http://www.sciencedirect.comScienceDirect RSSen-usCopyright &#169; 2012 <A href="http://www.elsevier.com/" title="Elsevier B.V. (Opens new window)" target="_blank">Elsevier B.V.</A> All rights reserved. SciVerse&#174; is a registered trademark of Elsevier Properties S.A., used under license. ScienceDirect&#174; is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V.en-usCopyright &#169; 2012 <A href="http://www.elsevier.com/" title="Elsevier B.V. (Opens new window)" target="_blank">Elsevier B.V.</A> All rights reserved. SciVerse&#174; is a registered trademark of Elsevier Properties S.A., used under license. ScienceDirect&#174; is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V.http://rss.sciencedirect.com/images/logo_Sciverse_SD.gifhttp://www.sciencedirect.comhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001936&_version=1&md5=b35164bc37f8dd2a227956b555e9b470
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 9 January 2012

Ali Yachkaschi, Schirin Yachkaschi

This article discusses the historical role of religion in nature conservation. After a brief overview over the main world religions, the article focuses on the Zoroastrian religion of ancient Persia. It is argued, that Zarathustra's teachings were particularly focused on proper care for trees, forests, animals, land and other natural resources. For example, under the influence of Zoroastrianism, Persian kings established the world's first forestry administration and nature reserve; and animal sacrifices were prohibited.The influence of Zarathustra on nature and forest conservation or animal husbandry may not be visible in the modern world, where Zoroastrianism has widely been substituted by Islam. Nonetheless, some cultural practices are still visible, such as an annual tree planting week that takes place in today's Iran.

Highlights

► Religion has historically played a crucial role in human engagement with nature. ► The Zoroastrian religion had an important focus on nature conservation. ► In ancient Persia, Kings were influenced by Zarathustra to protect natural resources. ► Zarathustra ordered the protection of trees, forests, animals and natural resources. ► Few impacts may still be visible in today's Iran.

]]>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:52:55 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001936&_version=1&md5=b35164bc37f8dd2a227956b555e9b4702012-01-10T00:52:55Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001948&_version=1&md5=4993e650d1c8230c6107d568934bc4fd
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 30 December 2011

Mi Sun Park, Yeo-Chang Youn

Native beekeeping (NBK), a practice that links forest communities to forest ecosystems, has been practiced in Korea since ancient time. This paper aims to inventory traditional forest knowledge (TFK) regarding NBK, using historical records and contemporary interviews with beekeepers. It examines the relationship between NBK, forest communities and sustainable forest management (SFM), drawing upon the principles and standards for SFM developed by the Forest Stewardship Council. As a result, similarities and differences between past and present generations' knowledge of NBK signal the transmission and evolution of TFK and NBK across generations. NBK has important ecological, economic and social dimensions and contributes to the goal of SFM.
]]>Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:01:09 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001948&_version=1&md5=4993e650d1c8230c6107d568934bc4fd2011-12-31T22:01:09Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001912&_version=1&md5=12607129fc4fa3b42df4d276bea306e0
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 29 December 2011

Alessandro Paletto, Fabrizio Ferretti, Isabella De Meo

Social capital is defined as the sum of interactions between both individuals and groups, which permit the development of rules, shared values, as well as cooperative and reciprocal links. This concept, developed by social science, can be applied as a support structure in decision making for natural resources. In particular, the quantification of social capital, divided into its respective component parts (social networks, associations and relationships with institutions) can be useful in the implementation of broad scale forest planning. The present work proposes a method to measure the structural social capital, together with forest planning field surveys, in order to highlight the potential to support participative decision making processes. The experimental implementation of the method was conducted in a mountainous area of South Italy, in the framework of an ongoing Forest Landscape Management Plan.

Highlights

► We examine the social aspects linked to the forest planning and management. ► We use social indicators to evaluate how to start a public participation process. ► We conclude that social networks measurement contributes participative planning.

]]>Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:01:09 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001912&_version=1&md5=12607129fc4fa3b42df4d276bea306e02011-12-31T22:01:09Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001912&_version=1&md5=12607129fc4fa3b42df4d276bea306e0
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 29 December 2011

Alessandro Paletto, Fabrizio Ferretti, Isabella De Meo

Social capital is defined as the sum of interactions between both individuals and groups, which permit the development of rules, shared values, as well as cooperative and reciprocal links. This concept, developed by social science, can be applied as a support structure in decision making for natural resources. In particular, the quantification of social capital, divided into its respective component parts (social networks, associations and relationships with institutions) can be useful in the implementation of broad scale forest planning. The present work proposes a method to measure the structural social capital, together with forest planning field surveys, in order to highlight the potential to support participative decision making processes. The experimental implementation of the method was conducted in a mountainous area of South Italy, in the framework of an ongoing Forest Landscape Management Plan.

Highlights

► We examine the social aspects linked to the forest planning and management. ► We use social indicators to evaluate how to start a public participation process. ► We conclude that social networks measurement contributes participative planning.

