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Forests
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Multiple-Use and Ecosystem Services of Forests—2nd Edition
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Multiple-Use and Ecosystem Services of Forests—2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 5360

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Susete Marques

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Guest Editor
Forest Research Centre and Associate Laboratory Terra, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: forest management planning; fire management; multiple criteria decision analysis; ecosystem services
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Emin Z. Başkent

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
2. Faculty of Forestry, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
Interests: forest ecosystem management; ecosystem services; decision support systems; NWFP; operations research and geographical information science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Brigite Botequim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ForestWise-Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest & Fire Management, Quinta de Prados, Campus da UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: fire-adapted silviculture; fire-modelling landscapes; fire management planning; ecosystem services assessment; forest disturbance dynamics; multicriteria optimization techniques; environmental stewardship in forest management; innovative solutions for resilient communities and territories; community-based burning efforts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forest ecosystem management or multiple-use forest management is multi-faceted, encompassing a diverse array of practices which aim to identify, quantify, and integrate various ecosystem services  in order to enhance societal wellbeing. Ecosystem services, such as wood production, carbon sequestration, water regulation, soil conservation, biodiversity habitatprovision, and aesthetic recreation are commonly classified as provisioning, regulation, supporting, and cultural services. The management of multiple ecosystem services across a landscape has garnered substantial attention from researchers and practitioners.

Addressing the design and regulation of multiple ecosystem services via a decision support system based on a participatory approach is a challenging research endeavor. Vast amounts of research have been devoted to the study of various aspects of ecosystem services, mainly to address economic, ecological, and sociocultural aspects of forest ecosystems, and contribute to the creation of socio-economic opportunities in order to foster rural development, mitigate climate change impacts, conserve soil and biodiversity, and promote carbon-neutral societies. Ample opportunities exist to unlock the full potential of multiple ecosystem services, creating new knowledge and tools to optimize the sustainable provision and profitability of ecosystem services. This includes fostering legislative and participatory conditions for the integrated management of multiple ecosystem services. Therefore, we encourage contributions of research endeavors that involve the development of models, methods, processes, and decision support tools to address the inventory, planning, modeling, mapping, governance, certification, and marketing of ecosystem services for this Special Issue. Such an initiative will also enrich the ecosystem service knowledge base and strengthen research strategies in order to support a full encapsulation of multiple ecosystem services. Submitted papers for publication in this Special Issue will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the prompt and wide dissemination of research results and applications.

Dr. Susete Marques
Prof. Dr. Emin Z. Başkent
Dr. Brigite Botequim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

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

Keywords

  • forest ecosystem management
  • multiple uses
  • ecosystem services
  • inventory and planning
  • modeling productivity
  • decision support system
  • sustainable provision of ecosystem services
  • profitability of ecosystem services
  • participatory approaches

