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Nonresidential and mid- to high-rise multifamily residential structures in the United States currently use little wood per unit floor area installed, because earlier building codes lacked provisions for structural wood use in those types of buildings. However, revisions to the International Building Code allow for increased wood use in the form of mass timber, as structural and fire safety concerns have been addressed through new science-based design standards and through newly specified construction materials and measures. This study used multiple models to describe alternative futures for new construction, mass timber adoption rates, and the associated carbon benefits in higher than three-story buildings in the United States. The use of mass timber, in place of traditional constructions (i.e., structures dominated by concrete and steel), in projected new higher than three-story buildings was shown to provide combined carbon benefits (i.e., global warming mitigation benefits), including avoided embodied carbon emissions due to the substitution of non-wood alternatives and additional biogenic carbon storage in mass timber materials, of between 9.9 and 16.5 million t CO2e/yr spanning 50 years, 2020 to 2070. These carbon benefits equate to 12% to 20% of the total U.S. harvested wood products carbon storage for 2020. Future research is needed to understand how greater mass timber adoption leads to changes in forest product markets, land use, and total forest sector carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative air ions (NAIs) are an important indicator of air cleanliness in an area, and play a vital role in promoting the psychological and physiological functions of the human body. However, there are few studies regarding the relationship between NAI concentration and various environmental factors in urban forests. Therefore, we established an observation point in the Zhuyu Bay Scenic Area in Yangzhou City and continuously measured concentration changes in NAIs for three years. At the same time, we also monitored 14 meteorological factors. A random forest model was used to determine the important environmental factors that affected changes in negative air ion concentrations from a non-comprehensive perspective, determine the prediction accuracy of the model, and screen out environmental factors that have a significant impact on negative air ions. The results showed that the environmental factor that NAIs were the most sensitive to in the Zhuyu Bay urban forest was humidity, followed by PM2.5, then wind direction, methane gas, and finally, temperature. Humidity was the most critical factor primarily because it directly affects the formation of NAIs in the environment and vegetation. We used big data to analyze the relationship between NAIs and environmental factors in forest parks. The results help deepen our understanding of NAIs characteristics and their application in urban forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperate forests, especially those in the densely populated regions of the world, are experiencing increasing levels of habitat degradation and biological impoverishment due to subtle but pervasive chronic anthropogenic disturbances including frequent and continuous grazing and extraction of non‐timber forest products. However, the effects of these subtle, chronic disturbances on the biodiversity‐productivity relationship have rarely been examined especially in forests at different development stages. Accordingly, this study explores how chronic anthropogenic disturbance affects the relationship between tree species diversity and forest productivity at different stand development stages in a large temperate forest region.We used the human footprint index as a proxy for chronic human disturbance. Hierarchical Bayesian models were employed to assess the effects of chronic human disturbance on the relationship between tree diversity and forest productivity across different stand age. Several measures of diversity were employed, including taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity.Forest productivity consistently increased with taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic biodiversity; these biodiversity facets were the main drivers of forest productivity compared to stand age, chronic human disturbance and climate. However, the magnitude at which productivity increases with the increments of taxonomic and functional diversity diminishes with the increasing chronic disturbance, especially in younger stands. The effects of phylogenetic diversity on productivity did not vary with chronic disturbance, regardless of stand age.Synthesis and applications: Chronic human disturbance in a large temperate forest region reduces the increase in community productivity due to different facets of biodiversity, especially in young forests. The evidence suggests that the mitigation of chronic human disturbance and the conservation of biodiversity will be effective in sustaining essential ecosystem functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsustainable harvest of forest resources in dry regions of Africa has contributed to forest degradation and increased the prices of forest resources in local markets. Many people in dry regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have been harvesting forest resources to supplement food sources due to poor crop production as a result of erratic rainfall. This review seeks to explore the utilisation and contribution of forest resources to improving food security in the dry regions of Africa. Forest resources are highly utilised by poor resource farmers in rural areas as a means of poverty alleviation, income generation and to improve human livelihoods. Resources such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute to human nutrition, income generation, food sources and to improve living standards. NTFPs, such as honey, waxes and medicines, have been reported to contribute income in countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, creating more opportunities for rural people to improve their living standards and reduce food insecurity. These resources contribute to hidden hunger though the utilisation of fruit, vegetables, honey, wild meat and edible worms, especially to the children under five years of age. Climate change has also created variability in the availability of forest resources in dry regions, and this has altered their contribution to human livelihoods and food security.

