduced by the addition of a rate of 10% of biochar under control conditions.

We can suggest that biochar application at rate of 5% is recommended as an optimal level to enhance soil fertility, attenuate the negative effects of salt, stimulate germination and enhance the growth of Moringa oleifera under salt stress conditions.

2.19. Soil-Based Site Conditions Affect Productivity of Silver Birch Regeneration More than the Plant Species Richness

Szymon Bijak

• Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW

This study investigates whether plant richness or soil conditions affect the productivity of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) stands naturally regenerated in central Poland to a greater extent. We analysed 31 plots with birch regeneration aged from 2 to 19 years. At each plot, we determined the features of birch stands, vegetation cover, and soil. Relevés were elaborated according to the Braun–Blannquet procedure, and ecological indicator values were calculated. To describe soil characteristics, we sampled its upper 50 cm layer. In the laboratory, texture, reaction, total carbon, total nitrogen (C and N, respectively), and base cation contents were determined. These features served to calculate the soil fertility index. Tree height measurements were applied to determine the site index (i.e., height at the base age of 25 years) for the analysed stands with a previously developed formula. The stands were also characterised with density and volume. We found that the site index depended significantly on the C/N ratio and soil fertility index (r = 0.36, p = 0.045 and r = −0.49, p = 0.005, respectively), while the stand density and volume were driven by both soil features, namely pH and loam content (r = 0.44, p = 0.013 and r = 0.36, p = 0.044, respectively) and plant richness, i.e., the number of trees and ingrowths (r = −0.52, p = 0.003 and r = −0.37, p = 0.038, respectively). At the early stage of silver birch regeneration, soil conditions play a more important role in stand development than the vegetation cover, which has a negative effect on birch productivity.

2.20. Spatial Pattern Analysis in the Neighborhood of Small and Large Trees in Akure Strict Nature Reserve, Nigeria

Oladele Falade, Fisayo Rhoda Oladele

• Department of Forest Production and Products, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria.

Tree size and spatial distance regulate tree distribution pattern and future development of forest stand. The relationship between neighbouring tree distance and size expresses competition and coexistence processes. However, presence of different sizes and shapes makes no single tree size variable consistently related to spatial tree distance. Hence, detection of tree competition and coexistence processes in tropical natural rainforest is difficult. Therefore, understanding the dominant process regulating tree distribution at different spatial distances is required for efficient management of forests. This study was designed to investigate spatial patterns of tree distribution in Akure Strict Nature Reserve.

Eleven 11 (30 m × 30 m) plots was demarcated systematically on two parallel transects with interval of 50 m in this study. Tree stem with diameter-at-breast height (dbh ≥ 5 cm) enumerated, identified to species level and measured for diameter, total height and crown diameter. Two trees (Large and Small DBH) were selected as reference trees. A circular subplot of radius = 10 m; (314.2 m²) was demarcated around each of reference tree and trees with DBH ≥5 cm within subplot were enumerated and their distances to reference trees were measured. Data collected were analysed using correlation and Nearest Neighbour analyses at α_0.05.

Twenty seven percent (27%) of the subplots expressed significant negative correlation between distance and canopy area up to distance of 7.37 m around Large reference trees while 18% of subplots expressed significant negative correlation between distance and canopy area at 6.65 m distance around Small reference trees. Hundred and 90.9% of subplots of Large and Small reference trees, respectively, expressed regular pattern at 10 m distance scale, Regular pattern increased and aggregate decreased with increasing distance scale.in subplots of Large and Small reference trees.

Spatial distribution of trees around large and small trees expressed canopy structure stratification and weak competitive interaction. in Akure Strict Nature Reserve.

2.21. Strategies for Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience to Climate Change

Harsha Vasudev Chaudhari, Devshree Yashwantbhai Patel, Dr. Javesh Kashinath Patil, Aniket Rajesing Girase

• Departments of Pharmaceutical Quality assurance, P.S.G.V.P.Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada-425409, Dist-Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India

This review aims to provide information about “Strategies for Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience to Climate Change”. A community of living things interacting with their natural surroundings is called an ecosystem. The term “environment” refers to both the physical surroundings and living things. Despite being linked, these two are inseparable. Nutrient cycles and energy flows connect the physical and biological components. Significant variations in the world’s temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other climatic indicators that last for several decades or more are referred to as climate change. The necessity of increasing climate change resilience, lowering risks, and minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is highlighted by extreme and frequent manifestations of climatic variability. Households with low incomes and the impoverished are disproportionately affected by climate change. These households in developing nations are frequently the most dependent on industries (fisheries, forestry, and agriculture) that are sensitive to climate change and have little ability to adapt. According to research conducted in 2023, between 2000 and 2019, climate change-related losses and damages cost the world at least USD 2.8 trillion, or around USD 16 million per hour. Enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate change is crucial for the well-being of our planet. A few strategies involve putting policies in place to lower greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging sustainable land-use practices, and preserving and restoring natural habitats. To build a future that is more sustainable and resilient, cooperation is essential.

2.22. Sustainable Livelihood, Sustainable Forest: A Case Study in Java Forest, Indonesia

Widiyanto Widiyanto, Fajar Julian Santosa, Dwiningtyas Padmaningrum, Danang Purwanto, Raden Roro Ilma Kusuma Wardani

• Universitas Sebelas Maret 57126, 36 Ir. Sutami Str., Surakarta, Indonesia

The globalization era presents challenges for humans to achieve sustainable living. In achieving this, natural resources, especially forests, are the main focus of attention because of their central role in supporting human life and environmental sustainability. Along with population growth and economic development, pressures on forests are increasing, impacting the balance within the ecosystem and the human welfare. In this background, it is crucial to understand that human sustainability cannot be separated from ecosystem sustainability. Forests provide wood and other forest products and play roles in maintaining water availability, reducing carbon emissions, and maintaining biodiversity. This research presents a comprehensive and integrated concept for achieving sustainable human life through a symbiotic relationship between sustainable livelihoods and forest preservation. Data collection was carried out for two years among forest communities in three villages in Central Java Province, Indonesia, based on the region’s geographical conditions and the community’s socio-cultural conditions. Primary and secondary data sources were used, with research informants identified as heads of Forest Village Community Institutions (LMDH), forest farmers, accompanying facilitators, forest police, forestry officers, and community leaders. Data collection involved interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and searching for secondary data. All data was then analyzed using the spiral model. This research found a concept of balance between “Sustainable Livelihood” and “Sustainable Forest” as the foundation for achieving a sustainable life because human sustainability cannot be separated from ecosystem sustainability to achieve balance. To achieve a balance between “Sustainable Livelihood” and “Sustainable Forest”, it is necessary to have policy efforts that support forest management. These institutions can bridge between communities and forests, as well as community culture. These results provide a new perspective on balancing forest use and ecosystem conservation and how this can contribute to achieving a holistically sustainable human life.

2.23. The Dark Coniferous Taiga of the Russian North Is Drying Out Against the Backdrop of Modern Climate Change

Iuliia S. Achikolova ¹, Viktor M. Sidorenkov ², Oleg V. Ryabtsev ³

• All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry
• All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry (VNIILM), Pushkino, Russia
• All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry (VNIILM)

This study investigates the decreasing resistance of dark coniferous forests to adverse environmental factors, which are becoming increasingly pronounced yearly because of modern global climate change. Boreal coniferous forest degradation and dieback are observed in a large area of Russian forest lands, including dark coniferous forests in the north of the European part of Russia. The research objects are dark coniferous forests of various condition categories in areas of intense drying out in the Arkhangelsk region and old trees growing in conditions with an expressed impact of a specific limiting factor. A study of dead and drying tree areas was carried out on the territory of the Sursky forest district (Arkhangelsk region), and a climate reconstruction was implemented for the Sursky forest district and the coast of the Unskaya Bay (Onega Pomorie National Park). Pine was chosen as an auxiliary species for dendroclimatic analysis since old pine trees grow on the Onega Pomorie territory and exhibit long-term climatic signals. The dendrochronological method was applied to determine the relationship between meteorological parameters and tree growth, and a forest pathological examination of trees was conducted. The determined fundamental causes of forest dieback were the trees weakening under the influence of adverse climatic conditions, droughts in particular, and subsequent tree damage by stem pests.

2.24. The Dendrochronological Potential of Salix lederbouriana Trautv. on the Patch Ecosystem of the Desert-Steppe, Mongolia

Enkhtuvshin Dechinperlii ¹, Bayanmunkh Tumur ¹, Khulanjav Erkhembayar ¹, khishigjargal Mookhor ²

• Department of Biology, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, 14191, Mongolia
• School of Agroecology, Mongolian University of Life Science Zaisan 17024, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Recent increases in livestock numbers throughout Mongolia could alter plant communities, and the soils of habitats differ by landscape position. There is little research on the potential of dendrochronology to elucidate the effects of climate change, long-term drought, and grazing on perennial shrubs growing in the patch ecosystem of the desert steppes and low mountains in Mongolia. In particular, willows, which grow predominantly in patch ecosystems with oases and springs, play an important role in the functional activities of that ecosystem service. In recent years, natural factors such as low summer rainfall, long-term warming, increased frequency of thunderstorms, and the effects of grazing pressure from the increased number of livestock have led to the deterioration in the habitat around the spring, and the growth of perennial shrubs has decreased dramatically. Therefore, we aimed to determine the response to the dendrochronological potential of Willow (Salix lederbouriana Trautv.) species. Our findings indicate that the annual growth ring of Willow (Salix lederbouriana Trautv.) species is influenced differently by climatic factors. For instance, climate factors have a relatively weak correlation (r = −0.29) with annual ring growth, but growth between years is significantly different (F = 4.36, DF = 19, p > 0.001). Furthermore, it is indicated that there is a need to develop conservation and management strategies for Willow species that grow predominantly in the desert steppe ecosystem.

2.25. Wildland–Urban Interface Invasions by Exotic Conifers in NW Patagonia: Mapping Public Engagement

Jorgelina Franzese ¹, Sofía González ², Pedro Laterra ^3,4

• Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue), CONICET, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
• Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET, Pje. Gutiérrez 1415 R8400, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
• Fundación Bariloche, Av. Bustillo 9500, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
• CCT CONICET Patagonia Norte Av. De Los Pioneros 2350, (CP: 8400), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina

The introduction of non-native conifers in Patagonia poses a significant environmental threat. These invasive trees disrupt essential ecosystem services, diminish biodiversity, and heighten wildfire risks. This study, driven by the multi-actor partnership “Red PINOS”, investigates the potential of citizen science to assess public concern regarding the encroachment of these conifers in wildland–urban interfaces (WUIs) around Bariloche, a Patagonian city (Argentina).

To engage the public in mapping invasive conifer invasions and to gather information on locations of concern, a popular messaging platform was used to collect geospatial data and photographic evidence of these trees within Patagonian WUIs. Participants were invited to join a dedicated group within the platform. Once they joined, the participants received instructions on how to capture and submit relevant data. Citizen participation was heavily promoted across media (social media, radio, TV, newspapers).

We received records of 58 invasion foci, which reported the removal of 839 small-sized individuals up to 1,5 m tall. The most reported species were Pseudotsuga menziesii (57%) and Pinus contorta (24%), followed by Pinus ponderosa (8%). The records were widely distributed across WUIs in Bariloche, including areas dominated by diverse habitats: steppe, shrubland, and forest. Despite being the first public call for citizen participation, the initiative generated a significant number of contributions, suggesting potential for public engagement regarding invasive conifer threats.

These early results represent a significant achievement for Red PINOS, demonstrating the effectiveness of citizen science in fostering participatory governance and highlighting the importance of incorporating public perspectives into invasive species management strategies. As Red PINOS continues to expand its outreach and engagement efforts, citizen science is poised to play an increasingly crucial role in addressing the complex issue of the invasive spread of non-native conifers in Patagonia.

3. Session 2: Forest Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Earth Observations

3.1. Evaluation of Land Cover and Use Through Artificial Intelligence in the Premontane Humid Forest of the Munchique Natural Reserve, Quilichao River Basin, Cauca, Colombia

DAVID ALEJANDRO MUNOZ ¹, Elkin de Jesus Salcedo Hurtado ¹, Diego Fernando Tarapuez Bolaños ², Adriana Martínez Arias ³, Yesid Carvajal Escobar ⁴

• Department of Geography/Faculty of Humanities/Meléndez Campus, Universidad del Valle, Santiago de Cali 760034, Colombia
• Department of Mathematics/Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas/Campus Meléndez, Universidad del Valle, Santiago de Cali 760034, Colombia
• Faculty of Engineering and Administration/Palmira Campus, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Palmira 763537, Colombia
• Faculty of Engineering/School of Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering (EIDENAR)/Meléndez Campus, Universidad del Valle, Santiago de Cali 760034, Colombia

Land cover and land use assessment is crucial for the sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity conservation, especially in diverse and fragile ecosystems such as the Andean forests. This research aimed to identify changes in vegetation cover and their impact on land use in the Munchique Natural Reserve, in the Quilichao river basin, Cauca, Colombia, an area that harbors high biodiversity and numerous ecosystem services.

A land use and land cover classification (LULC) was performed using Sentinel 2 satellite imagery for the period 2018–2021, using ArcMap 10.8 and QGIS 2.18 software with the MOLUSCE plugin. A multi-layer artificial neural network (ANN) was used to predict changes up to the years 2030 and 2050, allowing to assess future land use dynamics. The land transition analysis showed a reduction of 102 ha of dense vegetation and 17 ha of pasture between 2019 and 2021, due to agricultural expansion.

The MOLUSCE plugin simulated land cover for 2030 and 2050. The validation of the simulation showed an accuracy of 98.70% and a kappa coefficient of 0.99487, indicating high accuracy in predicting land cover change. Future predictions suggest the loss of more than 300 ha of dense vegetation between 2021 and 2030, and 437.26 ha between 2021 and 2050, in addition to an increase of approximately 800 ha of crops in the same period. These impacts must be integrated into planning to ensure biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The results of this research provide key information to identify territorial conflicts and contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources in this region of Colombia.

3.2. A Brief Study on the True Freshwater Crab Potamon ibericum (Bieberstein, 1808) Absence Downstream of Kasilian River, Mazandaran, Iran

Saman Ghasemian Sorboni ¹, Mehrdad Hadipour ¹, Balal Oroji ¹, Mehry Akbary ²

• Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, 15719-14911 Tehran, Iran
• Climatology Department, Geography Faculty, Kharazmi University, 15719-14911 Tehran, Iran

Potamon ibericum is one of the true freshwater crab species in Iran, which has been endangered in recent years due to climate change and human activities. This freshwater crab is mostly found in the rivers located in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran, due to their high food diversity and suitable temperature. In this research, we focused on the absence of this species downstream of the Kesilian River, and we achieved important results. Sampling was conducted at eight different points along the river in April, June, July, September, November, and December to study the effects of temperature and environmental conditions on P. ibericum distribution. Our study revealed that the reasons for its absence are related to numerous human and non-human factors. The human factors include poultry farming; heavy machinery passing through the river to transport logs, sand, and rocks, which often result in oil and fuel leakage; and the expansion of agricultural and horticultural activities. The non-human factors include the presence of invasive species such as hooded crows and temperature changes, where the highest population of live crabs was observed during the warmer months, while the lowest population was recorded during colder temperatures. These findings emphasize the critical role of temperature conditions and human activities in the habitat distribution of P. ibericum, which has significant implications for further studies and conservation measures. Our goal is to help formulate strong strategies that ensure the sustainable presence and flourishing of P. ibericum in its native environment and encourage other researchers to investigate more deeply in this field.

3.3. Integrating Ecology and Territorial Management: Balancing Biodiversity Conservation with Agricultural Production in the Argentine Gran Chaco

Victoria Victoria Saavedra Alvarado ^1,2, Analia del Valle Guzman ¹

• Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Instituto de Silvicultura y Manejo de Bosques, Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
• Becaria de Investigación CICyT UNSE 2024

Bringing ecology closer to territorial management is fundamental to achieving a sustainable approach. It is a challenge to reconcile intensified agricultural production with the conservation of biodiversity and related ecological processes. As the magnitude of threats to biodiversity becomes increasingly recognized, the need for effective management inside and outside protected areas is evident. Management decisions have a direct impact on resources, so they must be based on rigorous evidence and scientific information. Some of the objectives considered are to recognize the most characteristic qualities in terms of management strategies for conservation areas; to distinguish the matrices in which they may be immersed; and to contemplating land-sparing and land-sharing models and their influence. To integrate diverse experiences of protected area management in Latin America with landscape analysis according to the land-sharing and land-sparing models, a comprehensive search for relevant articles was conducted. The Mendeley search engine was used and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was implemented for article selection. Protected areas are essential conservation strategies. Effective management is crucial for achieving conservation goals, considering not only biodiversity but also cultural diversity, social development, and the sustainability of communities in direct and constant contact with them. In this context, we recognize two models, land-sharing and land-sparing, which contribute to landscape heterogeneity and diversity. Although this quality enhances diversity in the studied matrices, there is debate about which model is more recommendable for biodiversity conservation and productive activities, as they impact the balance of socio-ecosystems differently, both positively and negatively.