]]>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:45:28 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001912&_version=1&md5=12607129fc4fa3b42df4d276bea306e02011-12-30T02:45:28Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001614&_version=1&md5=6a81c6ad764286265dcb08945ed59278
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 28 December 2011

Davide Pettenella, Lucio Brotto

Projects aiming at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) still account for a small share of the voluntary carbon market. Indeed, although carbon buyers claimed REDD credits to be the most desirable ones, and despite the steps forward for a REDD+ approval under the UNFCCC, REDD+ project development appears problematic. Good governance is often a prerequisite for the development of a REDD+ project.With the scope of determining the governance features for a successful REDD+ project, the research proposes a logical framework for REDD+ project governance assessment. Starting from the Governance of Forests Initiative Toolkit developed by the World Resource Institute, a set of REDD+ governance indicators are selected and applied in two Peruvian REDD+ field case studies. The methodology is then tested on REDD+ projects where no primary information is available.REDD+ projects are found to be successful when transparency and accountability are carefully addressed and when forest management and land use planning are endorsed. In this sense the Forest Stewardship Council certification appears to be an important pre-condition for the success of REDD+.

Highlights

► 14 of the 94 GFI indicators are relevant for the success of REDD+. ► Forest Management and Land Use Planning issues define the success of REDD+. ► Forest Stewardship Council certification prepares the ground for successful REDD+. ► Transparency and accountability are determinant for the success of REDD+ in Peru.

]]>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:21:49 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001614&_version=1&md5=6a81c6ad764286265dcb08945ed592782011-12-29T01:21:49Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001900&_version=1&md5=6a643bbd6c79c755c7e7875bbbff40a5
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 27 December 2011

Bhubaneswor Dhakal, Richard T. Yao, James A. Turner, Tim Barnard

This study examines the current and potential economic value of recreation by users of a New Zealand periurban planted forest. The value was derived from a face-to-face survey of 578 users of Whakarewarewa forest in Rotorua. The recreational benefit, estimated by the travel cost method, was NZ$34 per visit for walkers and NZ$48 per visit for mountain bikers. Aggregating these estimated values by the number of forest visits in 2009 suggests that the economic value of recreation in this planted forest was approximately NZ$8 million in that year. Visitors' preferences for alternative features of the planted forest were analysed using a latent class model to account for preference heterogeneity. This analysis indicates that forest users would gain a higher recreational satisfaction from an increase in diversity of forest features. Forest user characteristics that positively influence satisfaction from an increase in diversity were analysed using an ordinary least squares regression model. Important user characteristics include being a New Zealand born European, a local resident of Rotorua, and elderly.

Highlights

► In this study, we examine the economic value and preference of users of an iconic New Zealand planted forest. ► Data was collected through a face-to-face survey of 578 forest users. ► Recreational benefit was calculated at NZ$34 per visit for walkers and NZ$48 per visit for mountain bikers. ► Results show that the majority of users would gain a higher satisfaction from increasing the diversity of forest features. ► We conclude that periurban planted forests serve as increasingly important assets for recreation.

]]>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:21:49 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001900&_version=1&md5=6a643bbd6c79c755c7e7875bbbff40a52011-12-29T01:21:49Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001845&_version=1&md5=5790b218279ac237c6ce3029465c39ef
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 23 December 2011

Marta Baptista Coelho, Joana Amaral Paulo, João Henrique Nunes Palma, Margarida Tomé

Cork oak stands are a part of the agroforestry ecosystem in Portugal, characterized by a low crown cover from cork oak trees, managed towards cork production, and sometimes in combination with grazing. In recent years, European Union policies gave impetus to a large area of new cork oak plantations, which have been established mainly for cork production purposes, and consequently with higher stand density than traditional agroforestry systems. These plantations are important not only for cork production but also for the carbon sequestered by these slow growing forests that won't be harvested for wood production. Thinning operations will be needed to avoid excessive inter-tree competition and wood extracted from these thinning may also provide income for the owners. In the present study, carbon sequestered and wood volumes resulting from thinning were estimated for the next 70 years. Three scenarios of different annual afforestation rates and different site indexes were tested. The resulting values for the considered scenarios show that, if the plantation rates are maintained, new cork oak plantations will have an important contribution to the Portuguese commitments to providing CO2offsets under the Kyoto protocol. Additionally, due to the increasing values of initial density in new cork plantations, cork oak forests will produce a significant volume of wood that may become an important contribution to the landowners' income.