Overharvesting is a serious threat to many fish populations. High mortality and directional selection on body size can cause evolutionary change in exploited populations via selection for a specific phenotype and a potential reduction in phenotypic diversity. Whether the loss of phenotypic diversity that accompanies directional selection impairs response to environmental stress is not known. To address this question, we exposed three zebrafish selection lines to thermal stress. Two lines had experienced directional selection for (1) large and (2) small body size, and one was (3) subject to random removal of individuals with respect to body size (i.e. line with no directional selection). Selection lines were exposed to three temperatures (elevated, 34°C; ambient, 28°C; low, 22°C) to determine the response to an environmental stressor (thermal stress). We assessed differences among selection lines in their life history (growth and reproduction), physiological traits (metabolic rate and critical thermal max) and behaviour (activity and feeding behaviour) when reared at different temperatures. Lines experiencing directional selection (i.e. size selected) showed reduced growth rate and a shift in average phenotype in response to lower or elevated thermal stress compared with fish from the random‐selected line. Our data indicate that populations exposed to directional selection can have a more limited capacity to respond to thermal stress compared with fish that experience a comparable reduction in population size (but without directional selection). Future studies should aim to understand the impacts of environmental stressors on natural fish stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The populations living around Djebel Aissa National Park are dependent on the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) offered by the park. The objective of this study is to identify and improve knowledge of the different NTFPs used by the populations of Ain Sefra, Tiout, and Mekalis. In this context, structured questionnaires were carried out with 520 participants residing in the selected zones.The results obtained reveal that 33 plants belonging to 16 families and 29 genera are used in traditional medicine, 11 species distributed in 10 genera and 9 families are wild edibles and only one species is considered an artisanal species.In terms of medicinal plants, the Lamiaceae (16.67%), Asteraceae (11.11%) and Fabaceae (11.11%) families are the most represented. The leaves and aerial parts are the most used with respectively 42.42 and 36.36%. Decoction is the most frequent preparation method (66,67%). The oral form is the only frequent use method (100%). Rosmarinus officinalis L (FC = 100%), Artemisia herba-alba Asso (FC = 90.83%), Thymus algeriensis Boiss Et Reut (FC = 85%), Juniperus phoenicea L. (FC = 62.50%), Pistacia atlantica Desf (CF=46.67%) are the plants with highest frequency citation. The ethnobotanical use value (VUs) varies from 0.83% to 3.33%.For wild edibles, the leaves are the most consumed (54.55%). The consumption of the plant parts is done by steaming, eating fresh, and grinding. The relative level of village knowledge (Cr%) varies from 20 to 100%, the best-known wild edibles are Quercus ilex subsp. Ballota (Desf.) Samp, Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam, Rosmarinus officinalis L, Ceratonia silliqua L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enormous potential of renewable bioresources is expected to play a key role in the development of the EU's sustainable circular economy. In this context, inexhaustible, biodegradable, non-toxic, and carbon-neutral forest-origin resources are very attractive for the development of novel sustainable products. The main structural component of wood is cellulose, which, in turn, is the feedstock of nanocellulose, one of the most explored nanomaterials. Different applications of nanocellulose have been proposed, including packaging, functional coatings, insulating materials, nanocomposites and nanohybrids manufacturing, among others. However, the intrinsic flammability of nanocellulose restricts its use in some areas where fire risk is a concern. This paper overviews the most recent studies of the fire resistance of nanocellulose-based materials, focusing on thin films, coatings, and aerogels. Along with effectiveness, increased attention to sustainable approaches is considered in developing novel fire-resistant coatings. The great potential of bio-based fire-resistant materials, combined with conventional non-halogenated fire retardants (FRs), has been established. The formulation methods, types of FRs and their action modes, and methods used for analysing fireproof are discussed in the frame of this overview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unsustainable harvest of forest resources in dry regions of Africa has contributed to forest degradation and increased the prices of forest resources in local markets. Many people in dry regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have been harvesting forest resources to supplement food sources due to poor crop production as a result of erratic rainfall. This review seeks to explore the utilisation and contribution of forest resources to improving food security in the dry regions of Africa. Forest resources are highly utilised by poor resource farmers in rural areas as a means of poverty alleviation, income generation and to improve human livelihoods. Resources such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) contribute to human nutrition, income generation, food sources and to improve living standards. NTFPs, such as honey, waxes and medicines, have been reported to contribute income in countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, creating more opportunities for rural people to improve their living standards and reduce food insecurity. These resources contribute to hidden hunger though the utilisation of fruit, vegetables, honey, wild meat and edible worms, especially to the children under five years of age. Climate change has also created variability in the availability of forest resources in dry regions, and this has altered their contribution to human livelihoods and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wood, being a commonly existing versatile material, has indeed played a vital role in all human history. Since the wood is the most vulnerable to decomposition, the wood artefacts of the prehistoric period have rarely survived, except in the extraordinary conditions for preservation. Some of the excavations in the prehistoric sites revealed the multipurpose use of wood as digging sticks, firewood and other purposes by the prehistoric men. The tradition of erecting wooden stems as an embodiment of deity and worshipping them has been found in many countries in the ancient times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Madre de Dios is considered an important center of biodiversity in Peru due to its extensive Amazonian forests. However, the forests are under growing pressure due to land invasion, agricultural expansion, and gold mining. This makes support for forest management very important. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between forest loss, land cover, land-use changes, and Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa Humb. & Bonpl) production in forest concessions in the Peruvian Amazon (2004–2020). Remote sensing techniques were used to classify images using the random forest algorithm, which was applied to the Landsat-5 thematic mapper, Landsat-7 enhanced thematic mapper, and Landsat-8 operational land imagery. Brazil nut production data from 2004–2020 was provided by the Regional Forest and Wildlife Service of Madre de Dios. In forest concessions, the forest area decreased continuously over the whole study period (160.11 ha/year). During the same time period, the change in forest cover in the concessions from Brazil nut to other uses was 4681 ha. At the same time, the authorization and extraction of Brazil nuts varied during the study period but did not show a downward trend. We found a significant and inverse relationship between the conversion of forest to agricultural land and Brazil nut production. However, there were insignificant relationships between forest loss, the persistence of agricultural and forest areas, and Brazil nut production. Therefore, despite the forest loss in the forest concession areas, Brazil nut production has not decreased. Production may not be affected because land pressure is higher near access roads, affecting only the areas near the roads rather than the actual areas where the Brazil nut-producing trees are located. Our results showed that nut production in non-timber forest product concessions would be negatively affected by deforestation and forest degradation, but only slightly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Dehydration response element binding (DREB) proteins are vital for plant abiotic stress responses, but the understanding of DREBs in bamboo, an important sustainable non‐timber forest product, is limited. Here we conducted a comprehensive genome‐wide analysis of the DREB gene family in Moso bamboo, representing the most important running bamboo species in Asia. In total, 44 PeDREBs were identified, and information on their gene structures, protein motifs, phylogenetic relationships, and stress‐related cis‐regulatory elements (CREs) was provided. Based on the bioinformatical analysis, we further analyzed PeDREBs from the A5 group and found that four of five PeDREB transcripts were induced by salt, drought, and cold stresses, and their proteins could bind to stress‐related CREs. Among these, PeDREB28 was selected as a promising candidate for further functional characterization. PeDREB28 is localized in nucleus, has transcriptional activation activity, and could bind to the DRE‐ and coupling element 1‐ (CE1) CREs. Overexpression of PeDREB28 in Arabidopsis and bamboo improved plant abiotic stress tolerance. Transcriptomic analysis showed that broad changes due to the overexpression of PeDREB28. Furthermore, 628 genes that may act as the direct PeDREB28 downstream genes were identified by combining DAP‐seq and RNA‐seq analysis. Moreover, we confirmed that PeDREB28 could bind to the promoter of pyrabactin‐resistance‐like gene (DlaPYL3), which is a homolog of abscisic acid receptor in Arabidopsis, and activates its expression. In summary, our study provides important insights into the DREB gene family in Moso bamboo, and contributes to their functional verification and genetic engineering applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution and abundance under climate change of particularly non‐timber forest product tree species is vital since they sustain many livelihoods, especially in rural sub‐Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the current and future natural range of mopane (Colophospermum mopane (J. Kirk ex Benth.) J. Léonard, Fabaceae), a dominant tree species in mopane woodlands of southern Africa. An ensemble model was built in 'biomod2' from eight algorithms and used to estimate the current and future distribution. Seven bioclimatic variables and 269 occurrence records were used to calibrate individual models that were later combined into an ensemble model. The ensemble model was projected to two time periods, 2041–2060 and 2081–2100, under two shared socio‐economic pathways (SSPs), SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5, and three general circulation models (GCMs). The ensemble model showed high performance (KAPPA = 0.770, ROC = 0.961, TSS = 0.792, ACCURACY = 0.900). A map of the current distribution shows occurrence predominantly in low‐lying areas, including the Zambezi, Save and Limpopo valleys, Okavango and Cuvelai basins, and in southern and central Mozambique. Projection maps show expansion under all SSPs, GCMs and time periods. Averaged across GCMs in 2041–2060, the range expanded by 22.37% under SSP2‐4.5, and by 19.94% under SSP5‐8.5. In 2081–2100, the range expanded by 20.43% under SSP2‐4.5, and by 27.62% under SSP5‐8.5. Notably, the range expansion was highest under SSP5‐8.5, an SSP that envisages unmitigated greenhouse gas release and the largest mean global temperature increase. It is highly likely that mopane is not directly threatened by climate change. Indirect climate change threats, however, remain uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Korea is one of the countries with a significant proportion of its national territory covered by forests. However, it remains unclear what management strategies for providing forest ecosystem services are preferred by the residents. This study explores South Korean residents' preferences for managing local forest ecosystem services, with a focus on how these preferences vary by forest ownership. Using the choice experiment method, this research identified residents' willingness to pay for seven key local forest ecosystem services, along with a tax measure. The findings indicate a strong preference for biodiversity as the primary ecosystem service in both national/public and private forests, with residents willing to pay an average of KRW 28,370 (USD 21.80) per household per year and KRW 31,670 (USD 24.34) per household per year, respectively, for its enhancement. Preferences varied depending on forest ownership, with noticeable differences in perceptions of services like water supply, non-timber forest product supply, carbon storage, and recreation. Based on forest ownership, these variations in perceptions highlight the importance of managing ecosystem services in line with national/public forests and private forests, which significantly influences residents' preferences. The study emphasizes the necessity of formulating ecosystem service management policies that account for the region's unique natural resource characteristics, aiming to maximize ecological benefits for the local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical forests in the Pacific region contain many tree species that bear edible nuts (kernels). Canarium indicum (canarium) is an overstorey tree indigenous to Melanesia that produces commercially valuable kernels due to their pleasant taste and high oil content. This study characterises natural variation in fruit, nut-in-shell (NIS) and kernels of C. indicum across eight islands in Vanuatu. Significant tree-to-tree variation in fruit, NIS and kernel characteristics as well as kernel recovery (kernel:NIS) was found. This variation was largely due to tree-to-tree differences and little of this variation could be attributed to location. There were significant linear correlations among fruit, NIS and kernel traits, including kernel mass with fruit mass (R2 0.57) and kernel mass with NIS mass (R2 0.56). Therefore, trees suitable for cultivation may be screened based on fruit and nut characters before making final selections based on kernel mass. Trees sampled over two fruiting seasons showed that kernel mass and kernel number varied significantly between years for 63.6% and 25.9% of the trees respectively. However, by rank order, those trees that produced larger kernels in the first year of sampling, tended to also