3.4. Abundance and Diversity of Butterfly Species Across Different Land Use in University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Sunday Oladipo OLAJESU ^1,2, Dorcas Ayobami Odejinmi ¹

• Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria
• University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Oyo State. Nigeria

The University of Ibadan is renowned for its urban forest environment and biodiversity. This study therefore assessed butterfly species abundance and diversity across different land use in the University to enhance forest management practices and encourage biodiversity conservation. The University was stratified into five land use categories: Farming, Residential, Recreational, Aquatic and Utility areas. Three 500 m × 10 m line transects at least 100 m apart were established in each stratum and surveyed from 9:00 h to 12:00 h, twice a month for a period of 5 months (January–May). Visual encounter survey was employed to enumerate all butterflies encountered, while standard field guide was used to identify butterfly species. Point Centre Quadrant method was used to assess the tree species present. Data obtained were analyzed using percentages, means, ANOVA and Shannon-Wiener index. Tree species identified include; Milicia excelsa, Terminalia superba, Terminalia Africana, Alstonia boonei. A total of 2660 butterflies from 41 species belonging to 5 families: Nymphalidae (52.0%), Pieridae (23%), Papillionidae (9.0%), Lycaenidae (9.0%), and Hesperiidae (7.0%) were recorded. The highest (83.6%) and least (41.2%) butterfly populations were recorded in Aquatic and Residential areas, respectively. Shannon –Wiener Index was highest in Aquatic (2.80), followed by Residential (2.54) and least in Farm (2.35) areas. Species richness was highest (24.22 ± 5.03) and lowest (16 ± 2.98) in Aquatic and Recreational areas, respectively. Junonia oenone is the most (300) abundant, followed by Eurema hecabe (237) and the least are; Nepheronia thalassina, and Hypolimnas misippus (2 each). There was significant difference in species abundance across land use in the University (α_0.05). Although land use has significant effect on the abundance and diversity of butterfly species, the University is a healthy environment considering the butterfly diversity.

3.5. Analysing the Climate Variability and Reforestation Activities in the Areas Adjacent to Internally Displaced Camps in Darfur

Abdalrahman Ahmed ^1,2, Czimber Kornel ¹

• Institute of Geomatics and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, University of Sopron. Bajcsy-Zs 4, Sopron, 9400, Hungary
• Department of Forest and Environment, Faculty of Forest Science and Technology, University of Gezira, Sudan.

Decades of conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan have inflicted widespread environmental degradation and displacement of local communities. This study employs advanced high-resolution satellite imagery analysis to investigate the intricate impact of prolonged conflict on land use management in Darfur, focusing on the assessment of afforestation activities and their implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15—Life on Land. This research utilized PlanetScope time-series imagery to examine the El-Salam internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in Southern Darfur. Object-based image classification (OBIA) methods within QGIS 3.28.6 and Orfeo ToolBox 8.1.2 were applied for accurate image classification. Major land use and land cover (LULC) classes, including agricultural land, built-up, vegetation cover, bareland, water bodies, and dry wadi, were successfully identified through supervised classification with an overall accuracy ranging from 90.66% to 95.14%. The findings reveal a noteworthy increase in the percentage of vegetation cover, rising from 1.48% to 2.33% between 2010 and 2024, respectively, indicating a substantial change of 0.85% over the study period. Additionally, water bodies experienced a significant increase from no water bodies 0 to 0.03%, equivalent to (6.08) hectares. These improvements are linked to reforestation initiatives, where artificial water harvesting aquifers are built, and the considerable general increase in rainfall from 2014 to 2022. The statistics further show a rapid reduction in bareland areas from 58.43% to 42.40% between 2010 and 2024, respectively. This research significantly contributes to the existing knowledge on the positive environmental consequences of sustainable land use management, particularly in conflict-affected regions. The implications extend to the global sustainable development agenda, offering valuable insights into the restoration and preservation of terrestrial ecosystems within conflict zones, thereby addressing SDG 15: Life on Land. A future study is suggested to investigate in detail the drivers and consequences of the changes in conflict-affected communities.

3.6. Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests in Lesser Himalaya: A Phytosociological Perspective

Naveed Alam ¹, Bilal Ahmad ¹, Eve Bohnett ², Zahid Ullah ³, Ahmad Ali ³, Muhammad Yousaf ⁴

• Institute of Forest Sciences, University of Swat, Charbagh 19120, Pakistan
• Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
• Center for Plant Sciences and Biodiversity, University of Swat, Charbagh 19120, Pakistan
• Center for Animal Sciences and Fisheries, University of Swat, Charbagh 19120, Pakistan

Tropical dry deciduous forests play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services, yet they are increasingly threatened by climate change. This study aims to assess the significance of Pakistan’s tropical dry deciduous forests in the context of ecological variables and climate change impacts. A comprehensive phytosociological survey was conducted to understand species composition, vegetation patterns, and environmental drivers influencing these forests. The study area, located in the lesser Himalayan mountains of Pakistan, revealed the presence of 140 woody plant species belonging to 52 families. Through various multivariate analyses, nine distinct plant communities were identified, with the Dodonaea viscosa-Acacia modesta-Dalbergia sissoo community being the most dominant. Cluster analysis grouped these communities into five clusters, highlighting the spatial distribution patterns across the study area. Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were employed to assess the relative significance of environmental variables in shaping species composition and distribution. Altitude, precipitation, and temperature emerged as primary factors influencing the distribution and composition of tropical dry deciduous forests along the Himalayan foothills. Higher altitude forests, characterised by maximum rainfall and lower temperatures, exhibited rich vegetation diversity, whereas lower altitude forests experienced higher temperatures and lower precipitation levels. Notable discrepancies were observed between protected and unprotected forest areas, emphasising the importance of immediate management interventions and in-situ conservation strategies. Based on the findings, recommendations include adopting mitigation and adaptation approaches to combat the increasing temperature and low precipitation in lower altitude areas. Mitigation strategies such as afforestation and renewable energy promotion, coupled with adaptation measures like forest restoration and community-based conservation, are essential for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of Pakistan’s tropical dry deciduous forests in the face of climate change.

3.7. Assessment of Plant Species and Biodiversity in SUST Campus—A Peri Urban Area

UAKTHO BAISHNAB ¹, Dr Farzana Raihan ¹, Dr Nasir Sarder ²

• Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114
• Bangladesh National Herbarium, Dhaka

This study provides extensive taxonomic data on the floristic composition and assessment of the biodiversity that exists on the semi-natural Shahjalal University of Science & Technology campus. Using statistical information gathered through surveys carried out over a one-year period, this study presents a thorough analysis of the relationship between stakeholder perceptions of the biodiversity and composition of herbs, shrubs, and climbers on the campus. In total, 55 students, 15 teachers, and 10 staff from the campus took part in the survey. Most respondents are not entirely satisfied with the campus’ biodiversity. They value green spaces and see them as critical to the campus’ atmosphere as well as to the university’s reputation. A total of 181 species under 160 genera and 84 families were identified with the help of Bangladesh National Herbarium. Moreover, the local names of some species were also found by the local people. This study demonstrated that out of 181 plant species, 66% of them were herbaceous, followed by 29% of shrubs and 5% of climbers. Axonopus compressus was the species that was most prevalent on the campus. Asteraceae, which had 18 species, was the most numerous family, followed by Poaceae (17 species) and Leguminosae, which had 13 species. As a result, when compared to other areas, the study area is floristically rich in climbers, shrubs, and herbs due to the sheer quantity of distinct plant species it contains. One globally vulnerable (VU) (Araucaria heterophylla) and one near-threatened (NT) (Platycladus orientalis) shrub were found in this campus area. All species have value in terms of the economy or the environment, but they are mostly used as grasses, weeds, ornamentals, medicinal plants, forage, fodder, and vegetables. By improving the current management and implementing the essential policies and methods, this region might become a superb campus-based center for the protection of biodiversity.

3.8. Assessment of Snow Water Supplies for Istra Station Territory Using Sentinel-2 Imagery Data

Viktor M. Sidorenkov ¹, Iuliia S. Achikolova ¹, Evgeniy P. Matafonov ², Yurii Yu. Alentev ³

• All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry (VNIILM), Pushkino, Russia
• Scientific Innovation Center for Monitoring the Natural Environment, Istra, Russia
• Institute of Geography RAS, Moscow, Russia

This article investigates the relationship between snow and its water supply accumulation and qualitative and spectral-reflective forest characteristics. This study aims to develop methods for determining snow water supplies using Sentinel-2 imagery data. Our research is based on experimental fieldwork and previous analyss of the features of water accumulation in the snow in various natural landscapes. Considering the previously obtained snow accumulation dependences on the species composition, age, and forest density, modern approaches in forest inventory interpretation were used to identify how snow accumulation and its water content correlate with territory features. The designed method determines snow water supplies according to optical satellite imagery or forest inventory materials based on a small number of field measurements. The method’s accuracy relies on the diversity of examined landscapes and ecosystems. The fieldwork was carried out on the territory belonging to the hydrological station of the Federal Budgetary Institution “All-Russian Research Institute of Silviculture and Forestry Mechanization” (FBU VNIILM), located in the Istra area, Moscow Region. Snow sampling and forest inventory were conducted along the routes that included various landscapes, from open spaces to high-density coniferous forests. This method estimates the water content in snow that we propose can be used to forecast moisture availability, surface runoff, and flooding and assesses the consequences of early spring droughts. The designed territory zoning of snow water accumulation is confirmed by plenty of previous studies conducted in similar conditions. The distinguishing feature of the method described in this article is the possibility of accurately assessing the snow water content while carrying out minimum experimental studies in vast areas, such as municipal districts or regions.

3.9. Biomonitoring Air Quality for Praseodymium in Leicestershire (UK)

Antonio Peña-Fernández ^1,2, Maria del Carmen Lobo-Bedmar ³, Mark D. Evans ², Gurminderjeet S Jagdev ², María de los Ángeles Peña ⁴

• Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
• Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.
• Departamento de Investigación Agroambiental. IMIDRA. Finca el Encín, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 38.2, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
• Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain

The aim was to biomonitor air quality for praseodymium (Pr) in Leicester city (England) after detecting slight contamination of this element in topsoils across the city and surrounding rural areas, when compared with other industrialised towns in Europe.

Thin layers of bark were collected from 96 trees from Leicester (n = 55) and surrounding rural/suburban areas (41), at a consistent height of 1.50–1.80 m from the ground. Pr was monitored by ICP-MS in cleaned/ground/homogenised samples mineralised with HNO₃/H₂O₂ [LoD = 0.157 ng/g dry weight (dw)]. The data were compared with the levels of Pr described in 52 topsoil composite samples collected in the same year (2017–2018).

The levels of Pr were slightly higher in the samples collected from trees that grew in urban areas (median and ranges, in ng/g dw): 2.611 (0.714–47.603) and 2.450 (0.757–14.839). These results might be explained by the presence of Pr monitored in topsoils, in which no statistical differences were found between both main areas, detecting a wide distribution of this element across the city and in surrounding rural areas. Levels were much higher than the range reported in Pinus ponderosa bark samples (US; 1.85–2.69 ng/g dw) collected in an area in eastern Washington away from roads, to reduce the effect from traffic, suggesting some anthropic atmospheric contamination of Pr in Leicester city and surrounding areas, derived from different sources such as agricultural practices, waste disposal, metal recycling, vehicular/industrial emissions, and urbanisation. However, the toxic risks derived from the ingestion of and dermal contact with Pr present in topsoils in Leicester city is likely to be minimal.

The presence of Pr in air in Leicester could be affected by different anthropic sources that should be investigated to reduce its presence; studies should include the monitoring of the content of Pr in particulate matter in Leicester city.

3.10. Comparative Analysis of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Mobile LiDAR Systems for Forest Inventory Parameters

Anastasios-Petros Kazamias, Panagiotis Ioannou, Dionysios Glavenas, Alexandra Papacharisi

• GEOANALYSIS S.A., G. Gennimata 54, 55132 Thessaloniki, Greece

The advancement of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology has revolutionized forest inventory practices by providing precise and detailed data on forest structure. This study aims to compare the accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of two LiDAR platforms, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) LiDAR and Handheld Mobile Laser Scanners (MLS), in capturing key forest inventory parameters such as stem mapping, diameter at breast height (DBH), and tree height. This study was conducted in a pine forest located in Chalkidiki, Greece. LiDAR data were collected using UAV LiDAR (DJI Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse L2) and a Handheld Mobile Laser Scanner (Leica BLK2GO) over the same forest plots. Additionally, manual measurements were conducted to serve as ground truth data. The raw LiDAR data were processed to extract forest inventory parameters, including point-cloud classification, segmentation, and parameter extraction. The platforms were compared based on data accuracy, time efficiency, ease of use, and cost, with statistical analyses performed to evaluate the differences in measurements obtained from each platform against ground truth data. Preliminary results indicate that both LiDAR platforms can effectively capture forest inventory parameters, but with varying degrees of accuracy and efficiency. UAV LiDAR demonstrated high efficiency and coverage, particularly in capturing canopy structure. The handheld mobile laser scanner offered flexibility and detailed ground-level measurements, providing more information below the canopy, but was strongly affected by complex terrain. These technologies offer significant potential for creating comprehensive 3D forest structure models, which are essential for future forest inventories in Greece and can aid in sustainable forest management.

3.11. Content of Lutetium in Wild Soil Mushrooms from Leicester City and Surroundings Areas in England

Antonio Peña-Fernández ^1,2, Manuel Higueras ³, María de los Ángeles Peña ⁴, Tiziana Sgamma ², Mark D. Evans ², Gurminderjeet S Jagdev ², Carmen Lobo Bedmar ⁵

• Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
• Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.
• Scientific Computation & Technological Innovation Center (SCoTIC), Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño, Spain.
• Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
• Departamento de Investigación Agroambiental. IMIDRA. Finca el Encín, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 38.2, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.

Although the ingestion of and dermal contact with lutetium (Lu) has recently been measured in topsoils across Leicester (UK) and surrounding rural areas as low risk, this heavy rare earth element (HREE) was biomonitored in wild mushrooms.

A total of 106 mushrooms were collected from Leicester city and Bradgate Park. Species identification was confirmed by DNA barcoding. Lu was monitored by ICP-MS in cleaned/dried/homogenised mushrooms [LoD = 0.506 ng/g dry weight (dw)] and in topsoils collected in these areas; physicochemical properties and textures were also determined in topsoils using standard methods. The data were processed with NADA available in R software, owing to the censored values detected in mushrooms (60.8%).

Contrary to the distribution determined in topsoils [0.123 (0.069–0.162) vs. 0.117 (0.084–0.182); median and ranges, mg/kg], the levels of Lu were higher in mushrooms collected in the main urban area (median and ranges, in ng/g dw): 0.347 (0.285–293.837) vs. 0.196 (0.780–8.116). The content of Lu in topsoils would only have a small effect on the levels of Lu detected in mushrooms, which is supported by the lack of correlation found between mushrooms and topsoils (p-value = 0.506) and by the different physicochemical properties and soil textures monitored. This pattern is different to other HREEs studied in the same areas, which might be explained by an unknown appetence for Lu by the different local species of wild soil mushrooms collected. Lu also varied between major mushroom species collected (median or 95-percentile and range, in ng/g): Agaricus bitorquis [edible; 88.6% of censored values, 1.518 (0.798–6.715), Panaeolus foenisecii [poisonous; 1.740 (0.812–49.692)], and Mycena citrinomarginata [unclassified; 0.855 (0.285–10.351)]. Lu also seemed to show little appetence for wild edible species when comparing with non-edible.

Although our results should be considered as preliminary, in general, collecting local wild edible mushroom species in Leicestershire would represent a small risk for humans due to their content of lutetium.

3.12. Deforestation and Its Causes in the Department of Tolima, Colombia, Between 2015 and 2021

Uriel Pérez Gómez

• Universidad del Tolima

Tropical forests perform environmental functions at different scales, from the local to the global. As an action for the protection of forests, the dynamics of the disturbances that affect it should be analysed; for this reason, it is necessary to determine the degree of deforestation in the department of Tolima and the associated causes. The methodology used considers the integration of social perception with spatially explicit data models, which allowed the analysis of changes and deforestation at numerical, spatial, and temporal levels. As a first measure, an analysis of global changes, forest changes, and systematic and random transitions was carried out. Subsequently, deforestation was evaluated, based on a numerical estimate, followed by the determination of the causes of deforestation with the application of a spatial logistic regression model. The results indicate that the forest present in 2015 was reduced; however, in 2021, the forest acquired new areas, which entails a net increase. Finally, both social perception and the mathematical model agree that the causes of deforestation are more influenced by the expansion of agriculture and settlements. These results may be integrated into the planning and management process of the natural forest in the department through, for example, the forest management plan.

3.13. Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Conservation: Local Demands and Political Guidelines

Diaz-Maroto I.J.

• University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Biodiversity, i.e., the variety of all living beings, is a fundamental component of sustainable natural capital. It sustains and enables all the ecosystem goods and/or services which humanity needs and should value. At the same time biodiversity has irreplaceable value for our society. There is no doubt that there are important discrepancies between local demands and political guidelines with respect to the need to conserve biodiversity given its role in the well-being of society as established by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the 2030 Agenda. For this reason, it is essential to apply a common strategy capable of maintaining, improving and increasing current biodiversity. Under those circumstances, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), independent intergovernmental body, carries out periodic assessments about biodiversity and ecosystem services as well as their interrelationships. The scope is to assess the status and trends with respect to biodiversity and ecosystem services, the impact on human well-being and the effectiveness of the actions and plans performed. The state of ecosystem services is worrying in many regions and many essential services are expected to deteriorate and even be lost during the current century. Some recent research has related the results, effectiveness of actions and plans, to political needs, although its real influence is still very limited. Perhaps a strategy at a territorial level could facilitate cooperation between those countries with similar needs and problems, through the exchange of information and the common development of capabilities. This would guarantee the adoption of sustainable policies aimed at increasing the population’s well-being.

3.14. Effects of Landscape Homogenization on Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services

Diaz-Maroto I.J.