Highlights

► We aimed at analyzing the impact of new cork oak plantations after 1990 in C sequestered. ► Simulations were based on an average yield table for a site index equal to 15 m. ► The sensitivity analysis to site index suggests the need for inventory of new cork oak plantations to improve the quality of the analysis. ► The contribution of these plantations to the Portuguese commitments to Kyoto will be significant and will depend on the future plantation rates ► Wood volume from thinnings may be considered for future utilizations now starting to appear as an alternative to fuel

]]>Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:57:23 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001845&_version=1&md5=5790b218279ac237c6ce3029465c39ef2011-12-24T21:57:23Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001869&_version=1&md5=07aedac07fb9c70cf61cc6f1960f669e
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 20 December 2011

Davood Samari, Hossein Azadi, Kiumars Zarafshani, Gholamhossein Hosseininia, Frank Witlox

Determining an appropriate forestry extension model remains as a major challenge if sustainable forest management is a goal. This article was an attempt to show how the analytical hierarchy process can effectively be helpful in selecting appropriate model for forestry extension. The results revealed that the present situation fails to regard the ‘privatized extension’ as an appropriate model for the Zagros area in Iran. The results also showed while the beneficiaries select ‘cooperative extension system’ as the most appropriate model, it has no tangible difference with ‘public extension system’ as the second preferred option. Accordingly, a hybrid forestry extension model was recommended as an appropriate model.

Highlights

► Forest management in Iran is far from being decentralized. ► Present forestry situation in Iran fails to regard privatized extension model. ► Beneficiaries have selected cooperative extension system as the most appropriate one. ► A hybrid forestry extension model was recommended as the appropriate model.

]]>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:56:49 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001869&_version=1&md5=07aedac07fb9c70cf61cc6f1960f669e2011-12-21T01:56:49Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001894&_version=1&md5=f429fc5ae6ff6638c1d4b6021d925079
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 19 December 2011

Kishor Goswami, Hari Kanta Choudhury, Jitu Saikia

The influence of factors on farmers' adoption of slash and burn agriculture in North East India are analysed in this paper. The practice possesses a significant ecological threat to the society and is acute in the hilly areas of North East India. In 2005–06, the area under such practice in North East India was estimated at 8771.62 sq km, which was about 86% of the total slash and burn area of the country. The practice is influenced by a host of factors such as personal, social, economic, institutional, and physical. In this study, age of the respondent, primary occupation, annual per capita income, present area under cultivation, common practice of slash and burn agriculture in the locality, farmers' perceptions, and access to credit are found to have statistically significant impact on the adoption of slash and burn agriculture. The findings throw some light to combat slash and burn agriculture in the region. They suggest for proactive role of government departments, NGOs, self-help group, etc., to reduce slash and burn agriculture. Resource endowment is also an important concern and policy makers should emphasise on extending institutional support to the farmers to reduce such practices in the region.

Highlights

► Slash and burn agriculture is acute in the hilly areas of North East India. ► We analyse the influence of factors on farmers' adoption of slash and burn agriculture using a logit model. ► The practice is influenced by personal, social, economic, institutional, and physical factors. ► Role of institutions is also crucial to combat slash and burn agriculture.

]]>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:30:11 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001894&_version=1&md5=f429fc5ae6ff6638c1d4b6021d9250792011-12-20T01:30:11Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001870&_version=1&md5=65deaa9af323a0f5051d384113e87ea6
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 16 December 2011

Simo Sarkki, Anna Reetta Rönkä

Neoliberal governance strategies change relations between the environment, the state, market actors, and civil society throughout the globe. Such strategies include privatisation, rescaling governance in order to detour state-based decision structures, externalising negative costs, internalising externalities in search of profit via, e.g., a more responsible corporate image, and moving state functions to non-state actors. We examine 1) how the environment and other factors motivate neoliberal strategies, 2) how different stakeholders have reacted to the neoliberal strategies, and 3) what the social and environmental outcomes of these strategies are. We examine these questions regarding two cases in northern Finland: the closure of a formerly state-owned pulp mill in Kemijärvi, and the market-based pressure strategies of NGOs towards state-based forestry in Inari. We make a set of conclusions on the nature of the neoliberal strategies regarding the three previously mentioned questions. These conclusions relate to the observations that internalisation of negative externalities happens only under pressure, that the resistance towards neoliberal strategies is often inefficient, and that neoliberal strategies lead to marginalisations and empowerments. Previously state-dominated forestry decision-making in Finland seems to be changing towards decisions put forward by market actors, such as corporations, civil society actors, such as NGOs, and local actor groups.

Highlights

►We examine a pulp mill closure and a forest dispute in northern Finland. ►Insights from literature on neoliberal environments are used. ►Neoliberalisations advanced by forest companies and ENGOs create resistance. ►Neoliberalisations lead to marginalisation and empowerment. ►Negative externalities are internalised only under pressure.

]]>Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:37:23 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001870&_version=1&md5=65deaa9af323a0f5051d384113e87ea62011-12-17T23:37:23Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S138993411100181X&_version=1&md5=90f7f32e56e07232d6aea4a32e294f39
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 12 December 2011

Augustin K.N. Aoudji, Anselme Adégbidi, Valentin Agbo, Gilbert Atindogbé, Mireille S.S. Toyi, ...