produce relatively larger kernels in the subsequent year. The implications of these results for the further domestication of the species for planting in commercial agroforestry systems is explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a slow-growing medicinal root native to eastern North America. Though it is possible to farm, wild ginseng can sell for twenty (or more) times as much as cultivated ginseng. Declining wild ginseng populations due to habitat loss and overharvesting has led to harvest restrictions, but strong demand for wild ginseng remains. One potential solution is "wild-simulated" ginseng, where ginseng is grown under conditions crafted to mimic a wild forest with the goal of producing roots that look wild. I contend, however, that despite the fact that wild-simulated ginseng grows in a habitat actively tended and monitored by humans, is nevertheless wild. I explore wildness as "productive unruliness" and show how wild-simulated ginseng actively crafts wildness through management to maintain if not add complexity, to foster unpredictability, or to facilitate stress. Furthermore, the habitat that wild-simulated ginseng growers are attempting to emulate—"wild" Appalachian woodlands dominated by an assemblage of "native" plants that pre-date the arrival of Europeans in the Americas—are themselves the product of human manipulation. In Appalachia, the boundaries between the wild and the cultivated are blurred. Wild-simulated ginseng is an example of how conservation goals can be achieved by crafting "wild" environments that are not untouched, pristine wildernesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global understanding of Traditional Ecological Knowledge related to the management and conservation of frankincense trees in Somalia remains limited, particularly considering the highly context-specific nature of TEK. This research aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge by enhancing our understanding of the role played by Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the management and governance of frankincense fields in northeastern Somalia. The primary objective of this study is to identify and describe the key components of local knowledge that regulate harvesting practices, with the overarching goal of ensuring the long-term survival and productivity of frankincense trees in the country. Additionally, the study explores the attitudes of local communities towards traditional harvesting and conservation practices in frankincense fields. The findings highlight valuable insights into the interplay between local knowledge and the conservation of frankincense trees in northeastern Somalia, bridging the gap between scientific understanding and indigenous wisdom.

AbstractThe marula tree can play a vital role to enhance the livelihoods within marginalised communities and aid forest management efforts. This research aimed to explore the utilisation and management of the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea) in ward 3 of Beitbridge district, Southern Zimbabwe. A representative sample of 300 randomly selected households from five villages of ward 3 were interviewed telephonically and through the WhatsApp social media platform using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study observed that 95% of the sampled households harvested and utilised marula fruits to produce several products including jam, marula wine, nuts for consumption, and soda. In addition, marula makes a significant contribution to family income at (35%) when in season compared to other livelihood options such as livestock rearing and cropping. An average of 443 kg of marula fruits were harvested per season per village and there were significant differences (p

Abstract In several regions of Africa, the daily diet is partly dependent on the edible products from wild animals, plants, and mushrooms, driven by their availability, wide distribution in the local environment, and the low incomes of the general population. The documentation of ethnomycological information is particularly important to validate or correct the identification of specimens and the preservation of these natural resources with cultivation potential, thus improving their consumption and utilization for medicinal purposes. The number of wild edible mushroom species consumed varies between different regions of Africa, with around 300 species being documented in the literature. However, despite its rich biodiversity, the African continent is still underexploited, which is reflected in poor food contribution to populations that are often in need. Here, the safe use of mushrooms is guided by the insufficiency of studies that validate their nutritional and medicinal properties, since they are key factors in the suppression of protein deficiency in the everyday diet of the populations and a source of bioactive compounds useful for the formulation of added‐value functional products. Thus, it becomes essential to investigate African mushrooms, not only from the identification point of view, but also in terms of nutritional, chemical, and bioactive characterization, hence deepen the knowledge about this valuable natural resource. Bearing these in mind, the main objective of this study is to systematize the knowledge available in scientific publications and specialized websites, thus gathering information about the valuable profits that come from using these widely appreciated natural products.

In Ethiopia, Pinus radiata and Pinus patula are extensively cultivated. Both plantations frequently serve as habitats for edible fungi, providing economic and ecological importance. Our study aims were: (i) to investigate how plantation age and tree species influence the variety of edible fungi and sporocarps production; (ii) to determine edaphic factors contributing to variations in sporocarps composition; and (iii) to establish a relationship between the most influencing edaphic factors and the production of valuable edible mushrooms for both plantation types. Sporocarps were collected weekly from permanent plots (100 m2) established in 5-, 14-, and 28-year-old stands of both species in 2020. From each plot, composite soil samples were also collected to determine explanatory edaphic variables for sporocarps production and composition. A total of 24 edible species, comprising 21 saprophytic and three ectomycorrhizal ones were identified. Agaricus campestroides, Morchella sp., Suillus luteus, Lepista sordida, and Tylopilus niger were found in both plantations. Sporocarp yields showed significant variation, with the highest mean production in 28-year-old stands of both Pinus stands. Differences in sporocarps variety were also observed between the two plantations, influenced by factors such as pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and cation exchange capacity. Bovista dermoxantha, Coprinellus domesticus, and A. campestroides made contributions to the variety. The linear regression models indicated that the abundance of specific fungi was significantly predicted by organic matter. This insight into the nutrient requirements of various fungal species can inform for a better plantation management to produce both wood and non-wood forest products. Additionally, higher sporocarps production in older stands suggests that retaining patches of mature trees after the final cut can enhance fungal habitat, promoting diversity and yield. Thus, implementing this approach could provide supplementary income opportunities from mushroom sales and enhance the economic outputs of plantations, while mature trees could serve as a source of fungal inoculum for new plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the upper tree line, the erect trees of the forest often give way to stunted and twisted trees that continue in a patchy way and these are called Krummholz (crooked woods). Keywords: Mojuntains tree lines; sacred mountains; forests EN Mojuntains tree lines sacred mountains forests 961 966 6 11/10/23 20231101 NES 231101 Mountain forests occur on most of the continents on this planet. The uniqueness of these forests did not stop with their isolation as species have hybridized and continued to adapt (Berlyn et al., [1], [2]; DeLucia & Berlyn, [5]; Richardson & Berlyn, [13]; Richardson et al., [14]). Mountain forests provide mountain peoples with forest products like wood for heat and cooking. [Extracted from the article]