• University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The inter-relationships between populations, anthropogenic components of landscapes, the environment, and abiotic-biotic components of landscapes have a fundamental role both in the configuration and dynamics of landscapes. This aspect is of vital importance in landscapes subject to human influence, where social, economic, and ecological interactions, as well as feedback instruments, manage biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although it may seem unusual to us, biodiversity in cultural landscapes is sometimes greater than in natural landscapes, depending on the interaction between nature and human actions. In this frame of reference, traditional land-use practices in the northwest Iberian mountains have created a well-structured system controlled by seasonal cycles and human activity patterns. However, in recent decades, socioeconomic globalization has prompted complex changes in rural areas. Land abandonment has reduced open spaces and has brought about an increase in forest land or/and forestry systems, affecting both ecosystem services and biodiversity. Therefore, landscape homogenization results in a decrease in open habitats, an additional problem for the conservation of agropastoral activities, and an increased risk of destructive forest fires due to less fragmentation of forest areas. Their sustainability depends on traditional conservation: extensive grazing and suitable forest management. The environmental, cultural, and economic integration of agropastoral and forestry activities is vital to ensure the heterogeneity of landscapes, together with biodiversity and ecosystem services. Extensive grazing allowing a suitable livestock concentration in small areas avoids soil erosion and vegetation deterioration, increases mosaic diversity, and maintains open habitats. Selective felling is an economically viable and environmentally integrated silvicultural treatment that reduces forest fires by promoting landscape fragmentation.

3.15. Enabling Actions and Leverage Points for Governing Conifer Invasions in NW Patagonia

Pedro Laterra ^1,2, Melisa Blackhall ³, Jorgelina Franzese ⁴, Luciana Ghermandi ⁵, Sofía González ⁵, Jaime Moyano ⁶, Mario Pastorino ⁷, Flora Ue ⁸

• Fundación Bariloche—Av. Bustillo 9500, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Prov. Río Negro, Argentina
• CCT CONICET Patagonia Norte—Av. de los Pioneros 2350, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
• Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, (Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET), 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
• Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue), CONICET, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
• Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET, Pje. Gutiérrez 1415 R8400, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
• Grupo de Ecología de invasiones, INIBIOMA, (Universidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICET), 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
• Unidad de Genética Ecologíca y Mejoramiento Forestal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), EEA Bariloche, CC 277, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
• Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. E. Bustillo 9500, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina

Invasive conifers pose a significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and fire safety in Patagonian urban-natural interfaces. The Red PINOS partnership, a transdisciplinary initiative established in 2021, aims to develop a robust governance framework for managing conifer invasions in Bariloche department, Argentina. The initiative employs a two-pronged approach: identifying and implementing leverage points, to shift system dynamics toward a less invaded and invasible state, and taking short-term enabling actions to facilitate the implementation of these leverage points.

This study focuses on systematizing the experience gained by Red PINOS regarding enabling actions, while also providing a comprehensive overview of the ongoing discussions surrounding alternative leverage points for managing conifer invasions. Ultimately, this research seeks to improve governance for invasive species management in the region.

Using a participatory multi-criteria evaluation (MCE), stakeholders engaged at Red PINOS were asked to collaboratively assess ca. 30 intervention types based on criteria such as social acceptance, political and economic feasibility, flexibility, adaptability, data availability, research needs, short- and long-term impact, and systemic change potential, among others. The MCE identified promising interventions suitable for both enabling actions and types of leverage points, including public awareness campaigns, seedlings and adult tree removal in invaded areas, participatory mapping and monitoring programs, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting sustainable biomass utilization for both private interests and poverty alleviation. After two years of transdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholders recognized that a combination of short- and long-term goals, coupled with progressive community engagement and institutional changes, is key to driving sustainable change.

In conclusion, this research highlights the value of considering both enabling actions and leverage points for effective invasive species management. The two-pronged and participatory approach employed, offers a model for other research-action initiatives addressing the identification of short and long-term intervention strategies to tackle complex environmental and social challenges.

3.16. Environmental Memetics: Exploring Public Perception of Invasive Conifers in NW Patagonia

Pedro Laterra ¹, Melina Zuliani ²

• Fundación Bariloche, Av. Bustillo 9500, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
• Fundación Bariloche—CONICET

Invasive exotic conifer species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and fire risk in various regions worldwide, including areas in northwest Patagonia, Argentina. The Red PINOS partnership, established in 2021, brings together NGOs, scientific institutions, and government bodies to develop participatory governance strategies to mitigate the impacts of invasive conifer species like Pinus contorta, P. radiata, and Pseudotsuga menziesii in Bariloche and its surroundings.

Based on memetics and the spreading activation theories about how cultural traits evolve over time, we are exploring the public perception of these invasive pines in Bariloche by analyzing citizens’ memes as words associated with pine forests. A total of 106 face-to-face surveys were conducted during the austral winter of 2023, targeting key public areas within the city. Respondents were presented with images of invasive pine encroachment and a Red PINOS poster promoting citizen participation and asked for the first five words elicited by them.

Results show that while “greenness” and “natural” were the most common memes associated with pines (31% and 27% of responses, respectively), “invasion” and “non-native” received negligible responses (5% and 1%). Notably, despite the significant scientific knowledge locally available and the strong impact of exotic conifer invasions in the region, 82% reported no prior knowledge about the environmental impacts of pines. Despite this lack of awareness, 55% of respondents expressed a high to very high level of adherence to the call for citizen participation in the second image showing the Red PINOS poster.

This study, while preliminary, highlights a critical gap in public knowledge about invasive conifers, suggesting a need for greater public awareness campaigns and participatory management strategies to effectively address this growing threat in northwest Patagonia. It also reveals a positive potential for a shift in perception through targeted outreach and engagement efforts.

3.17. Facts Speak Louder than Words: An Environmentalist Message Against the Invasion of Pine Trees Through Citizen Participation in Manual Removal Campaigns

Mario Juan Pastorino ¹, Melisa Blackhall ², Cecilia Nuñez ³, Sofía González ², Florencia Uehara ⁴, Luciana Ghermandi ², Pedro Laterra ^5,6

• Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, EEA Bariloche, IFAB (INTA—CONICET)
• Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (CONICET-UNComa)
• Administración de Parques Nacionales, Dirección Regional Patagonia Norte
• Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Centro atómico Bariloche, Sección Protección Ambiental
• Fundación Bariloche
• CCT CONICET Patagonia Norte

The spread of invasive pines from productive plantations is one of the main environmental problems in Argentine northern Patagonia. This not only threatens biodiversity but also increases the risk of forest fires in natural–urban interface areas. However, the gradual nature of the invasion often leads to its being perceived as a natural process, and therefore, community education is necessary to understand the problem. In 2021, a group of scientific researchers, forest managers and environmentalists from Bariloche founded the Red PINOS partnership to self-organize the local community for participatory governance of this problem. The defined strategy centrally includes carrying out pine removal campaigns with publicly summoned volunteers. So far, we have conducted two campaigns (November 2022 and February 2023) at a pilot site of 7 hectares in a central area of Bariloche, located on the access road to the most important ski center in South America. This area, a multi-specific low forest, is invaded by Pinus sylvestris, P. contorta, P. ponderosa, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Over the two campaigns, 12,965 pine trees up to 1.5 m tall were manually removed with the participation of 34 volunteers within two hours each time (an average of 195.5 pine trees per person). These events were used to raise awareness about the issue of invasions through social media (e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook) and local mass media (newspapers and radio), extending the environmental message to the entire community. Monitoring through transects carried out in March 2024 showed the persistence of pine trees below 30 cm, highlighting the importance of seed tree removal and ongoing monitoring to prevent new seedlings and escapees. Thus, seed tree removal will represent the second stage of the intervention, requiring the involvement of public and private institutions for the use of machinery and waste management, which can be a by-product of economic value.

3.18. Forest Bathing: A Study in Três Picos State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

João Ricardo Assis Silva ¹, Alda Lúcia Heizer ², André Almeida Cunha ³

• Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute (JBRJ). R. Jardim Botânico, 1008—Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro—RJ, 22460-030. Brazil.
• Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (JBRJ). Rua Pacheco Leão, 915—Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro—RJ, 22460-030. Brazil
• Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Ecologia. Universidade de Brasília. Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Bloco E s/n 1º andar, UnB Instituto de Biologia—Administração—Asa Norte, DF, 70910-900. Brasil.

The influence of the forest environment on human populations is reflected in a series of aspects of its use as raw material to promote well-being, added to the traditional knowledge accumulated over generations. Among the new practices and approaches to the use of plants, which add to the growing practice of Forest Therapy, is Forest Bathing, or Shirin Yoku. This study seeks to identify new forms of interaction with the natural environment, discussing the dynamics of the means and purposes of using the forest to promote health. The aim is to evaluate the aforementioned therapeutic approach applied to the Atlantic Forest. The work aims to analyze the health and well-being benefits perceived by visitors in their use of the Jequitibá Trails in the Três Picos State Park in profile analyzes of mood states (POMS) in students and users of its trails. The mountainous region of the state of Rio de Janeiro served as the location for the installation of numerous environmental therapy institutions, even though it is not directly related to Forest Bathing, this study seeks to carry out a historical survey of the therapeutic use in the region as a therapeutic site still used today by the Navy Brazilian. Finally, we seek to offer subsidies that enable Forest Therapy to join the list of Complementary Integrative Practices in Health, following the trend of global research and public policies that increasingly add therapeutic value to forest environments.

3.19. Forest Biodiversity at Risk, and Rural and Peri-Urban Land Consumption

Celestina Fazia

• Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Enna “Kore” University Citadel—94100 Enna. Italy.

We often talk about urban land consumption in terms of an estimated loss of 19 hectares of natural soil per day, of which 15 square kilometers are permanent artificializations. We try to contain this with measures and regulatory rules. The areas most affected are metropolitan cities and coastal areas but also rural areas. Data pertaining to agricultural land consumption in some Italian regions, including Sicily, show that peri-urban land consumption increased by 2.7 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year (Ispra). The continuous transformation of soil causes serious damage to natural habitats by altering already delicate systems, increasing the risk of hydrogeological disruption and the loss of fertile and productive land. Consumption is causing the impairment of ecosystem services, damaging and minimizing them. Loss of biodiversity, changes in the carbon storage process by forests, and vulnerability related to environmental hazards and hydrogeological disruption are just some of the negative consequences of this phenomenon. The ability of communities and natural habitats to adapt and respond to change is being compromised, putting the long-term sustainability of peri-urban areas at risk. Addressing the problem of rural land consumption requires innovative and flexible strategies that take into account the complexity of social–ecological systems. The promotion of sustainable development practices, the protection of natural areas, and urban planning supported by precise regulations (think of Italian regional laws on the containment of land consumption, Veneto’s LR 14/2017, or those aimed at promoting urban regeneration interventions as a strategic alternative to new land consumption) are key to preserving the resilience of local communities and ensuring a sustainable future. These include implementing the “chain” of sustainability, helping to preserve the environment and natural resources with measures, new technologies, and eco-innovations for agriculture. Encouraging forms of rural tourism with a strong identity can counter forms of over-tourism.

3.20. Genome Downsize Insight into Plant Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study of Polyploid Morus spp.

RAJU MONDAL ¹, Dr. V. Nishitha Naik ¹, Dr. Manthira Moorthy ²

• CSB-Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSGRC), Hosur, Tamil Nady 635 109, India
• Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068, India

Biotechnological involvement in gene pool conservation is limited, particularly among natural polyploid tree species such as mulberry (Morus spp.), due to the diversity in genome sizes and the additional complexity imposed by heterozygosity. Plant performance may be greatly influenced by variations in the number, size, and structure of chromosomes. The current work has devised a step-by-step, cost-effective procedure for the chromosomal analysis of Morus spp. shoot tips. We identified various cytotypes of Morus spp. available at Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre (CSGRC), Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India, including diploid (2n = 2x = 28), aneuploid (2n = 2x = 30), triploids (2n = 3x = 42), tetraploids (2n = 4x = 56), hexaploidy (2n = 6x = 84), and decasoploidy (2n = 22x = 308). Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis was performed to confirm the genome size of highly polyploid species such as M. tiliaefolia Makino. (2n = 6x = 84; ~1188.83 Mbp), M. serrata Roxb. (2n = 6x = 84; ~1386.32 Mbp), and slow-growing phenotype M. nigra L. (2n = 22x = 308; ~4239.86 Mbp). This study identified considerable genome downsize in decosaploid M. nigra L. (1Cx, ~353.25 ± 07.23). Furthermore, morpho-anatomical, physiological, and biochemical traits were estimated for the selected 50 accessions, considering all cytotypes. Overall, current research suggests that over episodes of polyploidization and selection pressure, factors like the growth rate, genome size, and nutritional constraints enforced not only reduce the genome size but also restrict the growth (slow-growing) of polyploid mulberry. As a consequence, immediate attention is necessary to understand the structural and functional implications for polyploid conservation, particularly in tree species of wild origin.

3.21. Identyfing Suitable Thinning Areas in Pure Stands of Scots and Maritine Pine Through Sentinel-2 Imagery and LiDAR

José Carlos Porto Rodríguez, Ángela Blázquez Casado

• Fundación Centro de Servicios y Promoción Forestal de Castilla y León (CESEFOR). Calle C, 42005 Soria, Spain

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris Linneo) and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) forests are essential to the local economy in the province of Soria (Spain). Thus, regeneration care through thinning is key, not only from a silvicultural point of view, but also in terms of wildfire prevention. However, this operation incurs costs for forest owners. The availability of high-precision technologies such as LiDAR and high upgradability such as satellite imagery provide an excellent opportunity to automate the location of these areas suitable for thinning and therefore reducing costs. Free national LiDAR data are available for the year 2010, whereas Sentinel-2 obtains images every 3–5 days. Given this, the National Forest Inventory (2019) was used to identify plots that meet the conditions for applying thinning: pure stands of Scots or maritime pines where at least 80% of trees range between 0 and 5 meters’ height or between 5 and 9 meters’ height with a density above 1000 trees/hectare. In this way, the Sentinel 2 and LiDAR variables were used to create an automatic classification model using the random forest algorithm. The model was extrapolated on the area of the Spanish Forest Map established as monospecific stands of Scots pine and maritime pine. As a result, an updated map of the areas suitable for thinning in the province of Soria was obtained. The validation of the results showed a producer’s and user’s accuracy of 62% and 76%, respectively, for the Scots pine and of 66% and 75%, respectively, for the maritime pine. In conclusion, this map can be considered as a tool that facilitates the location of thinning areas.

3.22. Influence of Different Pre-Sowing Seed Treatments on the Germination and Growth Performance of Sida cordifolia Linn

Varsha Pandey, Hari Om Saxena, Anil Kumar Yadav

• ICFRE-Tropical Forest Research Institute Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Non Wood Forest Division, Silviculture, Forest Management and Agroforestry Division, ICFRE-Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Pin code-482021, India

Sida cordifolia is an erect, branched, annual or rarely perennial woody, undershrub with stellately pubescent aerial parts, up to 1 m high belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is locally called as Bala. It grows as a weed on roadsides and waste places in tropical and sub-tropical regions throughout India. The annual demand of S. cordifolia is 1000–2000 MT. This study was carried out to determine the effects of different pre-sowing seed treatments on the germination and growth performance of Sida cordifolia. The seeds were collected from healthy and vigorous plants growing in natural populations of Anuppur Forest division, Madhya Pradesh India. The experiments were conducted in NWFP nursery of ICFRE—TFRI, Jabalpur. The following treatments were used:T₁ (control) T₂ (cold water) T₃ (hot water), T₄ (20% sulphuric acid), T₅ (conc. sulphuric acid), T₆ (mechanical scarification), T₇ (mechanical scarification + GA 100 ppm), T₈ (mechanical scarification + GA 500 ppm), T₉ (0.2% potassium nitrate), T₁₀ (2% thiourea), T₁₁ (30% hydrogen peroxide), T₁₂ (cow milk), T₁₃ (cow urine) and T₁₄ (kinetin 500 ppm). Experiments were performed with 14 treatments and 3 replications in completely randomized design. Days to initiate germination, final germination, and germination % were determined as germination indices. Root and shoot length, vigour index, fresh and dry weight were evaluated as growth factors. The results revealed that various pre sowing seed treatments affected significantly the seed germination process. Initiation of germination was shown earlier in T₄ in 7 days where as late germination was found in T₁. The maximum germination percentage was recorded in T₄ (79.71%) which was significantly superior over other treatments whereas lowest (12%) was recorded in T₁. The highest root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and vigour index was found in T₅. The results revealed that seeds pre-treated with T₄ showed the better germination and better-quality seedlings of S. cordifolia.

3.23. Is Forest Fragmentation Enhancing Natural Hybridization in Neotropical Epidendrum Orchids?

Mariana Coelho ¹, Lorena Riofrío ², Carlos Naranjo ², David Draper ³, Isabel Marques ¹

• Forest Research Centre, Associate Laboratory TERRA, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal.
• Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Loja, Ecuador.
• Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.

Fragmented forests often experience altered environmental conditions that can change species’ behaviours and ranges, potentially leading to new hybridization opportunities. In some cases, hybridization can be beneficial, providing a genetic rescue effect for small, isolated populations by introducing new genetic material, increasing genetic diversity, and enhancing the population’s ability to adapt to changing conditions. Conversely, hybridization can lead to outbreeding depression or even genetic swamping of parental species. Epidendrum orchids, a diverse genus in the neotropics, frequently hybridize in nature. Hybridization in this genus can be facilitated by their generalist pollination strategies, where multiple pollinator species visit the flowers. Natural hybrids among Epidendrum species have been observed in regions where their ranges overlap, with divergent evolutionary outcomes. In this study, we address if natural hybridization between two species of Epidendrum (E. calanthum and E. cochilidium) is more frequent in fragmented sites than in well-conserved forest patches. Morphometrics, plastid and AFLP markers, confirmed the presence of hybrids between the two species in seven out of eighteen samples. The hybrids exhibit a wide range of morphological traits including different colours, often blurring species discrimination. Undisturbed populations generally showed a lower number of hybrids, or only parental species. Establishing continuous monitoring of orchid populations and research on hybridization patterns would provide valuable insights into the dynamics of hybridization and inform conservation actions.