The study examined the functioning of the smallholder-produced teak poles value chain in Southern Benin from an analytical perspective combining the governance structure, the institutional environment, and the distribution of consumer price among chain actors. The objective was to identify bottlenecks militating against improved functioning of the farm-grown timber value chains. A fieldwork was carried from August 2008 to September 2010, to identify the agents and the organisations involved in the value chain. Data were collected on the functions performed, the costs borne and the income received by each category of agent, the marketing channels within the value chain, the interactions among agents, the consumption of the product, and the role of the organisations connected to the value chain. This was done by combining semi-structured interviews, focus group meetings, and structured interviews. In addition, data were collected on the institutional environment from both primary and secondary sources. The following agents were involved in the value chain: nurserymen, planters, local intermediaries, brokers, traders, and consumers. The forest service was the main governmental organisation involved in the functioning of the value chain. The governance structure in the value chain was driven by a mixture of government and the market. Various weaknesses were found in the forest policy, the forest regulation and their implementation. Planters' share of consumer price was lower than traders' return. The relevant policy options to address these issues were discussed.

Highlights

► The functioning of the farm-grown teak poles value chain in Southern Benin was analysed. ► Planters, local intermediaries, brokers, traders, and consumers were involved in the value chain. ► The governance structure in the value chain was driven by a mixture of government and the market. ► Collective marketing at planters' level might improve the coordination in the chain. ► The forest policy and the regulation need reforms to improve the functioning of the chain.

]]>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:15:19 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S138993411100181X&_version=1&md5=90f7f32e56e07232d6aea4a32e294f392011-12-14T22:15:19Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001857&_version=1&md5=1c14043c2b4738727738d5eee31f29a2
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 30 November 2011

Even Bergseng, Jon Andreas Ask, Erik Framstad, Terje Gobakken, Birger Solberg, ...

Increased protection of forest biodiversity implies reduced income from timber production both for society and forest owners, and consistent analysis of the relationships between biodiversity benefits and corresponding costs is important both for forest managers as well as policy makers. Using a complex dynamic forest optimization model, we analyse impacts on economy and biodiversity of forest management restrictions implemented to protect biodiversity. A reference scenario is compared to two preservation regimes based on 1) the current Norwegian forest certification system and 2) an expert judgement designed to put strong emphasis on biodiversity protection in boreal forests. Economic impacts are expressed as net present value and harvesting level, while impacts on forest structure are expressed by a vector of variables including old forest proportions, growing stock, number of retention trees, size of buffer zones and amount of dead wood. A rather detailed description of forest structure and biodiversity measures represents the main improvements compared to previous analyses. Different restrictions result in 10–45% decrease in economic value of the forest compared to no restrictions. The most costly measures are found to be 50% increased rotation and keeping old-growth proportions higher than 20%.

Highlights

► We perform detailed modelling of costs of measures to protect biodiversity in forests. ► We link subjective judgement of the biodiversity measures effects and related costs. ► Measures of high quality for biodiversity also has high costs. ► Only small possible cost savings possible when choosing between different measures for biodiversity preservation.

]]>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:37:35 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001857&_version=1&md5=1c14043c2b4738727738d5eee31f29a22011-12-01T02:37:35Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001833&_version=1&md5=ce66700d7c2da646885e617f7fb88156
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 25 November 2011

Emilio Vilanova, Hirma Ramírez-Angulo, Gustavo Ramírez, Armando Torres-Lezama

After more than 40 years of natural forest management (NFM) in Venezuela, out of 16 million ha of production forests only 10% located in the Guayana region is currently being managed with some consideration of sustainability. A recent survey of three private concessions in the Imataca Forest Reserve, based on partial consideration of criteria and indicators for the sustainable management of tropical forests, revealed that a new form of management is needed. Compliance with reduced impact logging was very low, with poor planning in logging operations detected in all cases, highly affecting forest stands and biomass recovery. A limited capacity for monitoring was also found. Social assessments showed that local communities in all cases demanded more participation in wood production benefits and tended to value provision services such as timber, food and water above other important regulations and cultural services. Here, three strategies are proposed as an effective way to partially modify NFM into a more integrated approach: 1) strengthening of institutional cooperation between private and public sectors and capacity building in the process of monitoring; 2) creation of a training framework for reduced impact logging techniques 3) a review of current legal structures and national policies related to NFM in order to favour small-scale operations.

Highlights

► We provide an analysis of C&I for sustainable forest management in Venezuela. ► Compliance with reduced impact logging indicators was very low in all cases selected. ► Monitoring of logging and post-harvest operations is weak and not properly documented. ► Local communities are often not included in the benefits of wood extraction from forests. ► Capacity for monitoring and training in RIL techniques are essential to improve management performance.

