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Lecture 1 (FEM)

The document provides an overview of forestry and ecosystem management, highlighting the definition, scope, and importance of forests in global ecosystems. It emphasizes sustainable forestry practices, the role of forests in climate regulation, and the significance of stakeholder involvement in ecosystem management. Key practices include selective logging, agroforestry, and initiatives like REDD+ aimed at reducing emissions and promoting forest conservation.

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4 views

Lecture 1 (FEM)

The document provides an overview of forestry and ecosystem management, highlighting the definition, scope, and importance of forests in global ecosystems. It emphasizes sustainable forestry practices, the role of forests in climate regulation, and the significance of stakeholder involvement in ecosystem management. Key practices include selective logging, agroforestry, and initiatives like REDD+ aimed at reducing emissions and promoting forest conservation.

Uploaded by

pkkorea007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Forestry and Ecosystem Management

Lecture 1: Introduction to Forestry and Ecosystem Management

1. Definition and Scope of Forestry

Forestry refers to the science, art, and practice of managing and conserving forests and
their resources for human and environmental benefits. It involves:

• Forest cultivation: Establishment and management of plantations or naturally


occurring forests.
• Timber production: Managing forests for sustainable harvests.
• Conservation: Protecting biodiversity, water, and soil resources.
• Recreation: Preserving forests for tourism and leisure activities.

Scope of forestry: Includes silviculture (tree cultivation), forest management, agroforestry,


wildlife habitat management, ecosystem services, and climate change mitigation.

2. Overview of Ecosystem Management

Ecosystem management is an integrated approach that ensures ecological health while


meeting human needs. It prioritizes:

• Sustainability: Long-term conservation of ecosystems without compromising future


resources.
• Biodiversity conservation: Preserving various species and habitats within ecosystems.
• Adaptive management: Responding to environmental changes and human impacts.
• Stakeholder involvement: Engaging local communities, governments, and private
sectors in decision-making processes.

3. Importance of Forests in Global Ecosystems

Forests cover about 31% of the global land area and play a critical role in sustaining life on
Earth:

• Biodiversity hotspots: Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial species.


• Water regulation: Forests influence rainfall patterns and contribute to groundwater
replenishment.
• Soil conservation: Forests prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their root
systems.
• Livelihoods: Over 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods, including
food, medicine, and raw materials.
• Cultural significance: Forests have religious, cultural, and historical importance in
many societies.

4. Sustainable Forestry Practices

Sustainable forestry is the practice of managing forests to meet the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Key practices
include:

• Selective logging: Harvesting trees in a way that minimizes environmental impact and
promotes natural regeneration.
• Agroforestry: Combining trees with agriculture to enhance biodiversity and improve
soil health.
• Reforestation and afforestation: Replanting trees in deforested areas (reforestation)
or planting trees in new areas (afforestation).
• Forest certification: Voluntary certifications (e.g., FSC, PEFC) ensure that wood
products come from sustainably managed forests.
• Forest conservation: Protecting old-growth forests and critical habitats to preserve
ecosystem integrity.

5. Role of Forestry in Climate Regulation and Carbon Sequestration

• Forests as carbon sinks: Forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere
and store it in biomass (trees, plants) and soils. This process, called carbon
sequestration, is crucial in mitigating climate change.
• Carbon sequestration rates: Forests sequester approximately 7.6 billion metric tons
of CO₂ per year globally.
• Deforestation and emissions: Deforestation accounts for roughly 10% of global
greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting and restoring forests can significantly reduce CO₂
levels.
• Climate regulation: Forests influence local and global climates by maintaining rainfall
patterns, reducing heat, and promoting cloud formation. Tropical rainforests, in
particular, play a key role in stabilizing global temperatures.

Forests in climate policy:


• Initiatives like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation) aim to incentivize developing countries to conserve forests and reduce
emissions.
• Forest carbon credits: Programs that allow companies to offset their emissions by
investing in reforestation or forest protection.

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