3.24. Methodological Bases for Predicting Siberian Moth Outbreaks in Dark Coniferous Forests of Central Siberia

Svetlana Sultson, Andrey Goroshko, Pavel Михайлoвна Mikhailov, Denis Александрoвич Demidko, Olga Slinkina, Natalia Khizhniak

• Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology, 660037 Krasnoyarsk, Russia

The Siberian moth Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetverikov (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is a significant threat to the taiga forest ecosystem in Siberia. It has already caused extensive damage to forests dominated by Siberian fir Abies sibirica, Siberian spruce Picea obovata, and Siberian pine Pinus sibirica (also known as dark-coniferous taiga). Evergreen trees are unable to tolerate severe defoliation, which ultimately leads to their death.

The current insect pest monitoring system fails to provide the necessary tools for the timely implementation of measures aimed at eliminating the outbreak at its earliest stage.

The objective of the present study was to refine the forest pathology monitoring system by developing a spatial model to predict the primary areas of the Siberian moth outbreak in dark-coniferous stands of Central Siberia.

The methodological approach to the spatial modelling of Siberian moth outbreak areas is based on an understanding of the ecology of the pest, the characteristics of site conditions and landform, and remote sensing data. The algorithm was developed through a retrospective analysis of previous outbreaks.

The model facilitates the identification of at-risk areas within the dark coniferous forests, which require close monitoring. The map provides an illustrative representation of the potential outbreak areas. The forecast model’s overall accuracy is estimated at 75%. Nevertheless, the accuracy of this figure is contingent upon the specific set of predictors and the extent of the area in question.

The research yielded a model of spatial distribution that may be used for forecasting the primary outbreak areas of the Siberian moth.

The research was carried out within the framework of the project “Methodological bases for assessment of forest pathology risks in southern Central Siberia” (№ FEFE-2024-0016) under the state order of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russia for implementation by the Scientific Laboratory of Forest Health.

3.25. Natural Hybridization Between Chaetogastra longifolia and C. campii (Melastomataceae)

Xavier Rojas Ruilova ¹, Isabel Marques ²

• Universidad Nacional de Loja (UNL), Ciudad Universitaria “Ing. Guillermo Falconí Espinosa”, 110103 Loja, Ecuador.
• Forest Research Centre, Associate Laboratory TERRA, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal.

The neotropical region, encompassing the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and extending from southern Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to South America, is known for its high biodiversity and complex ecosystems. Natural hybridization might have played an important role in shaping such biodiversity, but studies focused on understanding its influence are still scarce when compared with other regions of the World. Yet, understanding the mechanisms and consequences of hybridization is essential for effective conservation and management of these diverse ecosystems. In this study, we aimed to detect the presence of natural hybridization between Chaetogastra longifolia (Vahl) DC. and Chaetogastra campii (Wurdack) P.J.F.Guim. & Michelang. (formerly included in Tibouchina). Previous ecological studies have suggested the possibility of gene flow between them due to the existence of individuals with conflicting morphological traits in sympatric populations where the two species occurred. To achieve this, forty-eight samples of the two species of Chaetogastra, including putative hybrids, were analysed through plastid DNA sequencing results and taxon-specific amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fragment distribution analysis. The results confirmed the hybrid nature of all putative hybrids. The AFLP patterns of most hybrids demonstrated a closer relationship to C. campii, suggesting hybridization to be asymmetric with this species more often used as a maternal progenitor of hybrids. Some individuals collected as pure were also revealed to be of hybrid origin, indicating the possibility of backcrosses with parental species. Future studies should focus on understanding the ecological and evolutionary outcomes occurring after hybridization, as well as the existence of natural hybrids between other species of Chaetogastra.

3.26. Quantifying Potential Organic Carbon in Mangrove Soils: A Machine Learning Approach to Improve Conservation Efforts in the Colombian Pacific Coast

ADRIANA MARTINEZ ARIAS ¹, Iván Felipe Benavides ², Angela Inés Guzmán ³, John Josephraj Selvaraj ⁴

• Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Palmira-Faculty of Engineering and Administration, Department of Engineering-Hydrobiological Resources Research Group, Avenue 32 No. 12—00, Palmira, Postal Code 763533, Colombia.
• Northeastern University-Sustainable Data Sciences Laboratory, Roux Institute, MA 02115, United States
• Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Palmira-Faculty of Engineering and Administration, Department of Engineering-Hydrobiological Resources Research Group, avenue 32 No. 12—00, Palmira, Postal Code 763533, Colombia.
• Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Tumaco—Institute of Pacific Studies, kilometer 30-31 Cajapí Vía Nacional Tumaco-Pasto, Tumaco, 528514, Colombia

Mangrove ecosystems, often referred to as “blue carbon”, play a significant role in storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. However, human-induced activities are endangering their carbon sequestration potential, particularly along the Pacific coast of Colombia. This study aims to quantify carbon stocks in mangrove soils along the Colombian Pacific coast. This quantification will serve as a foundation for monitoring potential future changes in these stocks due to regional transformations. Data from multispectral sensors, including Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2A, from 2014 to 2021 were integrated using a machine learning (ML) methodology. The efficacy of the model was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R²) and root mean square error (RMSE). The extreme gradient-boosted regression model (XGBoost) applied to the Landsat 8 dataset yielded optimal values of R² = 0.825 and RMSE = 1.748 Mg C ha⁻¹ for soil organic carbon (SOC). According to the model, the estimated SOC content varied from 0.524 Mg C ha⁻¹ at a depth of 0–15 cm to 263.2 Mg C ha⁻¹ at depths ranging from 50–100 cm within the mangrove forests. The results underscore the importance of machine learning and remote sensing as effective tools for establishing a rapid and reliable reference base. This will enable the prioritization of conservation efforts related to soil resources in mangrove ecosystems.

3.27. Spatiotemporal Patterns of Global Tropical Forest Loss Before and After 2015 and Its Implications for Mitigation, Biodiversity Conservation, and Disaster Risk Reduction

Ronald C. Estoque

• Center for Biodiversity and Climate Change, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Japan

Tropical forests provide a multitude of ecosystem services, such as maintaining global biodiversity by providing habitats for countless species. They also play a pivotal role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon and serving as carbon sinks while also aiding adaptation efforts through nature-based solutions. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of tropical forest loss and its implications for both ecosystems and human communities is essential for guiding effective conservation and sustainable development strategies. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the urgent need to halt deforestation and reduce the degradation of natural habitats. Similarly, the Paris Agreement highlights the importance of conserving and enhancing sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases, including forests. Approximately a decade has passed since the adoption of these significant global initiatives in 2015, prompting questions about whether there has been a change in the trend of global tropical forest loss. To address this issue, this study examines the spatiotemporal patterns of global tropical forest loss before and after 2015 using publicly available, spatially explicit data. It investigates whether tropical forest loss has slowed down or accelerated and whether it has been moving away from or toward areas with high potential for climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and disaster (landslide) risk reduction.

3.28. Taxonomic Diversity of Diatoms in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India

P B Bibina ¹, V B Sreekumar ²

• Ph. D Scholar, Forest botany department, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi
• Principal Scientist, Forest botany department, KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi

Diatoms are unicellular organisms, they occur either as solitary cells or in colonies. Diatoms have two distinct shapes: a few centric diatoms and most pennate diatoms, they are surrounded by a cell wall made of silica. The present study tries to account for the diversity of Diatoms in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, a protected area situated in the biodiversity hotspot of Western Ghats, India. The study was carried out over a period of one year, from October 2022 to September 2023 in three seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon) from the freshwater resources within the sanctuary like rivers, reservoirs, and ponds. The surface water samples were collected in plastic containers with the help of a plankton net of mesh size 20 µm, samples were fixed in 4% formalin for permanent preservation and detailed identification. Diatom specimens were photographed and identified based on relevant published literature. Bacillariophycean members are difficult to identify, so a clearing process is applied using concentrated nitric acid and permanent slides were prepared using naphrax mounting medium. Scanning electron microscopy is also done for morphology analysis. The current study identified a total of sixty-one taxa, which are distributed under 26 genera. Obtained genera were Achnanthidium (1), Amphora (3), Aulacoseira (1), Caloneis (2), Cocconeis (2), Cyclotella (1), Cymbella (3), Diploneis (1), Encyonema (3), Eunotia (3), Fragilaria (1), Gomphonema (4), Gyrosigma (1), Hantzchia (1), Luticola (1), Melosira (1), Navicula (10), Neidium (2), Nitzschia (9), Pinnularia (4), Planothidium (1), Pleurosigma (1), Rhopalodia (1), Surirella (2), Ulnaria (1), Stauroneis (1). The species Gyrosigma scalproides (Rabenhorst) Cleve and Nitschia irremissa Cholnocky are found to be new reports to Kerala. This is the first study available with regard to the diversity of diatoms in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

3.29. The Distribution and Population Structure of the Coffee Wild Relative Coffea racemosa in Southern and Central Mozambique

Lopes Mavuque ^1,2, Ivete Maquia ², Isabel Marques ³, Ana Isabel Ribeiro-Barros ^3,4

• Universidade Lúrio, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Campus de Unango, EN733 km42 Unango, 3003 Niassa, Mozambique.
• Biotechnology Center, Eduardo Mondlane University, Km 1.5, P.O. Box 3453, Maputo, Mozambique.
• Forest Research Center (CEF) & Associate Laboratory TERRA, School of Agriculture (ISA), Universidade de Lisboa (UL), Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal.
• Unidade de Geobiociências, Geoengenharias e Geotecnologias (GeoBioTec), Faculdade de Ciência

Increasing and challenging environmental pressures are threatening coffee cultivation worldwide. One of the key strategies to mitigate the impact of such pressures is to incorporate crop wild relatives in the value chain. However, this is often restrained by the lack of knowledge concerning basic features, such as the number and type of wild populations, or current threats. To fill this gap in coffee cultivation, we studied the population structure and threats of Coffea racemosa Lour., a wild relative of the two principal traded species, Coffea arabica L. and C. canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner. Coffea racemosa is native from Mozambique, and is resilient to drought and most coffee pests. It also has a low caffeine level, with a high market potential as an alternative to coffee consumers who are caffeine-sensitive. Therefore, it is considered a good candidate to be used in future breeding programs. However, the current distribution of this species in Mozambique and the factors that might threaten its sustainable use are unknown. In this study, we searched for the occurrence of C. racemosa to understand how the species is distributed in Mozambique and how populations are demographically structured. Considering the scenario of high forest fragmentation in Mozambique, we specifically addressed if (1) populations vary between fragmented patches and conserved forests; (2) natural regeneration is occurring; and (3) habitat fragmentation is affecting the population’s demographic structure. Our results show a demographic populational structure that is stratified into large, medium, and small trees and seedlings, with the latter mostly being found in conserved forests. In contrast, no seedlings or small or large trees were found in the small city patches, which were only composed of medium trees. Overall, there was no evidence of regeneration in small patches. These first insights are essential for the conservation and management of C. racemosa in Mozambique.

3.30. The First Checklist of Basidiomycetes Macrofungi Diversity in Constantine Forests, Algeria

Roukia Zatout

• Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Nature and Life, University of Blida 1, Algeria

Macrofungi play diverse roles in ecosystems, serving as nutritional sources and finding applications in biotechnology, medicine, and ecology. Most of these macrofungi belong to the basidiomycete group, characterized by their production of large fruiting bodies that are visible to the naked eye. These fungi can be categorized based on their ecological relationships as saprophytes, parasites, and symbiotic species. The forests of Algeria are known for their rich diversity of macrofungi; however, the diversity of macrofungi in the Constantine region remains poorly understood. This study aims to identify macrofungal diversity in two forests in Constantine, Algeria.

Macrofungi typically begin to appear following the first fall rain. Surveys were conducted in the Djebel el Ouahch and Chettaba forests over two years (2017–2018). Fungal fruiting bodies were systematically collected and photographed for identification purposes, focusing on macroscopic characteristics such as shape, color, cap and stipe features, and spore morphology. A total of 90 species of macrofungi (Basidiomycota) were identified during the study period. The most represented families included Agaricaceae, Amanitaceae, Auriculariaceae, Boletaceae, Bolbitiaceae, Coprinaceae, Gasteromycetaceae, Gloeophyllaceae, Hydnangiaceae, Hymenochaetaceae, Phallaceae, Psathyrellaceae, Polyporaceae, Steccherinaceae, Stereaceae, Russulaceae, Tapinellaceae, Tricholomataceae, and Tubariaceae.

This study provides foundational data on the diversity of macrofungi in Constantine forests, offering a basis for further research and educational purposes.

3.31. The Impact of Climate Change as a Criterion for Degradation in a Forest-Dominated Tropical Watershed

PJ Jainet ^1,2, P Athira ¹, KP Sudheer ^3,4,5

• Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad 678 557, India.
• KSCSTE—Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Calicut, 673 571, India.
• Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600 036, India.
• Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
• Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment, Thiruvananthapuram 695 004, India.

One of the main causes of the degradation of forest systems and the ecosystem services that they provide is climate change. It is anticipated that tropical forests will be especially susceptible to this. Understanding the impact of climate change on forest systems requires analysis over a considerable period of time and evaluation at specific intervals. In the southern western Ghats of India, a watershed with approximately 75% forest cover was the subject of a 50-year study (1970–2020), aimed at assessing the impacts of climate change using bio-climatic variables as indicators. A 30-year moving average window, encompassing the years 1970–2000, 1975–2005, 1980–2010, 1985–2015, and 1990–2020, was used to examine the influence of climate change. The study area was divided grid-wise (0.25 degrees), considering the resolution of the available input data for conducting the analysis. The changes in forest cover and forest carbon stock were analyzed as forest degradation indicators to verify the impacts of climate change on forest degradation.

The results highlight a considerable increase in the impact of climate change on forest systems. In conclusion, the impact of climate change can be considered a forest degradation criterion, and bioclimatic variables are effective indicators of it. This analysis will help prepare forest management strategies and formulate mitigation plans in the context of climate change.

3.32. The Mycorrhizal Relationship Between Maritime Pine and Aleppo Pine with Four Species of Higher Fungi of the Genera Suillellus and Suillus in the Ghazaouet Littoral, Northwestern Algeria

Mimoune SOUNA ¹, Tarik Mohammed Chaouche ², Choukri TEFIANI ³, Rachid Azzi ⁴, Salim Habi ⁵

• Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, 13000, Algeria
• Natural Products Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
• Laboratory of Functional Agrosystems & Technologies of Agronomic Sectors. Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, Algeria
• Laboratory Antibiotic, Antifungal, Physico-Chemistry, Synthesis and Biological Activity, University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, Algeria, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000
• Laboratory of Physiology, Physiopathology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria

Fungi are both allies and rivals of plants, and some are involved in plant symbiosis. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations contracted by plant roots with the mycelium of a number of mushrooms for mutual benefit. They are essential for 80% of rooted plants, helping them absorb mineral elements, improve nutrition, and resist water stress. Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) belong to the Pinaceae family and are two-needled conifers. The former is characterized by its rapid growth to 30 m, and it is a light species known to be thermophilic and requires heat and humidity. The latter also has a remarkable drought tolerance. This study focuses on contributing to the determination of fungal species that live symbiotically with maritime pine and Aleppo pine along the Ghazaouet coastline, using surveys conducted during 2021 and 2022, in which we collected under maritime pine and Aleppo pine in the proximity of 2 to 5 m and sampled natural mycorrhizal roots. Identification was based on morphological characteristics, with recognition of macroscopic keys (shape; cap; tubular hymenophores and their organization; internal coating and structure of the foot; color and texture of the flesh; veil and ring) and microscopic observation of spores and fungal structures in the fresh state, using reagents such as Lugol and Melzer. Sections of the mycorrhizae were mounted in cotton blue and observed under a photonic microscope. Four species of basidiomycetes were determined, belonging to four genera: Suillellus luridus, Suillus granulatus, S. mediterraneensis, and S. bovinus. Mycorrhization plays a vital role in the dynamics and survival of forest ecosystems.

3.33. Using YOLOv8 for Interpreting Survey Data of High Spatial Resolution in the Visible Spectrum Range

Viktor M. Sidorenkov ¹, Iuliia S. Achikolova ², Oleg V. Ryabtsev ¹, Dmitry Yu. Kapitalinin ³

• All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry (VNIILM)
• All-Russian Research Institute for Silviculture and Mechanization of Forestry
• Forestry Department for the Central Federal District, Pushkino, Russia

The development of artificial intelligence systems allows the application of a set of technical vision algorithms to solve issues of deciphering high spatial resolution optical survey data obtained from various types of drones. This study aims to develop a technology for recognizing objects in logging sites. The study objects were cutting areas of varying intensity logging. The visible-range survey data from a DJI Mavic 3 were investigated. The You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8) model was applied as a computer vision algorithm, an advanced solution in the field of technical vision due to the high speed and accuracy of recognizing various objects in images. The neural network was trained on objects: growing trees, species composition, areas for storing logs, assortments, logging residues, and soil damage. Data labeling was implemented using the Label Studio software product, and the network was trained in the Python environment. The models available in YOLOv8 have five levels of image processing, which determine the accuracy of object detection and processing time. The level of processing is determined experimentally by the accuracy of object recognition for a specific task. All five models were tested to find the best solution for identifying various objects in the forest. The study results showed acceptable accuracy in identifying growing trees, classifying tree species composition, and determining storage locations for logging residues, stacks, and logs.