]]>Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:25:14 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001833&_version=1&md5=ce66700d7c2da646885e617f7fb881562011-11-27T01:25:14Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001638&_version=1&md5=ee74198c84c4b2e5dac37e8854174c6b
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 23 November 2011

Bedru Babulo Balana, Bart Muys, Nigussie Haregeweyn, Katrien Descheemaeker, Jozef Deckers, ...

This paper is about the cost-benefit analysis of a specific soil and water conservation measure, commonly termed as ‘exclosures’ in the case study area of this research, adopted in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. The analysis integrated available data on on-site and off-site effects of the conservation measure. Major benefit and cost items related to this specific measure were identified, quantified, and valued. Direct market prices and variants of indirect environmental valuation techniques (cost based and productivity change methods) were employed in valuing the benefit and cost items included in the analysis. Our results indicate that establishing exclosures in degrading marginal lands generate a large positive net present value (NPV) of ETB 5620 ha. However, putting productive agricultural land under exclosures yields a negative NPV even under some hypothetical scenarios of 50% rise in prices of forest products and a social discount rate halved from the base rate of 8%. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the net present value is quite volatile to changes in biomass production and the social discount rate. Thus, appropriate forest management schemes have to be adopted in order to maximize sustainable biomass production. Furthermore, factors such as credit constraints that affect local people's time preference should be addressed to induce local people to discount the future at lower rate.

Highlights

► We assess local costs and benefits of a soil and water conservation measure (exclosures) in northern Ethiopia. ► We identify and value the major on-site and off-site costs and benefits of exclosures. ► We apply market prices and various environmental valuation techniques for value estimation of costs and benefits. ► Implementing this conservation measure in degrading land yields large positive net present value. ► Net benefits are highly sensitive to changes in biomass production and discount rate.

]]>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:28:17 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001638&_version=1&md5=ee74198c84c4b2e5dac37e8854174c6b2011-11-24T00:28:17Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001602&_version=1&md5=c2abba3244de4d7744e79dfed51076ea
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 21 November 2011

Eduardo Navarrete

The single and multiple optimal rotation harvesting pine stands models under Logistic wood stock and Brown price stochastic diffusion processes are reformulated as optimal stopping problems with one dimensional stochastic diffusion solvable with the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations.The application of these models to a Chilean forest company shows the significance of both stochastic processes, since they increase the deterministic optimum by 92.1% for the single rotation and by 130.7% for the multiple rotation case. Also the application validate the stochastic multiple rotation model whose optimal cutting value is 10.9% lower than the actual average stands cut, while the stochastic single rotation harvest model is 66.9% higher than said value.
]]>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:05:04 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001602&_version=1&md5=c2abba3244de4d7744e79dfed51076ea2011-11-22T00:05:04Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001663&_version=1&md5=680583b74d7f332d98af0401336d19ae
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 17 November 2011

Nguyen Huu-Dung, Youn Yeo-Chang

This paper investigates the productivity and optimal rotation for economic timber management ofEucalyptus urophylla S.T Blakeclones being planted in Northeast Vietnam in Fluvic Gleysol and Ferric Acrisol soils. In the first section of the paper, timber yield functions for all eucalyptus monoculture clones and seedlings are identified. Next, the biological optimum rotation period for maximizing sustained yield is calculated based on the yield functions for each soil type. In the last section, the economically optimal rotation (EOR) lengths for all clones and seedlings planted in the two types of soil are calculated using a modified Faustmann model.The results indicate that eucalypts in Fluvic Gleysol will produce larger timber yields than in Ferric Acrisol. Among the clones commonly planted in Northeast Vietnam, eucalyptus clones U16 and PN14 can yield the largest timber volumes in Fluvic Gleysol and Ferric Acrisol, respectively. Our EOR model reveals that EOR lengths of eucalyptus plantations in Northeast Vietnam are longer than the biological rotation time by 1–3 years under the governmentally subsidized credit scheme for rural households. If growers borrow from commercial and private entities, such rotation period will be substantially shortened and negative site values will appear in a number of cases. Nevertheless, wherever eucalyptus clones are economically qualified, their EOR length is longer than what is currently practiced. To capture the highest profits from eucalypt plantations, growers should extend their current farming business cycle of 7 years to 14–18 years under the subsidized credit scheme and to 10–12 years under the commercial borrowing interest rate. As increasing land use profitability is of great concern across the region, these findings are of practical importance for Vietnamese farmers in choosing clones, land lots, and economic optimal rotation for their farming businesses.
]]>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:52:53 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001663&_version=1&md5=680583b74d7f332d98af0401336d19ae2011-11-18T23:52:53Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001535&_version=1&md5=0e932ada3e27d05942f8ba6d09fce97c
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 16 November 2011

Anjan Kumer Dev Roy, Khorshed Alam, Jeff Gow

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate past forest management policies and property rights regimes in achieving sustainability of the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest (SMF) in Bangladesh. The adequacy of forest policies to reflect regimes of property rights in their design and implementation is examined using content analysis. The analysis synthesises forest policies of four distinct historical time periods, and the embedding of property rights during those periods using Schlager and Ostrom's typology. The findings reveal the inadequacy of the existing state property rights regime to secure the livelihood of 3.5 million people in marginalised and disadvantaged forest-dependent communities, and to achieve sustainability in the SMF by reversing the trend of rapid reduction of forest resources. The challenge, therefore, is to find an alternative property rights regime to address the missing link between conservation and livelihood-security of forest-dependent communities using sustainable management practices in the SMF.