Devil's claw (Harpagophytum spp.) is a wild plant harvested from Namibia and traded in the international market. This article examines the historical and current social and political-economic relations that determine the mechanisms of access by which benefits from devil's claw are derived by harvesters. Based on qualitative research, the article reveals how colonialism, traditional authority and community-based natural resource management shape access to markets, knowledge, technology, capital, authority and harvesting rights. Harvesters benefit primarily through the provision of income and in some cases, the delivery of training, equipment and reduced permit fees. Benefits did not alleviate producer dependencies and inequalities were reinforced at the intersection of race, class and gender. Considering new access and benefit-sharing legislation in Namibia, the article highlights caveats that may perpetuate, rather than alleviate, inequitable trade relations and suggests a (re)interpretation of access and benefit-sharing in implementation toward transformation of wild plant industries in Southern Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, forest inventory variation is calculated independently, and model-related uncertainty is systematically ignored. Although methods of estimation evaluation and sampling uncertainty together are unknown in the country, they are indispensable for improving the results of forest inventories since obtaining high quality estimates is extremely important for the country, due to its large forest areas and distinguished for being a world leader in the supply of timber and non-timber forest products, and a reference as a provider of environmental services. In view of the above, this paper presents the following study hypothesis: "Considering the uncertainty associated with inventory components: i - sampling and ii - regression model combined in the total variance of the forest inventory results in more accurate volume and biomass estimates" Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the uncertainties associated with sampling and the linear regression model in volume and biomass estimates in Acacia mearnsii stands in Brazil. To jointly evaluate these two sources of uncertainty, the hybrid variance estimator was used, with an analytical approach. The results showed that if model uncertainty is not considered, the total uncertainty is underestimated by 6.51%. In biomass estimates, the total uncertainty is underestimated by 18.74%. Ignoring uncertainty in total estimates can lead to uninformed decisions in forest management, with economic implications, particularly in biomass estimates, where the associated variation is even greater than in volume due to the nature of this variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on shiitake mushrooms as non-timber forestry products adapting to climate change in an area to examine the practice of sustainable forest management. Our study is relevant to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems because the research site is located in Kunisaki Peninsula in Japan, which is conventionally prone to drought. We examined how producers have been coping with climate change by adopting low- and middle-temperature varieties of shiitake, Lentinula edodes. This survey collected qualitative and quantitative data at the field level. Qualitative data were derived from interviews with shiitake producers, cooperative staff members, government officials, and a wholesaler followed by a quantitative survey. Moreover, a workshop was organized to verify the results of the interviews. The study results indicate that producers with a higher-than-average ratio of low-temperature shiitake production tend to sell through a brand for low-temperature shiitake varieties and acquire production knowledge from a parent. Annual sales and sloping terrain also affected the ratio. Furthermore, ongoing challenges presented by climate change can alter information and knowledge exchange, which thus increases interaction beyond family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing harvest and overexploitation of wild plants for non‐timber forest products can significantly affect population dynamics of harvested populations. While the most common approach to assess the effect of harvest and perturbation of vital rates is focused on the long‐term population growth rate, most management strategies are planned and implemented over the short‐term.We developed an integral projection model to investigate the effects of harvest on the demography and the short‐ and long‐term population dynamics of Banisteriopsis caapi in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.Harvest had no significant effect on the size‐dependent growth of lianas, but survival rates increased with size. Harvest had a significant negative effect on size‐dependent survival where larger lianas experienced greater mortality rates under high harvest pressure than smaller lianas. In the populations under high harvest pressure, survival of smaller lianas was greater than that of populations with low harvest pressure. Harvest had no significant effect on clonal or sexual reproduction, but fertility was size‐dependent.The long‐term population growth rates of B. caapi populations under high harvest pressure were projected to decline at a rate of 1.3% whereas populations with low harvest pressure are expected to increase at 3.2%. However, before reaching equilibrium, over the short‐term, all B. caapi populations were in decline by 26% (high harvested population) and (low harvested population) 20.4% per year.Elasticity patterns were dominated by survival of larger lianas irrespective of harvest treatments. Life table response experiment analyses indicated that high harvest caused the 6% reduction in population growth rates by significantly reducing the survival of large lianas and increasing the survival‐growth of smaller lianas including vegetative reproductive individuals.Synthesis and applications. This study emphasizes how important it is for management strategies for B. caapi lianas experiencing anthropogenic harvest to prioritize the survival of larger size lianas and vegetative reproducing individuals, particularly in increased harvested systems often prone to multiple stressors. From an applied conservation perspective, our findings illustrate the importance of both prospective and retrospective perturbation analyses in population growth rates in understanding the population dynamics of lianas in general in response to human‐induced disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Namibia, the commercialisation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is often promoted as a means to improve rural livelihoods, especially for vulnerable communities. This paper analysed how NTFP value