3.34. Variation of Plant Species Diversity Along an Altitudinal Gradient in a Subtropical Pine Forest, Swat, Pakistan

Bilal Ahmad, Naveed Alam

• Institute of Forest Sciences, University of Swat, Charbagh 19120, Pakistan

This study investigates plant species diversity patterns in a Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest along an altitudinal gradient in the Karakar Valley, Swat, Pakistan, covering an area of 97,339 hectares around Karakar village at 1336 m above sea level.

Field studies were conducted across various high-altitude regions to assess plant species diversity, composition, and richness along slopes and altitudinal gradients within four forest management units (compartments). Data were collected systematically from 39 plots using a systematic sampling technique along transects: 30 × 30 m² plots for tree species, 5 × 5 m² plots for shrubs, and 1 × 1 m² plots for herbs.

Results indicate a significant decline in tree species diversity with increasing altitude, especially in Compartment 36, compared to Compartment 37, which shows an increase in species diversity with altitude. Compartment 48 exhibits a less pronounced increase in diversity with elevation. Shrub species density per hectare consistently decreases across all compartments, indicating a decline in shrub diversity with elevation. In contrast, herbaceous plant species diversity increases with altitude in all compartments, except for a notable decrease at higher elevations in Compartment 48.

Tree species diversity, measured by the Simpson index, shows an overall decline, while the Shannon index indicates an increase. The Margalef index highlights general trends in tree species diversity. Shrub species diversity trends upward according to the Simpson index but downward according to the Shannon and Margalef indices. Herbaceous species diversity increases in all regions, corroborated by all three diversity indices.

This study underscores the importance of conserving Chir pine forests. The findings provide critical insights for sustainable land use planning and biodiversity conservation in the Karakar Valley and similar ecosystems. The study advocates for the protection of natural habitats to preserve native species diversity and emphasizes active community participation in conservation efforts.

3.35. Virtual Constellation of Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope Satellites to Monitor Forest Ecosystems

Federico Filipponi ¹, Francesco Zucca ²

• Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG), National Research Council (CNR), Strada Provinciale 35d 9, Montelibretti (RM), 00010, Italy
• Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy

Earth observation capacity, used to monitor forest ecosystems and characterize forest disturbances using satellite Earth observation data, has improved over the past few years, with the development of many algorithms that exploit dense time series at high spatial resolutions. In particular, a significant contribution to land monitoring is offered by Copernicus Sentinel-2 and cubesat satellite constellations, whose high revisit frequency, observation scenario, and guaranteed continuity have encouraged the development of operational monitoring services, also supporting sustainable ecosystem management. In particular, PlanetScope satellite constellation, consisting of more than 200 cubesat satellites, is able to image all Earth land nearly with daily frequency. Virtual constellations of satellites, integrating multiple sensors, allow for the generation of denser vegetation indices using a time series, helping to improve vegetation time trajectories, augment phenology estimation accuracy, and consequently enhance the monitoring capacity of forest ecosystems.

This research study compared and integrated a time series of various vegetation indices calculated from satellite Earth observation acquisitions over forest areas from Sentinel-2 MSI and PlanetScope DOVE and SuperDove satellite sensors. Time series were used to estimate phenological metrics and monitor the post-fire vegetation recovery of forest located at distinct phytoclimatic belts. Technical issues related to the use of virtual constellations of satellites, like radiometric normalization and spatial co-registration, were evaluated and discussed.

Results indicate that the exploitation of the medium-term time series of vegetation indices estimated from satellite data is a suitable tool that can be used to identify, describe, and monitor vegetation post-fire dynamics in ecosystems disturbed by wildfires. This research study demonstrates the ability of virtual satellite constellations to strengthen forest monitoring, highlighting the suitability of proposed approaches to develop operational services for supporting forests ecosystems surveillance, especially under climate change scenarios, supporting sustainable ecosystem management.

4. Section 3: Climate Smart Forestry and Forest Innovations

4.1. Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensing for Climate-Resilient Precision Forestry Management

Vidya Padmakumar, Murugan Shanthakumar

• EcoDiversity Lab, PO Box 532, New Hazelton, BC, Canada V0J 2J0

The need for innovative technologies in sustainable forest management is evident in the face of the escalating challenges posed by climate change and deforestation. This study introduces an approach combining artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing techniques to transform precision forestry management for enhanced climate resilience. By harnessing AI algorithms to scrutinize data sets sourced from satellite imagery, drones, and IoT sensors, stakeholders can make well-informed real-time decisions to optimize forest health, biodiversity preservation, and carbon sequestration potential. The methodology involves using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to analyze satellite imagery for identifying forest cover changes with an accuracy rate of 92%. Drone-based LIDAR data are employed to assess canopy structure and biomass, providing detailed 3D models that have a margin of error as low as 5%. IoT sensors deliver ground-level data on soil moisture, temperature, and other critical parameters at an update frequency of every 15 min, ensuring timely data collection. These diverse data streams are seamlessly integrated through a machine learning platform that offers predictive analytics and visualization tools. This platform enables forest managers to monitor ecosystem health proactively, with predictive models achieving up to 87% accuracy in forecasting potential disturbances. Results from pilot implementations in diverse forest ecosystems, including temperate, tropical, and boreal forests, demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. In a year-long pilot in a tropical forest, illegal logging activities were reduced by 40%, while response times for the early detection of wildfires improved by 30%. Biodiversity indices showed a 15% improvement due to targeted conservation efforts guided by AI-driven insights. By synergizing advanced technologies, this inventive solution not only optimizes forest management practices but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future for our forests amidst environmental adversities. The integration of AI and remote sensing in precision forestry management represents a significant step towards achieving climate-resilient forests and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

4.2. Challenges and Opportunities for India’s Carbon Forestry in a Dynamic ‘Climate Change Supermarket’

Lokesh Chandra Dube ^1,2, Sudipto Chatterjee ³

• TERI School of Advanced Studies (past)
• The Gold Standard Foundation (current)
• The Nature Conservancy, India

Market-based mechanisms assist in the abatement of excessive greenhouse gas emissions. We had postulated earlier that carbon markets are evolving into a complex ‘climate change supermarket’. India is at the forefront of carbon forestry; however, the range of projects developed so far lacks versatility in terms of carbon pools, greenhouse gases, and intervention types. Based on the existing literature and field observations from two registered AR-CDM projects in Kashi and Mahoba forest divisions in Uttar Pradesh (India), questions were formulated for an expert survey. Through this survey of 43 experts, we assessed India’s potential to lead in forest-based carbon markets and examined how well-prepared the institutional framework in India is to adopt new market-based mechanisms in carbon forestry and identify areas where improvements are needed. The individual ranking of experts was converted to a scoring matrix using reverse scores. As per the sum of the reverse scores obtained, forest-dependent people were revealed to be the most crucial strength, followed by forest governance. About 42% of the experts did not consider the measurement, reporting, and verification arrangements to berobust. Around 35% of the experts thought that there is a probability of more than 50% that India can meet its forest-related NDC goal. Of the 43 respondents, 56% believed that this goal can be met if international support is available. Out of 43, a total of 25 experts (58%) believed that India is somewhat ready for a domestic carbon market, while 17 experts (40%) believed that India is not prepared. Of the total, 72% of the experts foresee India as a leading country in the event of international carbon markets revival as an implementation of the Paris Agreement progress.

4.3. Dendrochronological Study of Manilkara huberi (Ducke) A. Chev. (SAPOTACEAE) in a Upland Forest of Central Amazonia Using High-Frequency Densitometry

Luís Antônio de Pinto

• Department of Forestry Engineering, Itacoatiara Higher Studies Center (CESIT), Amazonas State University (UEA), Itacoatiara-Amazonas, 69.101-603, Brazil

This study evaluated the correlation of climatic variables with the chronology of a tree species, Manilkara huberi (Ducke) A. Chev. (Sapotaceae), from a upland forest in Central Amazonia. Samples were taken from a forest management area and analyzed using a dendrochronological technique, high-frequency densitometry. Instrumental climate data in the Amazon are insufficient to describe the natural variability of rainfall regimes and their association with major ocean–atmosphere interaction events. A dendroclimatic signal was found for Manilkara huberi, which forms annual growth rings as a consequence of the seasonality of rainfall. The annual growth rings of this species are indicated by an alternation of fiber and parenchyma with a band of distinct fibers marking its boundary and are macroscopically difficult to detect. In order to produce a reliable marker of the rings for Manilkara huberi, the technique of high-frequency densitometry was applied, an innovative method of measuring density variations in relation to the wood surface, in high resolution, using the dielectric properties of the wood. The indexed chronology showed a significant correlation with precipitation data from the study region, as well as with sea surface temperature anomalies from the Tropical North Atlantic and traditional El Niño regions. Close congruence was also found with Berlage’s chronology in Java, Indonesia, for the period between 1725 and 1929, despite a distance of more than 18,000 km between the two study regions. This can be explained by teleconnections between the two precipitation regimes, regional and ENOS, and also indicates the potential of dendrochronology, specifically high-frequency densitometry, as a powerful tool for obtaining information about past climatic conditions in the tropics using the annual growth rings of tree species.

4.4. Dynamic Models Applied in Paricá Production Optimization

Tais Medeiros Silva ¹, Joao Marcelo Brazao-Protazio ²

• Master’s student in the Postgraduate Program in Mathematics and Statistics (PPGME) at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Brazil.
• The Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Brazil

Paricá (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) is an alternative to reforestation efforts, especially in tropical regions. Its exceptional qualities make it an undeniably advantageous choice for forestry projects. Paricá is characterized by high-quality wood, fast growth, and a notable adaptability to different types of soil and climatic conditions. Furthermore, it demonstrates a natural resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful interventions. However, optimising forest management and ensuring the long-term sustainability of paricá plantations requires accurate tools for estimating production. Enter the ADA (Algebraic Difference Approach) and GADA (Generalized Algebraic Difference Approach) dynamic models. These powerful computational tools act as virtual laboratories, simulating individual tree growth and the overall dynamics of forest stands over time. By incorporating crucial information such as climate, soil composition, tree competition, and individual tree characteristics, the ADA and GADA models enable remarkably accurate yield predictions. These forecasts are particularly valuable because they consider multiple management scenarios, enabling forest managers to make informed decisions. With the knowledge obtained from the ADA and GADA models, forest managers can optimise harvest times, maximising productivity and minimising environmental impact. In addition to operational efficiency, these models play a vital role in assessing the economic viability of paricá reforestation projects. By providing reliable forecasts, they increase the sector’s attractiveness to potential investors, attracting much-needed capital for sustainable forestry practices. Building on this foundation, we will delve deeper into the world of dynamic models. We will present specific models based on the ADA/GADA methodology, developed and applied to data meticulously collected in paricá plantations subject to sustainable management practices in the Northern region of Brazil. Through this exploration, we aim to contribute not only to the sustainable development of our region but also to the well-being of Brazil as a whole.

4.5. Enhancing Carbon Sequestration and Ecological Practices: Examining the Function of Climate-Smart Forestry and Augmented Reality in Climate Change Mitigation

Aniket Rajesing Girase, Dr.Javesh Kashinath Patil, Devshree Yashwantbhai Patel, Harsha Vasudev Chaudhari

• Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, P.S.G.V.P. Mannal’s College of Pharmacy Shahada-425409, Dist-Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India

Climate-smart forestry (CSF) has recently emerged as a ‘hot topic’ in the U.S. forestry community. Forest development, the health benefits of forests, and other forest products and services are long-term goals. Finally, CSFs enable forests and communities to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Forests are considered an important part of the carbon cycle and play a key role in controlling, mitigating, and adapting to climate change. Poor forest management accounts for 17% of global carbon emissions. However, forests are likely to contribute approximately 10% of estimated global emissions between 2024 and 2050. Additionally, forest products continue to store carbon even after deforestation, and their shelf life varies depending on how long they have been used. CSF’s mission is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve forest management to achieve efficient and sustainable forest products and services. Afforestation and reforestation (AR) on marginal lands is a natural solution to climate change. There is a gap in understanding the potential of augmented reality for conservation and commercial use to influence forest management and the use of trees for climate change mitigation. Here, we summarize these differences to assess 100-year economic and conservation realities (known and new) across different cropping and thinning systems using quality of life and various survival measures. The new AR industry can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wood products (CLT) and biochar (3.73 × 3.69 GtCO₂e) over 100 years compared to the anti-AR industry (3.35 × 3.69 GtCO₂-eq.) and augmented reality. This resulted in a reduction of 4.15 Gt of CO₂ emissions, especially in the study area. Forests, which store more carbon than produce CO₂ (3.17 to 3.51 GtCO₂e), are cold and dry and have variable soil binding sites and CLT odors. In the short term (approximately 50 years), eliminating AR would lead to greater reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

4.6. Evaluating the Potential for Climate Change Mitigation Through Doubling the Area of Windbreak Plantations in Hungary

Eva Kiraly, Attila Borovics

• Forest Research Institute, University of Sopron, Várkerület 30/A, Sárvár H-9600, Hungary

The land use sector assumes a pivotal role in global efforts to combat climate change, particularly as outlined within the Paris Agreement, EU climate regulations, and overarching net zero targets. Agroforestry systems, by capitalizing on the interplay between trees and agricultural endeavors, offer numerous advantages, including carbon sequestration, soil preservation, and biodiversity enhancement. Windbreaks are integral components of Hungarian agricultural landscapes. An enhanced agroforestry subsidy system could positively influence windbreak expansion, highlighting the need to assess their carbon sequestration potential. As part of the ForestLab project at the University of Sopron, we study how agroforestry systems contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Building upon the work of Király, we evaluate the implications of doubling the windbreak plantation area in Hungary by projecting its total carbon sequestration and annual climate change mitigation potential up to 2050. For modeling purposes, we use the recently developed Windbreak module of the Forest Industry Carbon Model.

Our projections indicate that newly established windbreak plantations, covering 14,256 hectares, could sequester 913 kilotons of carbon by 2050. The average annual climate change mitigation potential of these plantations is estimated at 144 kilotons of CO₂ equivalent, with the majority of carbon sequestration occurring in the biomass pool. This potential represents 2% of the total annual carbon sequestration in the land use sector as reported by the Hungarian Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

Our findings emphasize that agroforestry practices can cultivate resilient and productive agricultural landscapes while contributing to national climate change mitigation efforts and sustainable development goals.

This article was made in frame of project TKP2021-NKTA-43, which has been implemented with support provided by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary from the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, financed under the TKP2021-NKTA funding scheme.

4.7. Exploring the Potential Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Forest Management Planning

Bibek Subedi, Shuva Hari Gautam, Luc LeBel

• Université Laval, Department of Wood and Forest Sciences, Pavillon Abitibi-Price, 2405, rue de la Terrasse, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
• FORAC Research Consortium, Université Laval, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
• Interuniversity Research Centre on Enterprise Networks, Logistics and Transportation (CIRRELT)

Forest management practices in recent times have evolved from focusing solely on timber production towards a more holistic approach incorporating ecological and social aspects. In order to support this movement, the Québec government has mandated and adopted a form of spatial organization termed COS (Spatial organization compartments). COS are subdivisions of the management unit designed to spatially aggregate a harvest area. The spatial aggregation of harvest areas ensures that the extent of the cut areas in the landscape is minimized, and it also reduces the amount of logging roads, thus reducing the complexity of forest operations. The delineation of COS is one of the first steps in management planning, and forest managers carry out this task manually. These units then become constraints for the calculation of Annual Allowable Cut (AAC). However, the boundaries obtained through manual delineation are rarely optimal. We propose a machine learning methodology combining the use of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Reinforcement Learning to partly automate the process. Initially, the stand level data of a forest is encoded into a network of edges and graphs, which is then fed through the GNN to obtain topology aware graphs. After obtaining the dynamic graph that was passed through the GNN, the problem of boundary delineation can be formulated as a Reinforcement Learning problem. The model features an interactive process where the planning agent observes the graph’s state, selects edges for optimal plans, receives rewards or penalties based on the guidelines set by the ministry, and the environment transitions based on the agent’s actions. This machine learning approach has significant implications in the adaptation towards climate change. It becomes particularly invaluable during the replanning stage when natural disturbances impact planned harvest blocks, necessitating the swift generation of alternative optimal solutions.

4.8. Influence of the Bioestimulant Larrea divaricata on the Quality of Neltuma alba Plants in Nursery

Gabriela Soledad Cordero Vega ¹, María Gracia Senilliani ², Analía del Valle Guzman ³, Ana Carolina Santacruz García ⁴, Gaston Villalba ⁵

• Facultad de Ciencias Forestales (FCF), Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero, CP 4200, Argentina.
• Instituto de Silvicultura y Manejo de Bosques (INSIMA), Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero, CP 4200, Argentina.
• Instituto de Silvicultura y Manejo de Bosques (INSIMA), Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero, CP 4200. Argentina.
• Instituto de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Agronomía y Agroindustrias, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, Belgrano 1912, Santiago del Estero CP 4200, Argentina
• Laboratorio de antioxidantes y procesos oxidativos (Lapox), Instituto de Ciencias químicas, Facultad de Agronomía y Agroindustrias, Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero, Belgrano 1912, Santiago del Estero CP 4200, Argentina

In our region, there has been a strong push towards establishing forest plantations with Neltuma alba (Algarrobo blanco), a species of great ecological and productive importance. Therefore, ongoing research on this species is crucial.