Highlights

► This paper evaluates the forest management policies from a specific historical time frame. ► This paper reflect the property rights to achieve sustainability of the SMF. ► The content analysis method is used to address the missing link between conservation and livelihood security of forest-dependent communities.

]]>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:36:17 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001535&_version=1&md5=0e932ada3e27d05942f8ba6d09fce97c2011-11-16T23:36:17Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001791&_version=1&md5=0236fead2e943d2afdcb18d04a5fb08f
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 12 November 2011

Roland Olschewski, Peter Bebi, Michaela Teich, Ulrike Wissen Hayek, Adrienne Grêt-Regamey

Forests provide a variety of ecosystem goods and services to society, which often have the typical characteristics of a public good: non-excludability and non-rivalry. One of these services is avalanche protection of forests. A monetary valuation of this service would be helpful to provide efficient and effective protection to the local population. We present the results of a case study from the Swiss Alps, where we determined the willingness to pay for avalanche protection based on a choice experiment combined with virtual reality visualizations. Furthermore, we compare these results with the costs of alternative technical measures for natural hazard mitigation as well as with the results of a risk-based evaluation. We conclude that the willingness to pay for avalanche protection of forests is about the same range as the collective risk related to a 300-years avalanche event and within a range similar to the per-household costs of alternative measures. However, willingness to pay is substantially higher than the costs of silvicultural measures to maintain protection forest.

Highlights

► CE is combined with risk-based evaluation and virtual reality visualization. ► Interdisciplinary collaboration as adequate approach for valuing protection services. ► Guidance for efficient solutions in avalanche protection and forest management.

]]>Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:18:58 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001791&_version=1&md5=0236fead2e943d2afdcb18d04a5fb08f2011-11-13T23:18:58Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001808&_version=1&md5=333ad137314b647ec4c648c4a5a014fd
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 10 November 2011

Pekka Lauri, A. Maarit I. Kallio, Uwe A. Schneider

In this study, we examine the effects of the price for fossil fuel CO2emissions on the use of wood in Europe. In particular, we assess the economic potential to substitute wood for coal in large scale heat and power production. We also review the impacts of increased energy wood usage on the forest industry and roundwood prices. The analysis is conducted with the European Forest and Agricultural Sector Optimization Model. We consider three scenarios, where carbon price remains at 20 €/tCO2, increases to 50 €/tCO2,or increases to 110 euro/tCO2by 2040. It seems that a carbon price higher than 20 €/tCO2is required to increase wood based energy production. At prices below 50 €/tCO2, energy wood consists mainly of forest chips, recycled wood, bark, and black liquor. At the carbon price of 50 €/tCO2, the use of wood for energy begins to compete with the use of wood in the forest industry. At the price of 110 €/tCO2, roughly one third of wood used in large scale heat and power production would also be suitable for material use. Even then, the contribution of wood based energy in reaching the EU RES target is modest, since the availability of wood limits its increased use in energy production.

Highlights

► Carbon price over 20 €/tCO2needed to increase the use of wood energy in the EU. ► At prices below 50 €/tCO2, energy wood is mostly logging and industry residues. ► At price 110 €/tCO2, one third of wood use for energy would suit material use too. ► The contribution of wood energy to the EU RES target is bound to be modest.

]]>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:11:37 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001808&_version=1&md5=333ad137314b647ec4c648c4a5a014fd2011-11-11T23:11:37Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001687&_version=1&md5=bc96ac55e8186faa466b77d436567312
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Volume 14, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages IFC

[No author name available]
]]>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:06:07 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001687&_version=1&md5=bc96ac55e8186faa466b77d4365673122011-11-03T21:06:07Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001626&_version=1&md5=7ed90c66b24b3dfcdbba27db4788e0b1
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 28 October 2011

Steven R. Gruchy, Donald L. Grebner, Ian A. Munn, Omkar Joshi, Anwar Hussain

The economic feasibility of utilizing woody biomass to produce biofuel lies in the willingness to harvest by non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners, who control 71% of forestland in the southern United States. A mail survey was distributed to NIPF landowners throughout Mississippi to elicit their preferences concerning the utilization of logging residues from harvesting operations to produce bioenergy. When presented with hypothetical situations that compared the bioenergy utilization harvesting attributes along with those of standard clearcutting in pine plantations, more landowners preferred those associated with the bioenergy utilization scenarios, even when more money was offered for the standard clearcutting option. Older landowners with larger landholdings were less likely to prefer the bioenergy scenarios. Landowners with more formal education who were financially motivated, considered habitat management an important goal, and thought global climate change was an important issue, were more likely to prefer the bioenergy utilization scenario over the standard clearcut. This indicates that a market for logging residues, in the form of wood-based bioenergy, could increase NIPF landowner harvest rates based solely on the different harvesting attributes, and that most woody biomass feedstocks from pine plantations would be available for the production of bioenergy in Mississippi.

