Forest Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Management

Dear Colleagues,

Forests are vital providers of ecosystem services (ESs), delivering invaluable benefits which enhance human well-being and support environmental sustainability. These benefits include provisioning services, such as timber and water supply; regulating services, like climate stabilization and water purification; cultural services, including recreation and education; and supporting services, such as biodiversity conservation. However, growing socio-economic pressures, climate change, and biodiversity loss challenge the sustainable management of forest ESs. This Special Issue seeks to explore strategies for the better valuation, conservation, and utilization of forest ESs, emphasizing mechanisms like payment for ecosystem services (PESs) and the integration of ESs into corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities. Contributions are encouraged to focus on innovative methodologies such as decision-making tools, agent-based modeling, and geographic information systems to address mismatches in ES supply and demand, as well as evaluate the ecological and socio-economic impacts of forest management. Additionally, studies on corporate strategies for incorporating ESs into sustainability initiatives and policy frameworks are highly welcome. By addressing these themes, this Special Issue aims to advance resilient and adaptive management practices that harmonize ecological conservation with socio-economic progress, ensuring a sustainable future.

Dr. Jang-Hwan Jo
Dr. Bixia Chen
Dr. Yongwon Mo
Dr. Seunguk Shin
Dr. Yohan Lee
Dr. Chang-Bae Lee
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.