It is worth noting that for successful plantation establishment, it is essential to work with individuals exhibiting physiological and morphological characteristics that enable them to survive and adapt to field conditions after transplanting. Based on previous studies, the use of plant bioestimulants is suggested as a potential tool to reduce stress in N. alba plants during acclimatization and field planting stages. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of a phytoextract derived from Larrea divaricata (Jarilla) at different concentrations as a plant bioestimulant to improve the quality and stress response of N. alba seedlings.

This research involved sowing identified N. alba seeds in nursery tubes filled with a substrate composed of composted pine bark and perlite (50:50). Fungicides and insecticides were applied, and the irrigation program was adjusted according to environmental conditions and growth phases.

During the final nursery stage (acclimatization stage), the Larrea-based bioestimulant was applied at concentrations of 3% and 4%, with two applications every 7 days, to evaluate its effectiveness on plant growth and quality. Height and stem diameter at collar height were recorded, and plant quality indices were determined. The results suggest that Larrea is a bioestimulant capable of enhancing stress resistance and improving quality parameters in algarrobo blanco.

4.9. Landscape Breeding

María Rosario García-Gil ¹, Johan Holmgren ², Kenneth Olofsson ³, Sonali Ranade ⁴, Juha Niemi ², Annica Nordström ⁴, David Hall ⁵

• SLU
• Forest resource management
• Forest resources management
• forest genetics and plant physiology
• Forestry Research Institute of Sweden (Skogforsk), SE-91833 Sävar, Sweden

Introduction: Traditional forest tree breeding involves a lengthy process of crossing, testing, and selection, known as the breeding cycle, which requires significant logistical efforts and faces limitations like experimental trial sizes and the precision of measurements. The advent of genomics introduced the possibility of developing molecular tools to accurately identify the genome shared among individuals, forming the basis of the Breeding without Breeding (BWB) approach. This method aims to bypass artificial mating but has been limited by the need for structured open-pollinated trials. Recent advances in remote sensing technology now offer a way to phenotype trees accurately and extensively, considering environmental factors and enabling the assessment of various tree attributes at a landscape scale.

Methods In Sweden, a significant portion of commercial Norway spruce forests are regenerated from improved progenies, making it an ideal setting to combine molecular pedigree reconstruction with remote sensing. This integration forms the basis of Landscape Breeding, a novel strategy aimed at enhancing genetic diversity and improving seed orchards by selecting superior trees directly from commercial forests, thereby expediting forest enhancement for sustainable biomass production.

Results and Conclusion We developed a method that merges genetic, genomic, and remote sensing data to scan Norway spruce stands, covering a clonal archive, a progeny trial, and commercial forests. Preliminary data processing is underway, with remote sensing data being used for genetic analysis. This method demonstrates the efficacy of remote sensing in evaluating tree genetics on a landscape level, marking a significant advancement in forest breeding strategies.

4.10. Potential of Plantation Forest for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Mitigation in Essera District, Dawro Zone, South West Ethiopian People Regional Government

Bekele Tona Amenu, Getahun Shanko Mamo, Nejib Isa, Kula Kutema

• Dawuro-Tarcha Campus Department of Natural Resources Management, Wolaita Sodo University, RQH2+J9G, 9, Soddo, Ethiopia

A non-destructive sampling method was utilized to evaluate the above-ground carbon stock of a tree plantation forest by laying 10 plots of size 25 m ∗ 25 m. All trees within the sample plot were recorded and DBH and height were measured by a caliper and a clinometrer, respectively. To determine the above-ground biomass of trees, the formula IPCC = 0.0673(ρHD²)^0.976 was applied. To obtain the below-ground biomass, the above-ground biomass was multiplied by 20 percent. To convert biomass into carbon quantity, biomass was multiplied by 47 percent. To see the relationship between variables, SPSS version 20 was used and one-way ANOVA and t test were used. In the plantation forest in this study, an area of 110 tree/ha was found, which indicated that the trees were sparsely populated or its density was very low. The total above-ground biomass was 902.377 tons and the below-ground biomass was 180.46 tons. There was no significant relationship between quadrat and number of trees, as r² is 0.262 and the Durbin–Watson coefficient is 2.825. The results of ANOVA showed p values of 0.130^b, which is also not significant. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height have very strong relationship because ANOVA indicated p = 0.000^b. These three factors had a very strong correlation, according to sample tree correlation. R-Squared (R²) =0.994 indicated that the above-ground biomass, height and DBH had a strong positive and linear relationship. The total carbon density was 508.8972 tons. Cupressus lusitanica could accumulate a larger amount of biomass than others at a proportion of 36.78 percent; followed by Eucalyptus camaldulensis, which covered 32.72 percent; while Grevillea robusta had 30.5 percent of the total accumulation. There was a significant difference between the biomass accumulations of the three investigated plant species because the t value for above-ground biomass was 0.006 and that for below-ground biomass was 0.009.

5. Section 4: Forest Wildfires

5.1. Differential Expression of Genes in Quercus agrifolia from Different Fire History Areas in the Angeles National Forest

Savanah Senn ¹, Steven Carrell ², Bruce Nash ³, Ray A. Enke ⁴, Karen Barnard-Kubow ⁴, Karu Smith ¹, Daila Melendez ^{1, 5}, Mathew Kostoglou ¹, Meika Best ¹, John Hsieh ¹, Les Vion ¹, Adrianna L. Bowerman ¹, Gerald Presley ⁶

• Los Angeles Pierce College Department of Agriculture Sciences, Plant Science program
• Oregon State University, Center for Quantitative Life Sciences
• Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, DNA Learning Center
• James Madison University, Biology Department
• Oregon State University, Department of Horticulture
• Oregon State University, Department of Wood Science and Engineering

Our study established transcriptomic and soil metagenomic resources for Quercus agrifolia (leaf). Q. agrifolia is a hardwood that may live for centuries.

Samples were collected from three fire history areas in Gold Creek Preserve, Angeles National Forest. Low, medium, and high intensity burn areas are referred to as the Blue, Green, and Red Trails. In our previous work, we showed taxonomic differences in fungi and bacteria in the three different fire areas. The current study sought associations between plant gene expression and microbial functions.

During May 2022, snap frozen plant tissue samples for RNA sequencing and soil samples for metagenome sequencing were collected. The bioinformatics for plant RNAseq was QC in SOAPnuke and MultiQC, Trinity de novo assembly, BUSCO evaluation, salmon quantification, and annotation with Trinotate. Metabarcoding analysis used DNA Subway Purple Line. Soil metagenomic analysis was carried out in Nephele BioBakery, MicrobiomeDB, and STAMP.

For oaks, the transcriptome was 96.17% complete according to the BUSCO assessment. Three trees were sampled from each of 3 burn areas which allowed for contrasts in DEseq2 based on the tree location. There was evidence of differential gene expression related to the isoprenoid pathway, freezing resistance, drought response, and pathogen defense. However, there was some evidence of heterogeneity of gene expression within the clusters, for the top 25 differentially expressed genes.

In WGS results, there was not strong evidence of functional differences associating the soil microbiome of Q. agrifolia with plant secondary metabolite production. However, there were taxonomic & alpha diversity differences associated with different areas of the preserve, each having different fire histories. Further studies should focus on microbes associated with plant tissues and their potential association with plant secondary metabolite production. For example, further experiments should use woody tissues.

5.2. A Review of the Causes, Effects, and Mitigation Strategies for Wildfires

Devshree Yashwantbhai Patel ¹, Dr.Javesh Kashinath Patil ², Harsha Vasudev Chaudhari ¹, Aniket Rajesing Girase ¹

• Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, P.S.G.V.P.M’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada-425409, Dist-Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India.
• Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, P.S.G.V.P.M’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada-425409, Dist-Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India.

Wildfires are a common natural disaster that may seriously harm infrastructure, human lives, and ecosystems all over the world. Since 2016, there have been some of the most costly years for wildfire-related economic and insurance losses; from 2013 to 2022, wildfires cost USD 98.87 billion in worldwide economic losses and USD 69.92 billion in insured losses (adjusted to USD 2023). This review includes information on the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies of wildfire. The main causes of wildfires might be human activities, such as arson or accidental igniting, or natural events, like lightning strikes. Many areas have shown that wildfire frequency and intensity are influenced by climate change, which is linked to rising temperatures and prolonged droughts. Wildfires have wide-ranging and complex effects. They may cause ecosystems to change, biodiversity to disappear, and habitats to be destroyed. Because they destroy property, infrastructure, and natural resources, wildfires cause significant financial losses. In addition, the inhalation of smoke can lead to respiratory issues and force communities to quit their homes, both of which are major health hazards associated with wildfires.

Homeowners in the wild land–urban interface need to be ready for wildfires that could endanger their properties. Certain protocols and strategies can be put in place to prepare for wildfires as more people relocate to these areas. Defensible areas, growing vegetation resistant to fire, fire-retardant building materials, and sprinklers to prevent the spread of the fire are some of these measures. In conclusion, wildfires are serious disasters that extensively affect economies, human lives, and ecosystems. Societies may try to lessen the frequency and severity of wildfires; save lives and livelihoods; and preserve our natural environment by being aware of the causes, effects, and suitable mitigation techniques.

5.3. Advancing Wildfire Detection Through Enhanced Satellite Technologies—Review

Suresh Babu KV ¹, Swati Singh ²

• Postdoc researcher, University of Alcala, Alcala de henares, Spain
• PhD researcher, Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, USA

This review delves into the advancements in satellite-based wildfire detection systems, highlighting their pivotal role in monitoring remote areas. The evolution of fire detection technology can be traced from the early use of polar-orbiting meteorological satellites in the 1980s to the sophisticated sensors and algorithms employed today. A key breakthrough came with the introduction of the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor on NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites. MODIS and similar sensors like VIIRS can detect fires by measuring thermal radiation and spectral characteristics. The contextual algorithm used in MODIS fire detection plays a crucial role in improving accuracy by analyzing spatial and temporal factors.

However, these contextual algorithms face limitations, such as the potential to miss small fires and sensitivity to errors in background temperature estimation. To address these challenges, researchers are developing improved fire detection techniques. These include integrating multiple contextual tests, applying machine learning methods, and leveraging auxiliary data sources like topographical information and land cover maps. Efforts are also underway to create harmonized fire detection products across different satellite sensors and to adapt algorithms regionally for improved performance. Advancements in detecting smoldering fires, especially in peatlands, are crucial for better understanding greenhouse gas emissions. This review emphasizes the importance of these continuous improvements in satellite-based fire detection systems for enabling early wildfire identification, facilitating timely response, and ultimately reducing the devastating consequences of wildfires.

5.4. Effects of Wildfire Forest and the Impact of Heavy Machinery on Reforesting: Soil Compaction, Erosion, and Shock on the Biodiversity and Coopetition of the Forest Ecosystem

Tomas Gabriel Bas

• Escuela de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Coquimbo, 1780000, Chile.

The research focused on the impact of burned forests on biodiversity and soil layers. The interaction between forests affected by wildfires and the ecological dynamics within forest ecosystems is complex. This complexity is increased by the use, on some occasions, of heavy machinery used in reforestation, which compacts delicate soil. Understanding the effects of wildfires on biodiversity, nutrient cycling, mycorrhizal networks, soil erosion, and forest resilience is key. The goal is to provide information for better conservation and restoration strategies for forests damaged by fire.

This study used a systematic review of the literature in an important series of databases. The key variables referenced included nutrient cycles, heavy machinery compaction alterations in different mycorrhizal networks, the survival and recovery of resilient trees, and the impact of fire on soil microbial communities. Case studies on natural fire regimes and their impact on biodiversity and forest dynamics were also included.

The results indicate that forest fires significantly alter the cyclic and mycorrhizal networks, affecting the resilience of the forest ecosystem. Fire-induced deforestation can benefit some biodiversity by promoting fire-adapted species. On the contrary, the heavy machinery used in reforestation causes soil compaction, altering the ecological ‘coopetition phenomenon’. The combined stressors of fire and soil compaction make better recovery difficult. However, in contrast, other studies show that controlled burning can mitigate some negative impacts, facilitating the recovery of the mycorrhizal network and improving the regenerative capacity of trees.

Understanding the cumulative effects of wildlife deforestation versus traditional deforestation is essential for developing effective forest conservation and restoration policies. The findings suggest that integrating prescribed burning and sustainable forest management practices into forest management can promote resilience and recovery. Future research should explore the feedback loops between fire regimes, biodiversity, and forest dynamics to refine these strategies further.

5.5. Evaluation Method for Selecting the Most Suitable Intensity of Silvicultural Intervention in Relation to the Estimated Reduction in Combustion Energy Load Within a Forest Ecosystem

Valerio Prosseda

• Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (DAFNE), University of Tuscia, Zip Code: 01100, Viterbo (VT), Italy.

This research develops a forest management method to select the optimal intensity of silvicultural intervention aimed to reducing combustion energy load within a forest ecosystem. Since the fuel load is the only modifiable factor in the linear intensity equation of a wildfire, thinnings are essential to prevent or mitigate wildfires. The methodology involves measuring the tree volume within a sample area, determining the volumetric difference per square meter before and after intervention, and calculating the volume of aboveground biomass removed using the specific wood density of the target species. The higher heating value of the species is calculated and multiplied by the removed biomass volume and its specific weight. By comparing pre- and post-intervention values within Byram’s equation, the variation in flame front intensity can also be determined. This approach allows forest managers to decide thinning intensity based on fuel load and calorific energy. Results show that systematic thinning reduces potential combustion energy, decreasing wildfire danger and intensity. Additionally, the study calculates the kilograms per square meter of water saved post-intervention compared to what would be needed to extinguish a full-scale forest fire. This method provides a quantifiable approach for tailoring silvicultural interventions, enhancing forest resilience and safety. The data obtained from the spreadsheet is then used within the Q-GIS software to spatialize the calorific energy before and after the intervention using the geostatistical interpolation method known as kriging, which involves obtaining the different intervention scenarios for silvicultural operations. By applying this methodology, forest ecosystems can be managed in a more sustainable and suitable way, effectively balancing ecological health with wildfire prevention.

5.6. Evaluation of the Effects of Wildfires in Siberian Forests Based on Satellite Data for 1996–2023

Evgenii I. Ponomarev ^1,2, Andrey N. Zabrodin ^3,4, Evgenii G. Shvetsov ³, Tatiana V. Ponomareva ^1,2

• V.N.Sukachev Institute of Forest SB RAS—Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center”, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 660036, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
• Department of Ecology and Environment, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
• Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences”, 660036 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
• Department of Thermophysics, Siberian Federal University, 660041 Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Wildfires are the most significant factor that affects the boreal ecosystems of Siberia. The issue of monitoring fire consequences such as tree stand losses, long-term changes in the thermal regime of soils, and direct emissions of carbon is very important for the region. Remote sensing data are the most effective technique for controlling large-scale processes caused by wildfires in Siberia.

Our study used fire data from the satellite monitoring bank (Institute of Forest SB RAS, Krasnoyarsk, Russia) for 1996–2023. Fire intensity was ranged based on the Fire Radiative Power (FRP) technology of MOD14/MYD14 products. We controlled vegetation cover using the “Vega-Pro” GIS service of the Space Research Institute RAS (Moscow, Russia). To evaluate fire emissions, we modified the Seiler–Crutzen method (1980), by accounting for fire intensity in terms of FRP.

We obtained the following results: firstly, we calculated that during 1996–2023, Siberian forests were impacted by 15.48 ± 2.33 thousand fires per year, which is about 11.34 ± 2.88 million hectares of burnt areas annually. Considering fire intensity, we estimated the stand-replacement fires in Siberia at approximately 1.0 million hectares, and this value has the potential to surpass 3.0 million hectares by 2050, given the current trends in burning regimes and fire intensity.

Next, over the two decades of 2002–2022, a growth trend in high-intensity fires was typical for a significant part of Siberia (~30% of the total area), mainly in larch-dominated forests (>60° N) and in the tundra zone (>67° N).

Finally, direct fire emissions have been rising from 60.0 ± 25.8 Tg/year in the early 2000s up to 296.0 ± 102.0 Tg/year during the 2020–2023 seasons due to increases in both wildfire area and the proportion of high-intensity fires. Thus, in the near future, carbon sinks may be suppressed by annual fire emissions, resulting in a positive carbon balance in some ecosystems of Siberia.

5.7. Fire Risk Assessment in the Cross-Border Area Using National Technical Specifications

Irene Chrysafis, Giorgos Mallinis

• School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece

Forest fires in Mediterranean ecosystems are a common phenomenon. In Greece, only 5% of forest fires are related to natural causes, whereas human activities are responsible for 95%, heightening the severity and complexity of these fires. However, in cross-border regions, different fire management systems can result in a variety of factors that drive forest fires.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the fire risk in the Region of Central Macedonia, Greece, for the prevention and mitigation of fire disasters in the cross-border area, adhering to the technical specifications of the national fire protection plan. The datasets used for this study were obtained from national official sources and OpenStreetMap, while their completeness and reliability were checked using visual interpretation methods, with medium-high and very-high spatial resolution remote-sensing data available from Copernicus, National Cadastre and Mapping Agency, and Google Earth imagery.

Wildfire risk assessment considered two parameters, namelyfire hazard and fire vulnerability. Fire hazard combines vegetation flammability as a potential for the easy initiation and rapid progression of fire, with fire cause elements such as voltage network, road network, settlements, forest/rural fire-starting points, and explosion risk elements. The final fire hazard map was evaluated and refined using actual fire data from the past decade. Fire vulnerability considers the combustibility of vegetation types under weather and topographical conditions that favor fire spread, as well as threaten values regarding tangible and intangible elements-at-risk such as areas of high natural value, as well as socio-economic data. Both parameters received a score (1 to 10), and wildfire risk was assessed on a qualitative rating scale of five categories from low to very high.