chains are integrated into and contribute to the livelihoods of Khwe and !Xun San harvesters. Accordingly, the working conditions, employment and upgrading opportunities of the globally traded Devil's Claw were compared to those of regionally traded products, including Natal Oranges. A mixed-method approach was applied to collect data in Okongo Constituency and Bwabwata National Park. Findings revealed that while NTFPs contribute to the harvesters' income generation, the income is insufficient to sustain their livelihoods. Interestingly, the results of both regional and global value chain integration do not lead to improved livelihoods. Further research is needed to analyse the synergies between the government, traditional and local authorities, NGOs, and other institutions in implementing laws that promote equitable sharing of benefits from NTFPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize the reproductive system and determine the importance of pollinators for fruit production of Caryocar brasiliense, an economically important tree, in preserved and degraded Cerrado areas in southeastern Brazil. For this purpose, we performed pollinator exclusion experiments to determine the frequency of self- and cross-pollination, and to determine fruit set. In general, fruit set was extremely low; only 2.92% and 2.71% of the flowers developed into fruits in the degraded and preserved areas, respectively. Fruit sets by manual cross-pollination and natural (open) pollination were higher than self-pollination in both areas. Pollen deposition was significantly higher at night and in the preserved area, although a relatively high amount of pollen grains is found in the stigmas during the day. The number of ripened and aborted seeds did not differ among areas, but fruits and seeds were heavier in the degraded area than in the preserved area. The abortion level was very high (64.5%), which may be related to low pollen quality due to selfing. Our study presents evidence that Cerrado degradation affects the reproductive biology of C. brasiliense, but whether such effect is a consequence of pollinator decline in degraded areas remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of non‐timber forest products has been proposed as a sustainable way to exploit tropical forests, but such an opportunity remains to be proved. Here, we examine the impact of intensive açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea) management on the seed rain and soil seed bank in an estuarine forest landscape with a long history of forest management by locals in the Amazon region. Seed rain (100 80 cm2 collectors) and soil seed bank (100 30 cm2 samples) were monitored through a year across 20 forest stands, covering a gradient of açaí stem density (50–3575 açaí stems per ha). Seed rain and bank were dominated by açaí seeds (85.5%–85.8%) and by excluding them, seed rain and bank were low density and species poor, capturing a tiny subset from the local (17.91%–19.40%) and landscape woody flora (11.82%–14.55%). Moreover, autochthonous and vertebrated‐dispersed predominated as well as those from tree species considered useful by locals. Overall, açaí stem density positively affected açaí seed abundance in the seed rain and negatively affected seed pools in the bank in relation to abundance of seeds and vertebrated dispersed, while adult tree species richness and density and accessibility to forest stands were associated with more diversified seed pools. Thereby, forest stands are exposed to different levels of açaí management (high vs. low intensity) supported taxonomically distinct seed pools. Our results suggest that açaí intensification disturbs seed rain and soil seed bank with potential impacts on forest regeneration and the forest integrity standards required to consider açaí fruit production as sustainable according to current legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research prior to the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the rural poor often turn to wild resources to cope with adverse shocks. We report on the first study addressing natural insurance against health shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on riverine communities without road access in the Peruvian Amazon. We consider the most devastating shock people may experience, the death of a close family member. Using data from an in-person survey of almost 4000 households in 235 randomly selected communities before the pandemic as baseline, we conducted telephone surveys with over 400 communities during the early phase of the pandemic. We found that before the pandemic, forest peoples relied on game and non-timber forest products to cope with mortality, whether in their own household or their community. Once COVID-19 arrived, people reduced their reliance on hunting and resorted instead to fishing. These patterns were differentiated by gender and indigeneity. Tropical forest environments, which include also aquatic habitat, provide vital insurance against mortality, but just how may be altered during a pandemic. These novel findings have important implications for research and policies on forest conservation and pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to compare the bending behaviour of non-glue-laminated timber beams and glulams by full-scale four-point bending tests. The focus is on the non-glue beams laminated by different materials or techniques and then to determine their bending stiffness and failure modes. The laminating efficiency of various materials or techniques is underlined. The manufacturing process concerning non-glue-laminated timber beams has to be determined. As structural elements with large dimensions, such components require adaptable laminating and producing techniques. While the beams composed of wooden dowels refer to the dowel-laminated timber (DLT), those made of self-tapping screws (STSs) can be simply related to nail-laminated timber (NLT) products. Then, a full-scale four-point bending test was carried out to appraise 26 laminated beams, including non-glue- and glue-laminated timber. The results of the test demonstrated that the material, the spacing and the angle of the transversal fasteners significantly influence bending behaviour. The bending stiffness of the beams laminated by STSs was about 7.86% higher than the value of the beams with wooden dowels, although the tendency of each pair of beams did not remain convergent. Reducing the interval of the fasteners can considerably increase the bending stiffness of the beams. Fasteners inserted at 45 degrees, or in a so-called V-type pattern, contribute to improving bending stiffness, and both wooden dowels and STSs reveal the same tendency. At this angle, STSs demonstrate better laminating efficiency than wooden dowels. The STS beams' bending stiffness was about 48.6% of that determined for glulams. On the contrary, in beams with 135-degree fasteners, or, namely, an A-type pattern, inserted fasteners possessed lower bending stiffness than in those with 90-degree fasteners. In addition to the considerable bending stiffness, the STS beams revealed a stable response as far as their load-deflection curves were concerned. A comparison of experimental and theoretical results contributes to verifying the feasibility as well as the weakness of two analytic methods. The predicting capacity of the associated equations needs to be improved, particularly for the withdrawal resistance and connecting effect of inclined STSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key to the successful and sustainable utilisation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) by