Forest Ecosystems: Protection and Restoration

Dear Colleagues,

New studies are urgently needed highlighting developments in forest science in response to the changing climate and landscape degradation.  This Special Issue focuses on all aspects of forest ecosystems across the major biomes: strategies are required for conservation and restoration to help resolve problems introduced by monocultures, resource conflict, expanding populations and forest exploitation. We particularly invite work that draws attention to and unifies today's topical themes and presents novel analyses. 

Covering around 30% of the Earth’s land area, forests are fundamental to landscape protection providing vital habitats for millions of species as well as being important sources for clean air and water and crucial for combating climate change. Papers are called for on the following topics:

Tropical forests are a major concern, their continuing destruction may pose the greatest threat to our planet’s biodiversity.

Dryland forests, although lower in species numbers, require initiatives to combat land degradation, protect vulnerable species and support human livelihoods.

Temperate forests have become almost universally fragmented with species numbers plummeting - greatly weakening the ecological support chain.

Boreal forests are threatened by differential rates of permafrost thaw. Studies of mechanisms associated with forest loss are essential for predicting future interactions between land surface processes and the climate system. 

Field studies, measurement and monitoring, data analysis and remote sensing are effective tools for investigating ecological processes. Understanding an ecosystem’s ability to withstand disturbance, control erosion, shelter biodiversity and provide food, water and energy, is crucial. Scientifically based practical advice is sought to reverse pending disaster on a global scale. We look forward to your contribution to forest science.

Dr. Vanessa Winchester
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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