Overall, the present work, as part of the eFIDAR project, is a step towards common forest fire management in the cross-border region, increasing forest fire preparedness and knowledge transfer between Greece and North Macedonia

5.8. Modelling the Domino Effect of Wildfires

Michail-Christos Tsoutsos ^1,2, Vassilios Vescoukis ³

• School of Rural, Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechneiou Street, Zographos, Athens, 15780, Greece
• Operational Unit “BEYOND Centre for Earth Observation Research and Satellite Remote Sensing”, Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing, National Observatory of Athens, GR-152 36 Athens, Greece.
• School of Rural, Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechneiou Street, Zographos, 15780 Athens, Greece.

Wildfires comprise one of the most destructive and lethal natural hazards, where various physical factors, such as low soil moisture, and human factors, such as the absence of preventive measures during wildfire season, can contribute to the generation of megafires. Although human activities such as arson make up the most frequent factor for a fire event, there are several natural hazards, such as lightning, heatwaves as an outcome of extreme temperature, and drought, that can also trigger or increase the probability of wildfires. On the other hand, subsequent secondary hazards such as floods and landslides can be effectuated in the long term as a result of wildfires. It is worth mentioning that the frequency of events of the aforesaid natural hazards has been increased intensively since 1980, according to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The prediction of natural hazards is of outstanding importance, with the aim of disaster mitigation; thus, the utilization of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is necessary. Various Machine Learning (ML) algorithms have been used in the literature to forecast wildfires and the aforementioned disaster chain, each one providing divergent predictions, in combination with Earth Observation (EO) indices, geospatial, and socio-economic datasets. The objective of this research is to expound the methods used in the literature to model and predict wildfires and their interconnected hazards by performing a review process.

5.9. Operational Plan for Combating Rural Fires on the Island of Madeira

Sebastião André Mendes Agrela

• Doctoral Student at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal

Fire is a natural element in ecosystems around the world. It plays a crucial role in the evolution of landscapes and the maintenance of biodiversity; Madeira island has a vast forest patrimony, with 58,294 hectares subdivided between forests, herbaceous areas, and other wooded regions. One of the main risks on the island is rural fires. To combat this phenomenon, starting in 2015 (during the critical fire period), the Regional Government implementedan operational program to combat rural fires, focusing on patrolling, surveillance, and direct combat. All teams record the current status on a tablet and communicate via radio. These records are monitored daily and in real time. The layout of burned areas (greater than 1 ha) are carried out in collaboration with government entities. We intend to present the results of the last 9 years. Ignition sources are divided into several categories, namely forestry—305; bush—621; authorized controlled burns—373; unauthorized controlled burns—3145; andagricultural—263. One of the lessons is that the south coast of the island has more ignition points than the north coast; however, despite a smaller number of ignitions on the north coast, the recurrence since 2018 has been constant, and the consequences that may arise are very worrying. Urban or peri-urban fires occur in situations of introduced vegetation and ecosystems that have been greatly altered by humans. Madeira’s ecosystem did not evolve with the presence of fire, so it was not part of the landscape’s evolution process. Rural fires effectively entered areas of native vegetation and destroyed the original vegetation. Human intervention to control fires and suppress their spread alters the frequency and intensity of natural fires, disturbing the ecological balance. The protection and adequate management of natural areas adjacent to urban areas are essential to preserve fire ecology and fire-adapted biodiversity.

5.10. Problem of Rural Fires in Urban-Rural Interface Areas: Case Study of Samardã Wildfire 2022

Daniela Fraga

• Military Academy Research Center (CINAMIL); Military Academy; 1169-203—Lisbon; Portugal

Over the years, the active movement of the population in Portugal has contributed to increased pressure on urban-rural interface areas. The frequent abandonment of rural areas and increase in the aging rate, boosted by the rural exodus of younger age groups, have contribute to the lack of planning, the abandonment of agro-pastoral activities, an increase in the fuel load, and the growth of fuel use near population centres. The combination of these factors contributes to increasing the fire risk susceptibility in urban-rural interface areas.

This paper presents a case study that took place in the municipality of Vila Real, Portugal in 2022, the Samardã Wildfire fire. It was based on the use of geographic information system tools, statistical procedures, and historical fire analysis.

It was possible to verify that the area affected by the 2022 fire has a high recurrence rate, evidenced by the fires that occurred in 2005 and 2017, which consumed a large percentage of the same area as the 2022 fire.

Analysing the data providing by the map of the use of soil in 2021 (COS 2021), it was found that 85.5% of the burnt area was occupied by scrubland, sparse herbaceous vegetation, and areas without vegetation; 12.4% was occupied by various settlements; and only 1.6% was occupied by agricultural areas. The rest was occupied by artificialized areas and water. In 1990, this area was 80% occupied by scrubland and rocky areas, 14.9% by diverse settlements, 5% by agricultural areas, and only 0.1% by artificialized areas.

The results show that when rural fires hit areas at the urban-rural interface, the means of protection and rescue are primarily allocated to protecting people and property, to the detriment of extinguishing the fire front. This prioritization of actions has contributed to an increase in the area burned, since the fire front burns more freely.

6. Section 5: Wood Science, Production Chains, Fuelwood, and Trade

6.1. Anatomical Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Two Endemic Thin-Walled Bamboos Used for Mat Weaving in Western Ghats

Anjana Narayanan ¹, Raghu A V ², Syam Viswanath ³, Sreekumar V B ⁴

• Department of Wood Science & Technology, KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur, PIN-680653, India
• Extension & Training Division, KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur, PIN-680653, India
• Former Director, KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur, PIN-680653, India
• Forest Botany Department, KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur, PIN-680653, India

Bamboo forms an important resource for indigenous communities, especially in Asia with its abundant bamboo resources. Thin-walled bamboo is widely used for mat weaving by the tribal communities in Western Ghats, which forms a major utilitarian item. Two endemic bamboos, Teinostachyum wightii Bedd. & Ochlandra travancorica (Bedd.) Benth, are used for mat weaving by the communities, with the former being the most preferred species. The physical and anatomical properties of these two bamboo species are studied in the bottom, middle and top portions. The internodal length of T. wightii was found to be more (120 cm) in the middle, reducing the need for joining the slivers, which is an important parameter of mat weaving. Density ranged between 0.48 g/cm³ and 0.59 g/cm³ for T. wightii. Vascular bundles were found to be predominantly of Type II. Fiber characteristics showed variations across height levels (bottom, middle and top) and radial positions of the species (outer, middle and inner). Mechanical properties were studied for the splits (IS 8242) that were used to produce slivers from the bottom, middle and top parts of both species. The study revealed that T. wightii splits had better MOE (6563 N/mm²) compared to O. travancorica (8334 N/mm²), which could explain the reason why it is the preferred choice of indigenous communities for weaving highly flexible bamboo mats with various designs.

6.2. Physical Traits, Treatment Responses, and Fiber Properties of Dendrocalamus brandisii and Dendrocalamus asper

SHWETA B KUKRETI ¹, Aswathi Rajeev ¹, Sreekumar V.B ², Rinsha E ³

• Wood Science and Technology Department Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi—680 653, District Thrissur, Kerala (India)
• Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi—680 653, District Thrissur, Kerala (India)
• School of Wood Science and Technology Department of Wood Science and Technology Kannur University Campus, Mangattuparamba, Kerala, Kannur-670567

Dendrocalamus brandisii and Dendrocalamus asper are commercially significant bamboo species within the Dendrocalamus genus, widely utilized in building and construction. To optimize their use for various purposes, it is essential to thoroughly explore and understand their properties. The present study investigates the properties of two bamboo species, Dendrocalamus brandisii and Dendrocalamus asper. The research focuses on anatomy, physical properties, their behavior towards various treatment methods, and fiber characteristics across different sections (inner, middle, and outer section of the bottom, middle, and top part) of the bamboo. The results indicate significant variations in these properties. The moisture content of these species ranged from 60.02% to 101.28%, and density values varied between 0.588 g/cm³ and 0.731 g/cm³. Volumetric shrinkage percentages were distinct, with D. brandisii exhibiting less shrinkage compared to D. asper. Round culms of both species treated with boric acid and borax showed retention values between 3.58 kg/m³ and 7.22 kg/m³ against various treatment methods such as diffusion, butt end, and pressure treatment. The fiber characteristics analysis also showed variations across different sections and parts of the bamboo and between species. These findings enhance the understanding of various properties of two important bamboo species, informing their potential for various applications in construction, manufacturing, and other industries.

6.3. The Role of Extractives on the Fire Performance of Tectona grandis L.f. (Teak) Wood

Sanmitra Dan, Kamal Mishra, Ritesh Kumar

• Wood Properties & Processing Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru, 560003, Karnataka, India

Wood from teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is a commercially prized material due to its strength, color, and natural resistance to decay and insects. Some of these properties are attributed in part to its high extractive content. The subject of this study was to investigate the influence of extractives on the fire performance of teak wood. Two sets of dimensionally identical (100 mm × 12.5 mm × 12.5 mm) samples were prepared. One set of samples was extracted using soxhlet extraction equipment in three steps: first, for 24 h, using a mixture of acetone, ethanol, and toluene (1:1:4); next, for 8 h, using ethanol; and last, with distilled water to remove water-soluble extractives. The fire performance of both sets was evaluated using a rate of burning test according to BIS IS: 1734 (Part 3)—1983. Extracted wood samples exhibited a significant change in weight and surface color compared to their non-extracted counterparts. The surface color tended to become lighter and weight reduced significantly for extracted wood samples. Importantly, the extracted samples displayed a significantly slower burning rate than the non-extracted ones. These findings of the present study highlight the role of extractives in determining the fire performance of teak wood and demonstrate that the presence of wood extractives negatively influences the fire performance of teak wood.

6.4. Atmospheric Contamination of Lutetium in Leicestershire (England) Using Tree Bark Biomonitoring

Antonio Peña-Fernández ^1,2, Carmen Lobo Bedmar ³, Gurminderjeet S Jagdev ², María de los Ángeles Peña ⁴

• Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
• Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.
• Departamento de Investigación Agroambiental. IMIDRA. Finca el Encín, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 38.2, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
• Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain

The presence/distribution of lutetium (Lu) in topsoils from Leicester city and surrounding areas (England) represents a low risk for the population (ingestion and dermal contact); meanwhile, its content in wild mushrooms could present some oral risks. To monitor the air quality, about 2–5 g were collected from a sample of bark with a length of 2–6 mm from 55 different trees across Leicester and 41 from surrounding rural/suburban areas; samples were taken at 1.50–1.80 m from the ground to limit contamination from topsoil/dust. Lu was monitored by ICP-MS in cleaned/ground/homogenised samples mineralised with HNO₃/H₂O₂ [LoD = 0.066 ng/g dry weight (dw)]. Results were compared with previous studies performed on 106 mushrooms and 850 topsoils collected in the same areas. Levels of Lu were similar in both main areas; data were presented as medians and ranges for urban and rural areas, respectively (in ng/g dw): 0.580 (0.182–2.118) and 0.584 (0.402–1.071). This results are in line with the distribution observed in topsoils, i.e., Lu did not show statistical differences between urban and rural areas (p-value = 0.602; 0.117 vs. 0.123 mg/kg). However, some bark samples collected in the city presented higher levels of this element. This pattern is similar to levels observed in wild mushrooms, in which the higher presence of Lu was detected in mushrooms collected in urban areas (0.347 vs. 0.196 ng/g dw). Results suggest similar sources of air contamination by Lu across the main areas monitored, in which topsoils might play a role that should be further assessed, although these made minor contributions to the levels monitored in wild mushrooms. Although preliminary, in general, levels of Lu found in the tree bark were lower than the natural background reference concentration of Lu reported in plant materials collected in a forest in northwest Germany (2.5–5 ng/g dw), suggesting a minor contamination by Lu in Leicestershire.

6.5. Effects of Chemical Modification with Citric Acid on Wood

Osman Emre Özkan ¹, Saim Ateş ¹, Ali Temiz ²

• Faculty of Forestry, Forest Industry Engineering, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu 37150, Türkiye.
• Faculty of Forestry, Forest Industry Engineering, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Türkiye.

In this study, fir (Abies nordmanniana) and poplar (Populus sp.) woods were modified with citric acid and five different polyols (glucose, sorbitol, glycerol, sucrose, and maltodextrin) at 10% concentration for 2 h at 150 °C. Equilibrium moisture content, water uptake, anti-swelling efficiency, compression strength parallel to the grain, anti-bacterial test, and decay test were applied to measure the changes in the modified wood. As a result, the equilibrium moisture content at 90% RH and the water uptake rates of the modified woods decreased, but the anti-swelling efficiency increased up to 57%. Compression strength parallel to the grain increased by 10% in fir wood and 21.3% in poplar wood. Anti-bacterial properties were observed withcitric acid in fir wood and citric acid, citric acid/sorbitol, citric acid/glycerol samples in poplar wood. As a result of the fungal decay test, the weight loss of the wood samples was between 4.46 and 7.65% in fir wood and between 6.51 and 12.70% in poplar wood. The modification conditions of wood samples were optimized with citric acid, which improved wood properties by blocking reactive groups by cross-linking on wood fibers. As a result, citric acid treatment improved some physical, mechanical, and biological properties of fir and poplar wood, and it is recommended as a promising, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective wood preservation method.

6.6. Efficacy of Citrus Peel (Citrus sinensis (L.) OSBECK) as a Preservative Against Termite Attack on Hollarhena floribunda (G.DON) T. DURAND & SCHINZ. Wood

Adewunmi Omobolaji Adenaiya, Sadiq Olateju Islamiat

• Department of Forest Production and Products, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200284, Nigeria

Introduction: The need for sustainable wood utilization whilst ensuring environmental protection necessitates aggressive research into the development of potent environmental benign wood preservatives. Developing such biocides from raw materials that are considered an environmental menace could help address serious environmental pollution peculiar to most developing countries like Nigeria. Hence, this study investigated the efficacy of Citrus (Citrus sinensis OSBECK.) peel oil in the protection of non-durable wood of Holarrhena floribunda (G.DON) T.

Materials and methods: Citrus sinensis peels were gathered from orange sellers at Agbowo market in Ibadan, Oyo State. The peels were air-dried, ground into powder, and oil was extracted from them mechanically. The extracted oil was used in the treatment of Holarrhena floribunda wood samples of dimensions 6 × 2 × 2 (cm³), using the soaking method (SM) and the hot and cold open tank method (HCOTM), while the untreated samples served as a control. The treated and untreated wood samples were exposed to termite infestation for 12 weeks in accordance with the ASTM D 1758-06 method. The oil yield of the peels, oil absorption in the wood, phytochemical analysis of the oil, and weight loss of the wood after termite attack were evaluated. Data analysis was conducted using a t-test and ANOVA at a 5% probability level.

Results: The mean oil yield of the peels was 1.41%. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids (0.5% w/w), flavonoids (0.12% w/w), saponins (0.25% w/w), terpenoids (1.4% w/w), and phenols (1.6% w/w). The wood treated with the SM (319.47 Kg/m³) had significantly higher oil absorption than the HCOTM (71.58 Kg/m³). Both treatment methods significantly reduced the weight loss in the termite-infested wood samples (SM [3.49%]; HCOTM [7.02%]), comapred to the control samples (24.41%).

Conclusions: It is concluded that the oil from Citrus sinensis peels possesses biocidal efficacy against termite attack in the wood of Hollarhena floribunda.

6.7. Evaluating the Effects of Thermal Pretreatment of Bamboo Fibers on Characteristics of Bamboo–Polypropylene Thermoplastic Composites

Praveen Naik B ¹, BU KELKAR ^1,2, SS Chauhan ², SM Yadav ¹, Kapil Sihag ¹

• Forest College and Research Institute, Hyderabad, India-502279
• Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560003

This study investigates the influence of thermal pre-treatment on the properties of bamboo fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites (BPCs). Reinforcement with bamboo fibers (BFs) is known to enhance mechanical performance but typically leads to hydrophilicity, restricting the use of bamboo–polypropylene composites (BPCs) for indoor applications. To overcome this, Dendrocalamus stocksii (Munro) BFs were subjected to vacuum-assisted thermal pre-treatment at 160 °C, 180 °C, and 200 °C before incorporation into a thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) matrix. The primary objective was to augment hydrophobicity and chemical compatibility by diminishing the presence of free hydroxyl groups. Additionally, the impact of a coupling agent, maleic anhydride-polypropylene (MAPP), on the composites was also assessed. The BPCs were fabricated using a twin-screw extruder, maintaining a 40% BFs to 60% PP ratio. This study comprehensively evaluated the physical, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of the BFs pre-heat treatment, including density, water absorption, flexural and tensile properties, and Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis (SEM), to investigate their synergistic effects on composite performance. The results indicated that thermal treatment temperature positively correlated with improvements in the density and water absorption of the BPCs. Notably, after 2000 h of water absorption, improvements ranged from 0.67% to 38.30% through the various temperature treatments. The incorporation of MAPP into composites with thermally modified fibers (BPCT) collectively enhanced the flexural and tensile strength. Specifically, the BPCTs’ flexural strength at 180 °C demonstrated a 21.9% increment compared to untreated BFs, while tensile strength at the same temperature increased by 31.92%. Although most mechanical parameters improved with thermally modified bamboo, elevating the temperature beyond 180 °C adversely impacted the strength properties. SEM micrographs revealed improved compatibility between the thermally modified BFs and the PP matrix, further enhanced by MAPP addition, as evidenced by void-free mechanical interlocking. With desirable improvements in quality parameters, thermally treated bamboo-reinforced polypropylene thermoplastic composites exhibit a strong potential as substitutes for chemical pre-treatments.

