Organizers: John Herbohn (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia), Gun Lidestav (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), Gary Kerr (UK Forestry Commission), Jessica Leahy (University of Maine, USA) & Christoph Hartebrodt (Forest Research Institute Baden-Württemberg, Germany)
Why bother to plant trees? The diffi culties of legally harvesting small-scale community forests in the Philippines.
Baynes, J. (University of Queensland, Australia; j.baynes@uq.edu.au), Herbohn, J. (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia;
jherbohn@usc.edu.au), Gregorio, N. (University of Queensland, Australia; no.gregorio@gmail.com).
Small-scale forestry in developing countries has been extensively researched from a viewpoint of conservation or reforestation.
Sustainable harvesting and livelihood development have received less attention. Hence, this study of the diffi culties associated with community-based timber harvesting and processing may provide guidance for other communities which have established forests and wish to use them for livelihood creation. We conducted a two year study into the legal, administrative and wood processing problems which Peoples Organisations (POs) in the Philippines must solve if they are to successfully harvest trees.
We found that even with the cooperation of government agencies, the inventory, mapping and documentation requirements for legal harvesting are far beyond the capacity of typical POs to manage. This has led to perverse outcomes in which planted trees are illegally harvested or destroyed because they compete with agricultural land uses. In addition, we found that high log defect and consequent low lumber recovery rates may preclude further processing and value adding. However, community members considered that converting trees into lumber for domestic consumption was an acceptable outcome. The implication of this study for other situations is that well-meaning but complex harvesting legislaton may act as a disincentive to community-based forestry.
Attitude towards risk and production decision: an empirical analysis on French private forest owners. Brunette, M., Kéré, E. (National Institute for Agricultural Research, (INRA), France; marielle.brunette@nancy.inra.fr; eric.kere@nancy.inra.fr).
In this paper, we are interested in attitude towards risk of non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners and the role of this attitude on harvesting decision. Indeed, risk aversion is known to be important when analysing forest management decisions (Marshall, 1987; Caulfi eld, 1988; Clarke and Reed, 1989; Gong, 1998; Uusivuori, 2002; Gong and Löfgren, 2003; Alvarez and Koskela, 2006) even if currently no study estimates such risk aversion. However, to our knowledge, no study deals with the role of this aversion on harvesting decisions. They prioritized the impact of risk averison on forest investments (Taylor and Forston, 1991;
Kangas, 1994), on NIPF owners’ consumption and production decisions (Koskela, 1989) and on the decision to replant or not after a clear cutting (Lien et al., 2007), among others. Consequently, using data from 350 French private forest owners, we estimate an average risk aversion coeffi cient for NIPF owner using a context-free measure borrowed from experimental economics. Then, we simultaneously estimate the determinant of risk aversion and harvesting decision. Variables like surface and forest revenue appear to be determinants in explaining risk aversion. In addition, risk aversion plays a positive and signifi cant role on the forest owner’s harvesting decision.
Family forest ownership research in the United States: past, present, and future. Butler, B. (U.S. Forest Service, USA;
bbutler01@fs.fed.us), Butler, S., Hewes, J. (University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA; sbutler@eco.umass.edu;
jhewes@eco.umass.edu).
Families and individuals own a plurality of forest land in the United States – 114 million ha (282 million acres). This group, collectively referred to as family forest owners, is as diverse as the land they own and continue to be the subject of much research on the threats they face, the benefi ts they provide, and their general characteristics. A systematic review of the peer-reviewed research literature related to family forest ownerships published since 2000 is being conducted. Coding of the 700+
articles includes: methods and analysis techniques employed; theoretical underpinning; geographic scope and resolution; and,
most importantly, the fi ndings. Common threats investigated include: climate change; development; fi re; markets; parcellation;
and taxation. Solutions discussed in multiple sources include: ecosystem services; education; incentives; markets; policies; social marketing; and new/revised tax policies. The most frequent behaviors investigated are: afforestation/reforestation; fi re hazard reduction; harvesting; other management activities; and recreation. Characteristics of family forest owners commonly discussed are owners’: attitudes; awareness of options; demographics; motivations; and ownership objectives. While specifi c future directions are unknown, some intriguing ideas include: landowner dynamics; intra-familial dynamics; micro-targeting; social capital; panel studies; and evidence based practices.
Factors infl uencing choice of forest management strategy among small-scale private forest owners in Sweden. Eggers, J., Öhman, K., Lamas, T., Lind, T. (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; jeannette.eggers@slu.se;
karin.ohman@slu.se; tomas.lamas@slu.se; Torgny.Lind@slu.se).