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1173 KiB  
Article
Do Regional Differences in Forest Distribution Affect Residents’ Preferences for Forest Ecosystem Services?
by Young-Gyun Son, Jang-Hwan Jo and Chae-Jun Lim
Forests 2025, 16(5), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16050826 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 152
Abstract
This study investigates how residents of Jeollabuk-do, South Korea perceive and emphasize forest ecosystem services, focusing on whether the distribution of forests between the eastern mountainous areas and the western lowlands influences their preferences. We applied the Choice Experiment (CE) method to gauge [...] Read more.
This study investigates how residents of Jeollabuk-do, South Korea perceive and emphasize forest ecosystem services, focusing on whether the distribution of forests between the eastern mountainous areas and the western lowlands influences their preferences. We applied the Choice Experiment (CE) method to gauge willingness to pay (WTP) for seven key forest ecosystem services and a tax-related attribute. Between 10 and 14 August 2023, we conducted an online survey with 400 participants (out of 4177 invited). Only 20% of respondents were aged 50 or older, despite this age group making up nearly half of the region’s population. On the surface, no significant statistical differences appeared between the two areas regarding overall preferences, perhaps unsurprising, given their shared administrative framework and cultural background. However, a closer look at marginal WTP values uncovered clear regional priorities: residents in the eastern region placed a higher value on erosion control (KRW 23,559–33,109), while those in the west assigned greater priority to biodiversity improvement (KRW 30,225–43,961). Although the sheer distribution of forests may not drastically reshape general preferences, the specific forest characteristics of each area still shape what people care about most. These insights underscore the significance of tailoring forest ecosystem management policies to fit local needs, such as prioritizing erosion control in hilly regions and enhancing biodiversity in flatter areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Use and Ecosystem Services of Forests—2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 1924 KiB  
Article
Forestry Communication and Public Perception: Insights from the Czech Republic
by Marcel Riedl
Forests 2025, 16(5), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16050818 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
This paper presents a structured methodology for identifying and addressing key communication challenges in the forestry sector, using the Czech Republic (CZ) as a case study. The approach integrates the CIMO model, problem tree analysis, SWOT evaluation, and a confrontation matrix to identify [...] Read more.
This paper presents a structured methodology for identifying and addressing key communication challenges in the forestry sector, using the Czech Republic (CZ) as a case study. The approach integrates the CIMO model, problem tree analysis, SWOT evaluation, and a confrontation matrix to identify critical factors influencing communication challenges and prioritize strategic responses. Findings from a representative public survey (n = 3600), participatory workshops, and expert consultations indicate that the primary challenge (C) in Czech forestry is a fragmented sector facing declining trust and minimal media presence. The proposed intervention (I) is a unified, strategic communication methodology designed to activate the mechanism (M) of shared narratives and coordinated messaging. This approach aims to achieve the desired outcomes (O): increased trust, engagement, and legitimacy. The absence of a unified, long-term communication strategy contributes significantly to public misunderstanding, erodes trust, and limits policy support. The study proposes evidence-based tools to enhance sector visibility, coherence, and public engagement. With direct payments for ecosystem services under debate in CZ, effective communication is a prerequisite for securing public and political support. The methods employed have broader relevance for forestry in other countries seeking strengthened stakeholder alignment through strategic communication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Use and Ecosystem Services of Forests—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 4605 KiB  
Article
Unveiling Key Factors Shaping Forest Interest and Visits: Toward Effective Strategies for Sustainable Forest Use
by Kimisato Oda, Kazushige Yamaki, Asako Miyamoto, Keita Otsuka, Shoma Jingu, Yuichiro Hirano, Mariko Inoue, Toshiya Matsuura, Kazuhiko Saito and Norimasa Takayama
Forests 2025, 16(5), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16050714 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 840
Abstract
This study investigates the factors influencing urban residents’ interest in and visits to forests and explores strategies to promote forest space utilization. A survey was conducted among 5000 residents of Tokyo’s 23 wards, one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas, using [...] Read more.
This study investigates the factors influencing urban residents’ interest in and visits to forests and explores strategies to promote forest space utilization. A survey was conducted among 5000 residents of Tokyo’s 23 wards, one of the world’s most densely populated urban areas, using an online questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using least absolute shrinkage, selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, and piecewise structural equation modeling (pSEM). The analysis revealed that nature experiences in current travel destinations, particularly scenic walks, had a significant positive effect on both forest interest (standardized path coefficient = 0.19) and forest visits (0.30). These experiences were also significantly influenced by childhood nature experiences and frequent local walks. Conversely, factors negatively affecting forest visits included the lack of private vehicle ownership (−0.13) and increasing age (−0.21). While previous studies suggest that older individuals tend to visit natural areas more frequently, our findings indicate the opposite trend. One possible explanation is the low car ownership rate among Tokyo residents, which may limit accessibility to forests. These findings provide valuable insights for policy design, particularly regarding strategies to enhance forest accessibility and engagement among urban populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Use and Ecosystem Services of Forests—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 2119 KiB  
Article
Reframing Forest Harvest Scheduling Models for Ecosystem Services Management
by Silvana Ribeiro Nobre, Marc Eric McDill, Luiz Carlos Estraviz Rodriguez and Luis Diaz-Balteiro