local communities lies in understanding their perspectives on climate change and its effects on NTFP production. Furthermore, assessing their perceptions of the diverse uses and potential for the value addition of NTFPs is crucial for determining how these resources can enhance the well-being of local livelihoods. Although studies on climate change, value addition, and the multiple uses of NTFPs and their impact on local livelihoods have been conducted, locals' perceptions of these factors have not been fully explored. This study aims to assess various social factors, including education, gender, and religion, and their influence on locals' perceptions of the abovementioned factors. The research focused on five regions where NTFPs are prevalent in Ghana (the Western North, Bono, Ahafo, Ashanti, and Eastern regions). To investigate the influence of social factors on local perceptions of climate change, value addition, and the multiple values of NTFPs within rural communities, a total of 732 locals were randomly selected with a team of interviewers across these five regions in Ghana. Key informant interviews and focus group interview methods were used for the data collection. We applied a logistic regression model to assess the social factors and their influencing locals' perceptions of the mentioned variables. It was revealed that age, gender, education, and occupation did not significantly influence locals' perceptions of climate change. However, religion was found to influence locals' perceptions of climate change. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that gender and education strongly influenced locals' perceptions of value addition to NTFPs. In contrast, religion and constraints (related to time, finance, and skills) did not significantly influence locals' perceptions. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay among local perceptions, climate change, value addition, multiple uses of NTFPs, and the capacity of NTFPs to enhance the well-being of forest fringe communities. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive, tailor-made interventions that consider local perspectives and adhere to sustainable approaches, with the aim of optimising the positive impacts of NTFPs in poverty alleviation and overall community development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Montes is the property of Colegio y Asociación de Ingenieros de Montes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The exploitation of nontimber forest products has been proposed as a sustainable way to exploit tropical forests, but such an opportunity remains to be examined case‐by‐case. We examine the impact of the intensification of the açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea) management for fruit production via increments in palm clumps/stems density on the woody plant assemblages (adult and regenerating) in an estuarine forest landscape in the eastern Amazon region, Brazil. Across 30 forest stands açaí stem density correlated negatively with stem density and taxonomic diversity considering both adult and regenerating woody plant assemblages, but it posed a positive effect on beta diversity via species turnover. Soil fertility and forest stand accessibility played a complementary role. Moreover, açaí clump density affected the abundance of particular woody plant species, including a set of species declining before the 400‐açaí clump density threshold imposed by current regulation. Accordingly, açaí clump density influenced the taxonomic organization of woody plant assemblages at the landscape spatial level. Finally, it is worth mentioning a group of 105 species, which were recorded across the regenerating assemblages but not in the adult assemblages. Among them, a large number of small‐statured woody plant species typical from the forest understory (i.e., the shade‐tolerant assemblage), such as those from Miconia, Piper, Bactris, Anonna and Geonoma genera. As intensification is still spreading it can be considered a threat to the integrity of the Amazon estuarine forest and thus questions the ecological sustainability through which the current Amazonian "black gold" is now produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afrostyrax lepidophyllus seed is a nontimber forest product which has a strongly ferocious smell of garlic or onion. It is widely used in central and west Africa in traditional medicine and as spices. The seeds used as spices are generally roasted in order to improve their flavor or aroma. However, roasting conditions vary and also affect the quality of the final product. In order to define the best roasting conditions, A. lepidophyllus seeds were roasted using microwave (200, 300, and 450 W for 10 min), oven (10 and 20 min at 180°C), and pot (5, 10 and 15 min) and blended into flour. The proximate composition, physical, functional, and antioxidant activities of (control) and roasted flours were analyzed. Irrespective of the roasting method, there was a significant increase in fiber content (oven (0.5–1.20%), pot (0.47–1.27%), and microwave (0.50–0.93%)) with increase in time and temperature. The carbohydrate content increased (77.74–81.50%), while protein content dropped with roasting. A significant increase in ash, total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant activity (AOA), and functional properties compared to the control was recorded. Roasting A. lepidophyllus seeds in the pot at 250 ± 5°C, 15 min was found to be a good method which maintained or increased its functional and physicochemical properties. With the good TPC and AOA, A. lepidophyllus roasted flour can be a potential ingredient for nutraceutical food development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although entrepreneur characteristics and competitive strategy are dominant constructs within business studies, there is still no consensus about how they act jointly to influence firm performance. The paper, therefore, tries to expand the understanding of the joint and individual effects of entrepreneur characteristics and competitive strategy on firm performance in the context of resource-based view advancing that sustainable competitive advantage can be obtained by being in possession of strategically relevant resources and capabilities. The sample units are selected using stratified random sampling procedures and data collected by administering a questionnaire to 314 entrepreneurs dealing with non-timber forest products in Kenya. The data is analysed using multiple linear regression analyses. The results reveal that: (1) a significant relationship exists between entrepreneur characteristics and firm performance before the introduction of competitive strategy in the relationship; (2) a non-significant relationship prevails between entrepreneur characteristics and firm performance after the introduction of competitive strategy; (3) entrepreneur characteristics influence competitive strategy; and (4) competitive strategy influences firm performance. The observations meet conditions defined for mediating effect. It is concluded that the relationship between entrepreneur characteristics and firm performance is indirect and hidden requiring mediation of strategy. Thus, an integrated fit between the entrepreneur and strategy improves firm performance. The findings strengthen arguments advanced by the resource-based view that firms can obtain sustainable competitive advantage through their strategically relevant resources. The theoretical contribution of the study is the integrated approach and review of the multidimensional alignment of strategy with entrepreneur