Half of the productive forest area in Sweden is owned by small-scale, non-industrial private forest owners. Forestry legislation leaves management decisions largely to the forest owner. The forest management choices of private forest owners have a decisive impact on forest composition and structure, and thus on many ecosystem services that forests provide. However, little quantitative data exists on the forest management strategies of Swedish private forest owners. In this study, we analysed survey results in order to assess the share of different management strategies among private forest owners in Sweden. The results are further analysed by means of Chi-square tests in order to learn which factors are most relevant in determining what management strategies individual forest owners choose. It was found that soft factors such as importance of economic income from the forest, membership in a forest owner association, certifi cation, as well as interest in and knowledge about forestry issues have a stronger impact on choice of strategy than most hard factors related to owner or property, such as gender and distance to the property.
However, the most important factor was property size, which was in turn associated with importance of economic income from the forest and several other soft factors.
Understanding forest owners’ propensity to the provision of ecosystem services: a survey in the Veneto Region of Italy.
Gatto, P., Secco, L., Pettenella, D., Vidale, E., Abatangelo, C (University of Padova, Italy; paola.gatto@unipd.it;
laura.secco@unipd.it; davide.pettenella@unipd.it; enrico.vidale@unipd.it; chiara.abatangelo@unipd.it).
Similar to other industrialised countries, Italian forests deliver, besides wood products, several ecosystem services (ES), mostly provided as public goods. The ES provision has been an important aspect in the Italian Legislative Framework since the early 1920s. However, up to now, the overall effect of the forest policies has been a slow and constant land abandonment, while a new demand of ES provision by forests has arisen. The paper presents the results of a survey undertaken in Veneto region (northeast Italy) to understand forest owners’ (FO) propensity to participate in active forest management for ES supply. The survey covers 30% of the forestland; about 200 FOs were interviewed. The characteristics of the forest estates, the FOs’ features and the forest management practices in place are examined together to the causal-effect relationships between forest management and ES provision. Few ES provision contracts were recorded and limited inclination towards ES supply was stated by FOs. Main reasons for this are the low awareness of ES potentials and the small size of forest estates. The paper also frames these results in the broader context of regional forest governance and suggests the implementation of ‘network contracts’ amongst FOs, as innovative tool for fostering ES provision.
Designing mixed species systems for community and smallholder forestry in the tropics to achieve multiple objectives.
Herbohn, J. (University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia; jherbohn@usc.edu.au), Ngyuen, H., Lamb, D (University of Queensland, Australia; h.nguyen22@uq.edu.au; d.lamb@uq.edu.au), Firn, J. (Queensland University of Technology, Australia;
jennifer.fi rn@qut.edu.au).
This paper discusses the key issues assocaited with the design of mixed species systems in the tropics. In the paper we draw on both the literature related to mixed-species forestry systems and the literature related to smallholders and community participation in forestry. Based on this analysis, we develop generic guidelines for the design of mixed-species systems that potentially have broad application in tropical regions. We then use these guidelines, combined with extensive datasets collected over the past 10 years, to propose specifi c systems suited to smallholder and community forestry in the Philippines. These systems provide a range of short term and longer term fi nancial and livelihood benefi ts, along with other social and ecological benefi ts including biodiversity.
The association of forest owners after the restitution process in the Czech Republic. Jarský, V., Šišák, L., Kupcak, V.
(Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic; jarsky@fl d.czu.cz; sisak@fl d.czu.cz; kupcak@fl d.czu.cz).
The paper analyzes the changing structure of forest ownership in the Czech Republic in the past twenty years. We present the process of restitution of the former state property and the way it helped the new forest owners to unite in associations. Our methodology comprises literary research and personal interviews with members of selected associations. The analysis shows that at the very beginning, municipal forest owners were the fi rst and most active to begin associating, while private forest owners joined later. The reason for hesitation was their deep-rooted mistrust and scepticism of collective ownership from the past, and also a lack of knowledge and experience with forest management. Two structurally different types of associations gradually emerged. The fi rst type is represented by a patronage national association, based on a combination of top-down and bottom-up principles, aiming to promote municipal and private forest owners on the national level. The other type is represented by local associations of minor forest owners and is created on the bottom-up principle, its aim being cooperative management of their properties. The analysis also shows that the Czech Republic effectively supports the associating of forest owners, and the national support was the main reason why some of the associations were established.
Biodiversity and ecosystem carbon budget in the upland landscapes following shifting cultivation by small-holder kaingin farmers in the Philippines. Mukul, S. (University of Queensland, Australia; sharif_a_mukul@yahoo.com), Herbohn, J.
(University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia; jherbohn@usc.edu.au).
Shifting cultivation, locally known as kaingin, is one of the common forest uses in upland Philippines. Despite efforts by the Philippines government to ban this practice, kaingin systems play an important role in the food security of small-holder farmers.