Highlights

► Forest landowners' willingness to harvest woody biomass was estimated. ► Odds ratios were obtained to analyze landowner biomass harvesting behavior. ► Education, amenity values, and price boost landowner willingness to harvest.

]]>Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:50:45 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001626&_version=1&md5=7ed90c66b24b3dfcdbba27db4788e0b12011-10-29T20:50:45Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001651&_version=1&md5=1b3eac1b60476fbde92e57055ddaacc3
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 20 October 2011

Thomas Adams, James A. Turner

An econometric-process simulation model was constructed to investigate the effects of an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) on forest management and land use in New Zealand. Profit maximising agents which choose between forestry and agricultural land uses were simulated under carbon price scenarios of $20, $50 and $0 per tonne CO2equivalent. The model suggests that an ETS will lead to increased afforestation and rotation age, and decreased silviculture and deforestation. A $20 carbon price or higher led to an overall increase in carbon sequestration by the forestry sector, driven predominantly by afforestation on lower fertility sites. Higher carbon prices increase the range of available land for planting. Future carbon price expectancy was critical. Rising carbon price expectancy led to large scale afforestation, but also to significant deforestation. A falling expectancy prevented deforestation but also stifled afforestation. The most sustainable solution was a stable carbon price expectancy allowing land to consistently work towards an economically optimal use. The recommendation of this report is for policy which promotes a stable long-run carbon price and flexibility for change between land uses. Suggestions include a guaranteed maximum carbon price, or allowing a forest to be felled at reduced penalty if another is concurrently planted.

Highlights

► $20 t CO2-e carbon price or higher would lead to increased carbon sequestration by the forestry sector. ► Afforestation was the largest factor in increasing sequestration. ► A $50 t CO2-e carbon price would increase the national planted forest area by up to 23% from 2007 to 2050. ► Future carbon price expectancy was critical and the most sustainable solution was a flat expectancy.

]]>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:33:00 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001651&_version=1&md5=1b3eac1b60476fbde92e57055ddaacc32011-10-20T20:33:00Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S138993411100164X&_version=1&md5=7d8fcf953117db8d2319b3d6d8b93501
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 14 October 2011

Kyle Eyvindson, Teppo Hujala, Annika Kangas, Mikko Kurttila

Multi-criteria decision support (MCDS) tools assist the decision maker (DM) in selecting an appropriate option among pre-specified alternatives. In forest management context, criteria based on existing and utilized forest resources are used to compare and contrast the alternatives. Typically only a small group of the available criteria is used in the analysis. Deciding upon which criteria are used to represent the economic, ecological and social sustainability might have an impact on the final selection among the forest plans. This study's primary objective is to examine if DMs derive similar decisions regarding forest management with a varying level of information provided, thus illustrating how critical it is to negotiate about the criteria set in advance. Fifty forest science students were used as testees, using a representative sized forest tract as a case “holding” which provided semi-authentic data. A series of decision scenarios tested how the decision changed with an increase in the amount of information. Results of a systematic examination show that slightly over half of the participants selected the same plan in at least 2 out of 3 scenarios. The results also suggest that the most important requirement for criteria selection is that they display the dimensions where the plans markedly differ.

Highlights

► Good preference information is crucial for truly supportive decision aid. ► Criteria may influence how decision-makers identify and reveal their preferences. ► Narratives of forest plans provide more confident choices but less learning. ► Eight versus three criteria: less confidence on choice but more insightful learning. ► To present alternatives only in numbers fails to serve some decision-makers' choice.

]]>Sat, 15 Oct 2011 21:01:09 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S138993411100164X&_version=1&md5=7d8fcf953117db8d2319b3d6d8b935012011-10-15T21:01:09Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001584&_version=1&md5=d26e415e996abade78b65982b3e569ad
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 7 October 2011