characteristics of education, skills and experience that depict the knowledge capital and entrepreneur's age and gender to improve performance. The study provides entrepreneurs/managers with insights on the importance of aligning their strategies to resources possessed for better performance. It is important that entrepreneurs strengthen their knowledge capital to formulate and implement successful strategies for better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The housing sector today uses elaborate materials such as cement, iron, sand, often prohibitively expensive and whose production generates a strong environmental impact (scarcity of resources, transport, greenhouse gas greenhouse, etc.). In order to meet the challenges of sustainable development, earth construction is experiencing a resurgence of interest these days. Despite its many advantages, raw earth material has drawbacks, in particular its low mechanical resistance and its loss of geometric characteristics in the face of water, which slow down its development. As part of this study, the mechanical characteristics and durability of raw earth were improved by using residual water from the processing of Parkia Biglobosa (nere) and Vitellaria Paradoxa (shea) nuts in order to optimize its use for the construction of modern buildings. To this end, the decoctions resulting from the artisanal transformation of the nut of the Parkia Biglobosa into African mustard and of the Vitellaria Paradoxa into shea butter were added to the raw earth according to volume proportions of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the aqueous solution to obtain the projected composites. Thus, mechanical characterization and durability tests were carried out on the composites obtained. The results revealed that the decoctions of Vitellaria Paradoxa and Parkia Biglobosa improve the compressive strength of the material by up to 90% and 260%, respectively. Furthermore, these decoctions improved the resistance to water penetration of the 100% additive composite by 1.5 times for Vitellaria Paradoxa and 5 times for Parkia Biglobosa. This study shows that it is possible to use decoctions as raw earth stabilizers to build modern, ecological buildings at lower energy costs. However, more in-depth studies on surface wettability and long-term durability are planned to better characterize the geomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Forestry Review is the property of Commonwealth Forestry Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Tree species providing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have the potential to enhance the socio-economic value of forestry plantation systems and mitigate biodiversity loss associated with production landscapes in Southern Africa. This can be accomplished by integrating NTFP agroforestry systems with forestry plantation systems but raises questions around which species and products are suited to the different environments that exist within large plantation systems or plantation landscapes. These questions can be answered by assessing the NTFP and agroforestry system (AFS) value of native species that form part of secondary vegetation within forestry plantations by shedding light on the disturbance regimes and environmental conditions that NTFP species prefer. This study assessed the NTFP value of secondary vegetation growing within abandoned clear-felled and abandoned unharvested forestry compartments. It addressed differences between the NTFP value of secondary vegetation and natural forest while providing options for how native species could be integrated into a forestry plantation system using agroforestry. We found that secondary vegetation growing in abandoned compartments provided roughly two-thirds of the NTFP uses provided by natural forest. The state of the compartment at the time of abandonment influenced which NTFPs were available. Secondary woodland developing in clear-felled compartments contained NTFPs which were associated with fire-adapted woodland species (e.g. fruit and oils from Marula trees). Naturalising forest in unfelled plantation compartments contained a composition of NTFPs associated with the provision of wood products. Our results show that native vegetation growing as secondary vegetation in forestry plantation systems has the potential to guide the development of native species agro-forestry systems and, in general, can contribute to a more formalised approach for integrating NTFP supply in forestry plantation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A private forest is a forest located on land that is burdened with property rights. Harvesting activities in private forests have an important and strategic role in improving the welfare of the Indonesian people, especially in rural areas. Therefore, this research presents a review of harvesting systems used in private forests in Indonesia. This research used a literature review. The research found that various forest harvesting systems are used in private forests in Indonesia. The basic criteria for selecting a harvesting system for private forests were a timber sales system, low equipment costs, labor-intensive, and adaptivity to local conditions. A chainsaw was the cutting tool used for felling, debranching, and bucking. The forest harvesting systems used were manual, modified motorbikes, animals, winches, tractors, and simple skyline systems. These systems followed the characteristics of private forests in Indonesia, such as small diameters and cutting volumes, spread out, and various types of wood. Harvesting of private forests is mainly carried out by small-scale contractors, who are self-taught workers and have not received special training in harvesting techniques, log bucking,wood extraction, and chainsaw maintenance. Improvement of wood extraction techniques is urgently needed, especially in aspects of the modified motorbike operating system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed non-timber forest products utilization and its contribution to household income among farmers in Quan’ Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of 150 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Findings from the study revealed the mean age of the farmers to be 40years. About 71% of the respondents were males with greater number (89%) of them married. Majority (58%) of the respondents had primary education as their highest level of education. Findings from the study also revealed that 82% of the respondents had farming as their major occupation having average farm sizes of 1.6hectares. All (100%) interviewed farmers agreed that they collect variety of NTFPs throughout the year for their daily subsistence and income generation. Income from NTFPs contributed the second largest share of household income with a share of 27.0% after income from agriculture (51.0%). Firewood (100%), charcoal (39.0%), fruit nuts (37.0%), bush meat (27.0%), bamboo (26%), medicinal herbs (22%), honey (11%), fodder (67%), mushroom (7%) etc. were the major NTFPs extracted and utilized in the study area. The result of multiple regression revealed that gender (0.944), household size (0.432), educational status (-0.385), farmland size (-0.581) and non-farm income (-0.024) were significant determinant of income from NTFPs. The study recommended that, in recognition of substantial contribution of income from NTFPs to household income, stakeholders and policymakers should consider the NTFP sector in forest conservation measures that could meet the needs of forest-dependent communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]