We conducted an exploratory survey in Leyte province across fallow kaingin areas of four distinct categories (i.e. 0–5; 5–10;
10–20; and 20–30 years) and in secondary forests without any kaingin history. A transect method was followed, and 20 transects of 50 m × 5 m were established along each fallow category and in forests where we recorded tree diversity, standing biomass, biomass in dead/dying/burnt woods, biomass of leaf litter/woody debris/ undergrowths and in fi ne roots. Study reveals that fallow areas of older age embrace a considerable amount of tree diversity and carbon comparable to secondary forests. The contribution of small diameter trees and dead/dying/burnt woods were however prominent in carbon budget of young kaingin areas where large diameter trees have the largest share in secondary forests. Greater understanding of the pattern and processes of biodiversity and carbon pool in kaingin landscapes could be useful to restore the degraded upland areas more effi ciently, and could help develop possible mechanisms to reward small-holder farmers to avoid this age-old practice.
Factors infl uencing the level of participation of community forest association members in participatory forest manage-ment: a case study of Kenya. Musyoki, J. (Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya; josephinemusyoki@yahoo.com), Mugwe, J.
(Kenyatta University, Kenya; jaynemugwe@yahoo.com), Muchiri, M. (Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya;
mbaemuchiri2002@yahoo.com), Mutundu, K. (Mount Kenya University, Kenya; kkmutundu@yahoo.com).
Forests contribute to the livelihoods of adjacent communities by providing various ecosystem goods and services. Using a case study of Ontukigo and Ngare Ndare community forest associations (CFAs) involved in participatory management of Ontulili and Ngare Ndare forests in North Central Kenya, the relationship between the level of CFA participation in participatory forest management (PFM) and their perceived benefi ts was assessed. Community perceptions on the contribution of CFA to improved forest cover and PFM contribution to improvement of CFA members’ livelihoods were assessed through semi-structured questionnaires and participatory rural appraisal tools. The level of CFA members’ participation was positively infl uenced by the level of perceived PFM benefi ts (χ2 = 38.73, P=0.05); range of farm size (χ2=12.72, P=0.05); and nature of household headship (χ2 = 29.99, P=0.001). Increase in forest cover was associated with CFA participation in PFM. Improvement in CFA members’
livelihood was associated with their participation in PFM. Enhancing income generating activities in and off the forest and streamlining modalities of benefi t sharing between Kenya Forest Service and the CFA members were proposed for improved community livelihood and enhanced participation in PFM.
The present state and prospects of private forest owners’ associations. Pezdevšek Malovrh, Š. (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; spela.pezdevsek.malovrh@bf.uni-lj.si), Avdibegovic, M. (University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
mavdibegovic@gmail.com), Zadnik (Stirn), L., Krč, J (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; lidija.zadnik@bf.uni-lj.si;
janez.krc@bf.uni-lj.si).
The study analyses the challenges and prospects of private forest owners’ cooperation in association in Slovenia applying the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) method. The data from questionnaires with private forest owners and presidents of associations were used to develop and to analyse the strategies for forest owners’ cooperation. Results reveal that the members of associations are only partly satisfi ed with the operation of the existing associations and that the activities of associations meet the members’ interests related to forest management. Thus, associations are recognized as a suitable form of forest owners’ cooperation. The presidents of associations perceive the group activities and investments of members, as well as educating of members as major strengths of private forest owners associations. Further, participation in tenders and change of legislation is recognized as an important opportunity. The individual interests of members and insuffi cient cooperation with other institutions are identifi ed as weaknesses for associations, and the ignorance of some institutions is identifi ed as a critical threat.
However, the rank of importance of the SWOT groups leads to defensive approach in the strategic planning where associations have to minimize weaknesses in order to avoid threats. These results provide important insights in the future development of forest owners’ cooperation in associations.
A culturally focused life cycle sustainability assessment: analysis of forestry value chain options with Māori land owners.
Pizzirani, S. (Scion, New Zealand; stefania.pizzirani@scionresearch.com).
Forestry provides a range of benefi ts to indigenous communities, both tangible and intangible. In particular, the cultural benefi ts associated with forestry are distinctly important yet often go unrecognised. The indigenous Māori of New Zealand are one of the largest forest owners in the country, and have a keen interest in forestry. Currently the most common type of forestry is even-aged plantations of exotic species which provides a degree of long-term profi t and economic stability. However, Māori also wish to pursue alternative forestry options (including the use of native species or uneven aged management). To explore forestry options a participatory case study was undertaken with the Ngāti Porou iwi (tribe) using the life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) technique to review the impacts of proposed alternative forestry value chains. LCSA assesses a product’s environmental, social, and economic impacts from the ‘cradle to the grave’. In this case study, indigenous cultural impacts were also included in the LCSA thus reporting impacts along a quadruple bottom line, the fi rst of its kind. This research presentation reviews the process of integrating culture into the LCSA technique and the quadruple bottom line LCSA impacts of the current and proposed forestry value chains.
