What are the negative effects of logging?
-Changes species composition
- Some species apparently extinct in landscape + IUCN Red-listed species
- Logging is harmful, re-logging magnifies harm
What are 3 key approaches to reduce biodiversity loss by logging?
1) Reduced Impact logging (RIL) = Smarter logging techniques to reduce damage
2) Lower intensity logging (LIL) = Logging fewer trees to reduce impact.
3) Land-sharing vs land-sparing
Reduced Impact logging (RIL) Includes strategies designed to…
- Reduce damage to forest structure
- Reduce release of carbon
- Increase viability of timber harvest over time
Why is RIL being a prereq for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) timber certification useful?
Provides access to lucrative Western markets (price premium 5-77% above uncertified timber)
= increased inscentive to RIL
What are the pre harvest inventories required for RIL?
A comprehensive harvest plan
- To identify measure and geolocate all harvestable species AND protected species
- To protect a number of mature ‘seed’ trees
What is the pre harvest preparation required for RIL?
- Planned roads (straight, narrow, to target trees)
- Minimise log dumps along roads
- Vine cutting
What is needed during RIL harvest?
-Crews trained in directional felling & extraction
- Use of big tracked vehicles (good at weight distribution → limits soil compaction)
What are the outcomes of RIL?
- Reduces damage (lower % of injured & dead trees, skidding damage compared to conventional logging)
- Less detrimental to biodiversity (for birds, mammals and arthropods)
What are the benefits of lower intensity logging?
Meta analysis suggests lower intensity offers improved species retention. However, lacked studies of mammals and amphibians from SE Asia
What about lower intensity logging makes it a less viable option?
It reduces timber yields = market demands not met
How can the land-sharing vs land-sparing approach be applied to logging?
- Low yield over large area vs high yield over smaller area
- In land-sharing, the incentive of yield is still satisfied
- So, primary forest can be spared
What do studies show about land-sparing logging?
Edwards et al. 2004 show that more species are doing better in sparing than sharing
What are some unanswered qs about land-sparing logging
- How big should a spared patch be (edge effects)
- What happens after logging ceases?
- Is sparing best for carbon retention?
What is the biggest threat to forests?
Conversion to farmland
Especially in over-logged forests (no future value seen so they just clear the land)
Gibson et al. 2011 show big effect
What are 2 ways to prevent conversion of logged forests?
- Conservation purchases
- Carbon enhancements % REDD+
Give some examples of conservation purchases
RSPB and Birdlife pay governments to protect Harapan forest (Indonesia)
Is it more effective to invest in conserving primary forests or degraded forests?
- Twice-logged forests retain substantial biodiversity and are more cost-effective to protect.
- Trade-off: 1 ha of unlogged forest ≈ 5 ha of twice-logged forest in biodiversity retention.
- Conservation priorities should include:
Supporting meta-population dynamics.
Buffering primary forests and maintaining connectivity. - Further research:
How does timber profit correlate with biodiversity in other regions?
What is the optimal balance between purchasing primary and logged forests?
What are the biodiversity impacts of carbon restoration methods?
- Carbon sequestered can be sold under REDD+ initiatives.
- Restoration methods include:
Liberation cutting of lianas and shrubs to enhance canopy growth.
Monoculture plantations - Findings:
Active restoration accelerates carbon recovery to near-primary forest levels.
Minimal impact on species composition.
However, phylogenetic and functional diversity declines. - Debate:
Restoring biodiversity opportunity vs. Destructive carbon farming?
What is REDD+?
Global framework: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
Goals:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Enhance carbon storage.
- Protect biodiversity.
- Support sustainable livelihoods and development
How does REDD+ achieve its goals?
- Identify Drivers of Deforestation: Countries assess the key causes of forest loss (e.g., agriculture, logging, infrastructure development).
- Develop National Strategies: Countries create plans to address these drivers, incorporating conservation, improved land management, and community engagement.
- Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV): Countries monitor forest cover and carbon stocks using tools like satellite imagery and field data to quantify progress.
- Financial Incentives: Participating countries or communities receive financial support from international donors or carbon markets based on verified emissions reductions.
