15 - Forest landscape modeling as a tool to develop conservation targets

Summary

INTRODUCTION

International agreements emerging from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 challenge the forestry sector to harmonize the ecological, economic, and socio-cultural values of forests. Criteria and Indicators (C&I) for the sustainable forest management initiative have been developed and implemented as part of the forest certification process. Within the past two decades, it has become clear that forest management regulations directly affect biodiversity conservation and thus have a critical role in moderating conservation values (Hunter 1999; Angelstam et al. 2004). The emerging idea of forest conservation in tandem with production has inspired researchers and forest managers to revisit the conventional philosophy of forest management. Various approaches, including timber management, integrated forest resource management, ecosystem management, landscape management, and spatial forest management have emerged to enhance sustainability.

A management planning process must follow a series of related activities. These typically begin with ecosystem surveys focusing on forest values such as wood, water, carbon, and biodiversity, followed by land stratification and the establishment of conservation targets and management objectives. Later, planning alternatives are developed to accommodate the principles, activities, or actions, and any constraints necessary for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Nearly all current forest management practices apply planning methods that are believed to have a positive impact on forest ecosystems and ecological sustainability. Forest management typically integrates conservation of forests with the production of goods and services such as recreation, wood production, water quality, soil protection, and biodiversity.