Small-scale forestry and policy challenges in East Asia. Sato, N. (Kyushu University, Japan; sato.noriko.842@m.kyushu-u.ac.jp), Choi, S. (Department of Forest Resources, Sunchon National University, Republic of Korea; csi9626@yahoo.co.jp), KANG, H.
(National University, Republic of Korea; kanghagmokang@yahoo.co.jp), Tseng, Y. (National Changhua University of Education, China-Taipei; yuliang318@yahoo.co.jp).
Japan, Korea, and Taiwan face common rural problems. The fi rst is rapidly aging populations. The second is the under-used resources of domestic forests, as symbolized in extremely low timber self-suffi ciency rates (Japan, 26%; Korea, 15%; and Taiwan, 1% in 2011). The third is the fragmented small-scale ownership of private forests. An effective policy for sustainable forest
management requires the enhancement of cross-national research in the East Asian countries. Employing government statistics, secondary sources, and case studies, this study illuminates the similarities and differences of forest policies and their impacts on small-scale forest owners. In Japan, forest policies has been actively carried out to enhance timber production, as seen in the coordination and consolidation of forestry practices among groups of small forest owners and the subsidies to the actors who formulated their forestry management plans. In Korea, the upgrading of timber distribution structures has begun in order to enhance timber self-suffi ciency. In Taiwan, policies have focused on forest conservation and the self-support of rural mountain communities, such as through eco-tourism. The authors explain the effects of these policies on the household economies of small-scale forest owners, inheritance practices and land transactions, and the social structures of communities.
Community forestry and fi re management: combining social and ecological research to strengthen land management in communal forests in rural Mexico. Sheridan, R. (Northern Arizona University, USA; rs253@nau.edu).
This project uses social and ecological diagnostic tools to develop a fi re management strategy for a communal forest containing an economically valuable piñón pine species, Pinus cembroides subs. orizabensis, in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. The ultimate goal was to not only to preserve this endemic species but also to benefi t the local community. This project combines education, outreach, social science, and ecological research to examine how communities can better manage their common-pool resources, thereby creating more sustainable and resilient landscapes and livelihoods. The social assessment was conducted through household interviews, community workshops, and direct participant observation. The ecological diagnostic was carried out through a fuel inventory and forest structure survey. The ecological risk of fi re was quantifi ed and coupled with the social analysis to develop an integrated management strategy on how to reduce the risk of fi res in these communal forests while simultaneously benefi ting the community economically and organizationally. Results indicate that human activities directly infl uence forest fuel structure and composition; local social dynamics also determine feasible management options. Combining both social and ecological diagnostic tools provide a more comprehensive understanding of the risks to forests and identifi es more realistic community-supported options for conservation.
Modeling private woodland owner timber harvesting behavior using social interactions, risk perception, and peer-to-peer networking. Silver, E., Leahy, J., Weiskittel, A. (University of Maine, USA; emily.j.silver@maine.edu; jessica.leahy@maine.edu;
aaron.weiskittel@maine.edu), Kittredge, D. (University of Massachusetts, USA; dbk@eco.umass.edu), Hiebeler, D. (University of Maine, USA; david.hiebeler@maine.edu).
Privately-owned woodlands are an important source of timber in North America and worldwide. Available timber supply is diffi cult to estimate because complex behavioral theory informs the owner’s decision to harvest. The decision-making environment consists of exogenous market factors, internal cognitive processes, and social interactions with fellow landowners, foresters, and other rural community members. This study seeks to understand how social interactions, risk perceptions, and peer-to-peer networks infl uence timber-harvesting behavior using an agent-based model. This theoretical model uses a 4 000 ha2 world with forested polygons in various states of ‘harvest readiness’ and three types of agents: forest landowners, foresters, and cooperators
Privately-owned woodlands are an important source of timber in North America and worldwide. Available timber supply is diffi cult to estimate because complex behavioral theory informs the owner’s decision to harvest. The decision-making environment consists of exogenous market factors, internal cognitive processes, and social interactions with fellow landowners, foresters, and other rural community members. This study seeks to understand how social interactions, risk perceptions, and peer-to-peer networks infl uence timber-harvesting behavior using an agent-based model. This theoretical model uses a 4 000 ha2 world with forested polygons in various states of ‘harvest readiness’ and three types of agents: forest landowners, foresters, and cooperators