Forests 2024, 15(12), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122236 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 810
Abstract
Linear programming models have been used in forest management planning since the 1960s. These models have been formulated in three basic ways: Models I, II, and III, which are defined by the sequences of management unit states represented by the variables. In Model [...] Read more.
Linear programming models have been used in forest management planning since the 1960s. These models have been formulated in three basic ways: Models I, II, and III, which are defined by the sequences of management unit states represented by the variables. In Model I, variables represent sequences of states from the beginning of the planning horizon to the end. In Model II, variables represent sequences of states from one intervention to the next. Finally, in Model III, variables represent a single arc in a management unit’s decision tree, i.e., two states. The objectives of this paper are to clarify the definitions of these model variations and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each model. This second objective is to test the hypothesis that the relative performance of these models varies with the increasing number of ecosystem services (ES) incorporated into the models. This objective was achieved by formulating a case study problem using each model type. The case study includes three increasingly complex scenarios, each incorporating additional ecosystem services. Results show that despite having more variables and constraints, Model III requires the least time to formulate due to its less dense parameter matrix. Model II has the shortest solution times, followed closely by Model III, while Model I requires the longest times for both formulation and solution. These results are increasingly apparent in more complex scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Use and Ecosystem Services of Forests—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 6023 KiB  
Article
Spatial Patterns of Productivity and Human Development Potentials for Pinus pinea L.
by Verónica Loewe-Muñoz, Rodrigo Del Río, Claudia Delard, Ricardo González and Mónica Balzarini
Forests 2024, 15(9), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091537 - 31 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1014
Abstract
Pinus pinea (stone pine), a Mediterranean species, is valued for its highly nutritious pine nuts and its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions. The species has been increasingly planted in Chile, where its main ecological requirements are met across a vast area. [...] Read more.
Pinus pinea (stone pine), a Mediterranean species, is valued for its highly nutritious pine nuts and its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions. The species has been increasingly planted in Chile, where its main ecological requirements are met across a vast area. However, new plantations are established without considering social dimensions. Policymakers can regulate private decisions on tree planting through the appropriate design of economic incentives to foster social well-being. The objective of this work was to describe spatial patterns of potential areas for the cultivation of the exotic nut-bearing conifer P. pinea in central Chile and the possible correlation of those patterns with human development indices. Spatial data layers of the municipality development index (MDI), elevation, edaphoclimatic variables, and stone pine nut’s productive potential were overlapped at the municipality scale along 1225 km in central Chile. A spatial principal component analysis (sPCA) was used to integrate multiple dimensions, summarizing covariation structures, and identifying spatial patterns in the study area. Key results showed that spatial patterns of the potential productive index (PPI) were strongly regulated by the spatial pattern of climate and soil variables, whereas the spatial pattern of MDI showed a cryptic pattern and that the three dimensions of MDI—welfare, economy, and education—showed a different spatial movement, especially education and welfare. The results allow us to recommend that public policies boost municipality development through the promotion of P. pinea plantations and should target areas with a high productive potential and low MDI to generate socio-economic improvements. These findings are useful for the strategic spatial planning of the species cropping in Chile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Use and Ecosystem Services of Forests—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 11617 KiB  
Article
Trends in the Altitudinal Gradient Evolution of Vegetation Ecological Functions in Mountainous Areas
by Changhao Niu, Chenyang Huang, Xiaolong Zhang, Shuai Ma, Liangjie Wang, Haibo Hu and Jiang Jiang
Forests 2024, 15(6), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15061000 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
Natural vegetation protects, maintains, and improves the environment through its ecological functions and is, thus, an important component of Earth’s ecosystems. The distribution of natural vegetation and its corresponding ecological roles vary with the topographic gradient. Understanding this role is essential for effective [...] Read more.
Natural vegetation protects, maintains, and improves the environment through its ecological functions and is, thus, an important component of Earth’s ecosystems. The distribution of natural vegetation and its corresponding ecological roles vary with the topographic gradient. Understanding this role is essential for effective ecosystem management and conservation efforts. This study analyzes vegetation composition across altitude gradients and the spatiotemporal evolution of water conservation, soil conservation, and carbon storage in the southern hill and mountain belt of China. We then explored the drivers of the ecological functions of vegetation at different altitude gradients. The results showed that water conservation increased by 108.56%, soil conservation increased by 97.04%, and carbon storage increased only slightly. The ecological functions of vegetation varied across altitude gradients, with the 500–800 m gradient exhibiting markedly higher ecological functions than the other gradients. The effect of precipitation on soil conservation increases with altitude. In addition, at higher altitudes, evergreen coniferous forests had a greater effect on carbon storage. Based on the results, we propose vegetation management measures for different altitudes. This study provides a reference for decision-makers to develop and adjust ecological restoration programs in mountainous areas for the improvement of the local ecological environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple-Use and Ecosystem Services of Forests—2nd Edition)
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