6.8. Evaluating the Efficacy of Organic Biocides in Amalgamation with Inorganic Salts as Wood Preservatives

Jyoti Papola ¹, Rakesh Kumar ²

• Wood Properties and Processing Division, PhD research scholar, ICFRE-Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru, India-560003
• Wood Properties and Processing Division, Scientist-F, ICFRE-Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru, India-560003

Wood is a versatile and remarkable building material that has been utilized for a long time in an assortment of applications. Despite the fact that untreated wood is more prone to deterioration and has less inherent resilience, preservatives are used to prolong the service life of wood. Numerous preservatives are available to extend the durability of wood against deterioration. The environmental concerns associated with first- and second-generation wood preservatives encompassing pentachlorophenol (PCP), chromated copper arsenate (CCA), etc., such as the leaching of preservative chemicals from the treated wood, leads to air, soil, and water contamination and disposal-related issues, which have driven the emphasis on the use of carbon-based third-generation wood preservatives, particularly triazoles. The development of preservative solutions with minimal adverse impacts on human health and the environment has received more attention. In the present study, we investigated the possibility of developing a formulation using organic fungicides (tebuconazole) and inorganic salts (copper sulphate and boric acid), and their efficacy was screened using the petri plate bioassay. At low concentrations, few of the formulations exhibited 100% inhibition against the white rot (Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Oligoporus placenta) fungi. Additionally, the screened formulation was used in mango wood (Mangifera indica) and exposed to fungal decay. The wooden specimens treated with the screened formulation improved decay resistance. The Results indicated a gradual reduction in percent weight loss, of 2.37% and 3.39% against white rot and brown rot fungi, in treated samples after exposure. The changes in chemical structure and microstructure after exposure to fungi were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The potential effect of organic fungicide incorporated with inorganic salts increases resistance against fungi. Further SEM micrographs and FTIR spectroscopic analysis of decayed wood confirmed less degradation in treated wood compared to untreated specimens.

6.9. Exploring the Torrefaction Potential of Acacia mangium Leaves for Biocoal Production: An Oxidative Thermogravimetric Analysis Study

Bemgba Bevan Nyakuma ¹, Grace S. Torkura ^2,3

• Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Computing, North-Eastern University, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria.
• Fusion Environmental Consults & Services Limited,
• Garki, FCT Abuja, Nigeria

Acacia mangium is a flowering tree species native to Papua New Guinea and Australia. It is widely used in agroforestry, forestry, and reforestation due to its fast-growing and adaptable nature. Due to its semi-evergreen or semi-deciduous nature, A. mangium has a high leaf litter rate of 8.8–10.5 tonnes/hectare/annum. However, its high leaf litter presents potential biomass for conversion into biocoal and other solid fuels through torrefaction. The torrefaction of A. mangium leaves (AML) as previously reported yielded good biocoal properties. However, using ultra-pure nitrogen gas for torrefaction is expensive, impractical, and unsustainable, particularly in industrial biocoal production. Therefore, this study examines the potential of oxidative (in air) torrefaction of AML through thermogravimetric analysis from 200–300 °C (ΔT = 25 °C) at 20 °C/min for 30 min. The results revealed that mass losses (M_L) increased from 15.63 to 62.98%, whereas mass yields (M_Y) decreased from 84.37 to 37.02%. The higher heating value (HHV) increased from 21.31 to 25.73 MJ/kg, and energy density (D_E) from 1.01 to 1.22, whereas energy yield (E_Y) decreased from 85.17 to 45.12%. The variations in M_L and M_Y may be due to the impact of temperature on the thermo-chemical degradation of AML’s lignocellulosic components. In contrast, the high HHV and D_E values may be due to carbon deposition and oxygen depletion. In comparison, the oxidative process yielded higher HHV (25.73 MJ/kg) and D_E (1.22) at 300 °C, when compared to the non-oxidative process (HHV = 24.15 MJ/kg; D_E = 1.14) reported in the literature for AML. Overall, the study findings reveal that AML torrefaction is a practical approach for valorising streams of agroforestry wastes into biocoal—a solid biofuel with fuel characteristics comparable to lignite and sub-bituminous coals.

6.10. Preparation and Evaluation of Lignin and Phytogenic Protein (Mustard Oil Cake)-Based Bioadhesive

Kallol Sarker ¹, Sumaya Haq Mim ², Dipannita Saha ¹, Md Nazrul Islam ³

• M.Sc. Student, Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna—9208, Bangladesh.
• M.Sc. Student, Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna—9208, Bangladesh
• Professor, Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna—9208, Bangladesh.

The extensive use of composite products in numerous developing countries has significantly impacted human health, primarily due to the toxic synthetic adhesives employed in their production. This study aimed to develop a multifunctional adhesive using lignin and phytogenic protein (mustard oilcake) for producing composites from lignocellulosic materials without aldehydes. The adhesive formation process involved three steps. First, the wood was chipped at a thickness of 4 mm, and cooked in a digester at a temperature of 160 °C, using a 17% NaOH solution to extract lignin (black liquor). Next, the mustard oilcake was ground into a fine powder. The black liquor and powdered mustard oilcake were then mixed with a 35% citric acid solution. Finally, the resulting solid was mixed with a 35% citric acid solution and heated to 350 °C to form the adhesive. The physical, mechanical (shear strength), and chemical (viscosity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Glass Transition Temperature (GTT), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)) properties of the adhesive were evaluated. The adhesive’s average shear strength values were determined to be 4.70 and 4.67 MPa, respectively, according to ASTM D 905 and EN 205 standards. Compared to commercial urea-formaldehyde, the adhesive exhibited higher viscosity, longer gel time (58 s), and a higher glass transition temperature (170.6 °C). Therefore, with further necessary studies, this adhesive can potentially be used by wood-based industries due to its lower cost and biodegradability.

6.11. Superhydrophobic and Uv-Resistant Coating Using Nanoparticles for the Protection of Wood

Dishari Chatterjee ¹, Rakesh Kumar ²

• Wood Properties and Processing Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Malleshwaram 18th cross, Bengaluru, India-560003
• Wood Properties and Processing Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Malleshwaram 18th cross, Bengaluru 560003

Wood is a renewable and versatile material comprising cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin as its main structural components, and is widely used for both outdoor and indoor purposes. However, as a lignocellulosic material, wood suffers degradation mainly from UV radiation and moisture uptake. The degraded wood not only loses its strength and dimensional stability, but also its aesthetic appeal. Therefore, it is necessary to protect wood from the above-mentioned agents of degradation. This study focuses on the preparation of a superhydrophobic and UV-resistant coating for the protection of wood. Superhydrophobic coatings are a smart class of coatings which repel water from the surface of wood, thus increasing its longevity. Achieving hydrophobicity is a two-step procedure which includes inducing surface roughness, followed by treatment with a low-surface-energy material. Certain metal oxide nanoparticles like ZnO, CeO₂, and TiO₂ nanoparticles additionally provide protection against UV light along with adequate surface roughness, and materials like silanes act as low-surface-energy materials. A simple one-step method was used to prepare the nanodispersions. ZnO/TiO₂ nanoparticles and silane were mixed together with a suitable non-volatile and non-corrosive solvent, and homogenised together, followed by ultrasonication to obtain the desired nanodispersion. The size of the nanoparticles was analysed using DLS and found to be within 100nm. The solution was then coated on the wood surface. Hydrophobicity was measured using a contact angle analyser and the results were between 150° and 160°, which confirmed the coating’s superhydrophobicity. The morphology was analysed using SEM. The coated samples were then tested for UV stability in an indoor accelerated UV weathering tester and were analysed on the basis of their colour change, seen with the help of a HunterLab Labscan XE spectrocolorimeter. The photodegradation of the coated samples was analysed using FTIR. The samples thus exhibited superhydrophobicity as well as UV stability.

6.12. Value Chain and Market Potential Analysis of Nypa Sap and Molasses from the Southern Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Md. Seikh Sadiul Islam Tanvir ¹, Md Noor Un Nabi ², Md Tanvir Hossain ³, Md. Nazrul Islam ⁴

• Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh.
• Business Administration Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh.
• Sociology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh.
• Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh.

Nypa fruticans is a palm species that is found growing both in its natural habitat and in plantations along the coastal regions of Bangladesh. There is significant cultivation of this species through private initiatives in plantations established by rural farmers in coastal areas, particularly in the southern region of Bangladesh. The Nypa Sap Molasses are characterized by a unique and genuine taste profile. The product is strategically positioned to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers who are seeking distinctive culinary experiences. According to the market analysis, a favourable market environment exists in which Nypa Sap Molasses has the potential to secure a specialised market segment and emerge as a prominent contender. The business endeavours to enhance its visibility, stimulate engagement, and expand its reach in regional and nationwide markets by implementing proficient branding strategies, digital marketing initiatives, and focused outreach efforts. The business places significant emphasis on achieving operational excellence, which involves optimising production processes, implementing stringent quality control protocols, and ensuring efficient product delivery. Through utilising pre-existing infrastructure, the cultivation of robust partnerships with suppliers and vendors, and efficient resource management, the enterprise guarantees uniformity in product excellence and punctual delivery, thereby satisfying customer demands. The financial forecasts suggest a favourable perspective for Nypa Sap Molasses, attributable to its competitive pricing, efficient production techniques, and prospective funding prospects. The Nypa Sap Molasses business plan offers a persuasive prospect within the natural sweetener industry. The business is positioned for success due to its distinct product offering, focused marketing tactics, efficient operations, and optimistic financial forecasts. Through accommodating the changing inclinations of health-conscious customers and safeguarding the cultural legacy linked with Nypa Sap Molasses, the enterprise is poised to establish a significant foothold in the sector and make a valuable contribution to the regional economy.

7. Section 6: Bioeconomy and Forest Economics

7.1. Climate Justice: Balancing Deforestation for Developing and Maintaining Food Security in Ghana to Mitigate Global Warming with Fairness

Nugraha Akbar Nurrochmat ¹, Elizabeth Serwaa Boateng Koomson ², Mudrika Qanitha ¹

• Departement of Forest Management, Dendrometry and Forest Economics, Institute of Forest Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-776, Poland
• Departement of Management, Institute of Management, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw 02-787, Poland

Ghana is a developing country with 8 million hectares of forest cover, 35% of the total land. Based on the National Determined Contributions (NDCs), Ghana has been committed to reducing its emissions by 15% and 30% if external funds exist. This policy seems good but would harm Ghana’s development and food security. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate Ghana’s decision making in NDCs and recommend a policy for mitigating global warming without prejudicing developed countries, especially Ghana. This research uses spatial analysis with a time series of forest cover in Ghana and economic analysis with a literature review. SWOT analysis was also conducted to complement this research. This research shows that Ghana’s carbon emission per capita is only 0.62 metric tons, while the world’s average carbon emission per capita is 4.54 metric tons. It is unfair for Ghana to hold up its development to decrease its carbon emission, which is already 80% lower than the world’s average carbon emission per capita, and Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is only USD 2500. Furthermore, the results show that Ghana’s agricultural land area is only 4% of its total land, while the world’s average agricultural land area is 38%. The extensification of agricultural land still needs to be completed to fulfill food security in Ghana, as the population keeps increasing every year, reaching almost 34 million people in 2024. This research recommends that climate justice needs to be served. Ghana’s development must not be sacrificed, and the decision maker must have the courage to reject potentially detrimental policies. The policy of NDCs needs to be re-evaluated and revised. To achieve climate change mitigation with fairness, every country needs to emit their emission with a specific number. Climate change mitigation will become an endless debate if not appointed and managed.

7.2. Rubber Plantations as Eco-Economic Frontiers: Balancing Profitability and Ecosystem Service Conservation

yang yang

• Hainan Normal University, Haikou City, Hainan, China

The expansion of rubber plantations in tropical regions presents a significant challenge and opportunity for balancing economic development with ecological integrity. This study explores the complex interplay between the rubber industry and the conservation of ecosystem services, conceptualizing eco-economic frontiers as zones where economic and ecological interests converge. By combining economic analysis, ecological assessment, and social considerations, we evaluate the sustainability of rubber plantations across various landscapes. Our framework incorporates case studies from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with a detailed analysis of 10 specific case studies, highlighting global implications and regional variations in rubber cultivation. The findings reveal that while rubber plantations can significantly contribute to rural development and global markets—covering over 14 million hectares and supporting approximately 10 million livelihoods—they often lead to biodiversity losses, altered hydrological cycles, and decreased ecosystem service quality. For example, in Southeast Asia, rubber plantations have been linked to a 60% reduction in local biodiversity, while in Africa, land-use changes have caused up to a 20% decrease in annual water flow. To address these challenges, we propose best management practices and policy recommendations aimed at optimizing production efficiency while minimizing ecological footprints. These include adopting agroforestry systems, improved land-use planning, and integrating ecosystem service valuation in decision-making. Specifically, agroforestry systems can enhance biodiversity by up to 40% and improve soil quality and water retention, supporting both productivity and ecosystem health. Through our innovative contributions, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the trade-offs and synergies between rubber plantation profitability and ecosystem service conservation. This study contributes to the sustainable land use debate and offers a blueprint for reconciling economic and environmental objectives in the context of global change. By fostering a better understanding of these dynamics, we aim to inform policy and practice, guiding future efforts towards sustainable rubber plantation management.

7.3. Increasing the Resilience of Wild Tropical and Subtropical Forests by Promoting Sustainable Development and by Growing Cassava in Soils Degraded by Deforestation: A Circular Bioeconomy Sociotechnical Approach for the Cement Industry

Tomas Gabriel Bas

• Escuela de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Coquimbo, 1780000, Chile.

The massive deforestation of wild tropical and subtropical forests causes damage to the entire surrounding ecosystem. It affects soils, habitats, biodiversity, and the water cycle. To reduce deforestation, cassava (Manihot esculenta) can become a potential ally when grown on soils already degraded by deforestation, generating economic, social, and environmental benefits as a circular bioeconomy. On the one hand, we have the ‘Opportunity Cost’, that is, the idea that labor is used to cultivate degraded lands while preventing this labor from continuing to deforest forests. On the other hand, cassava not only provides food and retains degraded soil, but when its waste is used as an input in cement manufacture, the pollution rates of this industry are reduced, and its resistance and hardness capacity increase. We aim to carry out an open multidisciplinary sociotechnical analysis, which we call sociotechnical systems theory, adding social communicative capacities to benefit the resilience of forests. The methodology consists of qualitative documentary analysis based on the keywords used, i.e., circular bioeconomy, sociotechnical change, cassava, tropical and subtropical wild forests, resilience, sustainable development, and cement industry. Culturing cassava on degraded soils demonstrated significant benefits, including soil protection, the socio-ecological resilience of forests, and the generation of employment opportunities. The use of cassava waste in the cement industry was found to reduce dependence on highly polluting materials, providing a sustainable alternative that improves the socioeconomic conditions of local communities. Cassava cultivation can significantly contribute to the resilience of tropical and subtropical forests by promoting sustainable practices and socioeconomic development. This approach offers a viable solution to integrate circular bioeconomy and sociotechnical change in the forestry and cement industry.

7.4. Torrefaction of Macaranga gigantea Leaves for Biocoal Production: Insights from Thermal Gravimetric Analysis

Bemgba B. Nyakuma ¹, Grace S. Torkura ^2,3

• Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Computing, North-Eastern University, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria.
• Fusion Environmental Consults & Services Limited.
• Garki, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.

Macaranga gigantea (otherwise called Mahang Gajah, or Giant Mahang) is a large, fast-growing, and dioecious evergreen tree in the Euphorbiaceae family native to Southeast Asia (SEA). It is commonly used in traditional medicine, as well as for ornamental, ecological, and cultural purposes. It also plays an important role in the human and ecosystem interactions in the rainforests of SEA. However, M. gigantea generates large quantities of biomass from its broad, peltate, and trilobed leaves measuring 20–60 cm in length. Similarly, its high rate of leaf litter accumulation presents opportunities for valorisation into solid biofuels. Torrefaction is considered a technologically efficient and environmentally friendly approach for the valorisation of agroforestry biomass wastes into biocoal for clean energy applications. However, there are currently no studies in the literature on the torrefaction of M. gigantea leaves (MGL) into biocoal. Therefore, this study seeks to explore and highlight the biocoal potential of MGL through TGA torrefaction under a non-oxidative environment from 200–300 °C (ΔT = 50 °C) at 20 °C/min and 30 min. Results revealed that MGL experienced mass losses (M_L) which increased from 15.57–40.94%, whereas mass yields (M_Y) decreased from 84.43 to 59.06%. The higher heating value (HHV) increased from 21.30 to 23.67 MJ/kg and energy density (D_E) increased from 1.16 to 1.29, whereas energy yield (E_Y) decreased from 98.02 to 76.19%. The variations in M_L and M_Y may be due to the effect of torrefaction temperature on the dehydration, devolatilisation, and thermochemical degradation of MGL moisture, volatile matter, and holocellulose (hemicellulose and cellulose). In contrast, the high HHV and D_E values may be due to a decrease in the oxygen-to-carbon (O/C) and hydrogen-to-carbon (H/C) ratios. Overall, the study showed that the torrefaction of MGL is a potential route for the valorisation of the agroforestry wastes into biocoal, a solid biofuel with fuel properties similar to lignite and sub-bituminous coals.