Adam Tomasz Sikora, Erlend Nybakk

Poland's share of private forests is relatively small compared with that of other European countries. Private Polish forests are in poor condition and have been under great economic stress. This situation has changed somewhat with respect to rural development since Poland's accession to the European Union. However, many antecedents to the innovativeness of forest owners remain unaddressed by scholars. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of forest owners' attitudes towards risk, social responsibility, learning orientation and institutional support on their innovativeness. Additionally, we aim to analyse the forest owners' attitudes towards start-ups based on nature-based tourism, which is a relatively new activity in Poland. We used both quantitative and qualitative approaches in this study and collected data via face-to-face interviews with 105 forest owners. The results showed that, although a forest owner's attitudes towards risk, social responsibility and learning orientation positively impacted the owner's innovativeness, institutional support did not. In the qualitative portion of this study, we examine nature-based tourism as a relatively new phenomenon and the factors affecting an owner's decision to initiate this type of business. The results imply that private forest owners in Poland require greater institutional support to start tourism businesses related to their forest land. However, the present support policies do not seem to have a direct positive effect on the forest owners' innovativeness. Nevertheless, policies that limit risk, promote learning and encourage social responsibility among Polish forest owners can stimulate them to become more innovative. Previous research has shown that this change, in turn, results in better economic performance and enhanced rural vitality.

Highlights

► We found that learning orientation, a positive attitude towards risk and a feeling of social responsibility have positive and significant effects on innovativeness. ► We did not find that institutional support had a significant or direct effect on the forest owners' innovativeness. ► Seven of 105 forest owners had started nature-based tourism businesses, and 20 forest owners were considering starting such businesses. ► The most common reasons for not initiating new activities were a pessimistic attitude, traditional habits and aversion to risk. ► We found that private forest owners in Poland require greater institutional support to start tourism businesses.

]]>Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:00:08 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001584&_version=1&md5=d26e415e996abade78b65982b3e569ad2011-10-08T21:00:08Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001572&_version=1&md5=c9ae22e9f28f8f4261b185a5302aca00
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 2 October 2011

Romain Pirard

The underlying principle of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) is based on contractual payments to users of a natural resource, such payments being subject to the condition that PES maintain a pre-defined environmental service. They can be viewed as a way for private stakeholders to bypass public policies by contracting outside the policy framework, as long as the instrument is viewed as an application of the Coase theorem. For instance, some PES enable local users to be rewarded for abandoning illegal practices in place of law enforcement. But high transaction costs, institutional requirements for action, or the need to upscale the scheme tend to bring public bodies back into play. This can materialise in the issuance of regulations, the establishment of ad hoc entities to implement PES, the negotiation of contracts with resource users, and many other effects. In theory and according to the classical definition of the instrument, PES apply a “beneficiary pays principle”. With the policy framework potentially playing a central role in their future development, PES may be interpreted as a way to complement the “polluter pays principle” under the control of public bodies. Indeed, in contexts where those degrading an environmental service (“polluters”) are not eligible to be considered as payers, e.g. insolvent rural populations in developing countries that cannot afford to pay for their negative impacts, PES may eventually represent the vehicle to justify and finance public action. This analysis, built on a case study in Indonesia, downplays the statements presenting PES as market-based mechanisms aimed at filling the regulatory gap — i.e. the lack of prescriptive regulations for the environment – and enlarging the funding sources for conservation. We note also the promising emergence of a specific type of PES that relies on mandatory financial contributions by service beneficiaries, while keeping payments to service providers on a voluntary basis through contracts.

Highlights

► Payments for Environmental Services (PES) reverse the polluter pays principle (PPP). ► PES have ambiguous relationships with public policies for the environment. ► The case study in Indonesia shows a strong convergence between PES and forest policies. ► PES can rely on mandatory financial contributions from beneficiaries to achieve positive outcomes. ► The involvement of public authorities remains necessary to effective PES implementation.

]]>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:50:19 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001572&_version=1&md5=c9ae22e9f28f8f4261b185a5302aca002011-10-04T00:50:19Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001523&_version=1&md5=f114aa564a2cbe1b5eaf25a47c02814d
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 2 October 2011

P. Vihervaara, A. Marjokorpi, T. Kumpula, M. Walls, M. Kamppinen

The rapidly increasing area of tree plantations, especially in the tropics and subtropics, has raised expectations and concerns as to their impact on ecosystem services. We studied the effect of the establishment of eucalyptus and pine plantations on local people's social valuations of ecosystem services in a case study in Uruguay. We also assessed the social and political restrictions that might limit the establishment of new markets for ecosystem services. Our study showed that the rapid change in land use in Uruguay over the past 20 years, from grassland to plantations, has affected people's perceptions of landscape's capacity to produce ecosystem services. The ecosystem services of plantations that showed the greatest discrepancy between local people's valuations and both recognition by experts and current scientific evidence were biodiversity, water effects, and carbon cycling. We found that in particular regulating services, and some provisioning ones, are quite well recognized by substance specialists, but are sometimes rather unfamiliar to the general public. The proper planning of plantations may improve the provision of ecosystem services, such as biodiversity enhancement, wood availability for fire and energy, water quality, and carbon sequestration, while at the same time diluting some others. The selection of ecosystem services to be taken into account in plantation management depends both on local cultural values and on the particular environmental pressures considered to be most in need of mitigation.

Highlights

► Land use change has affected people's perceptions of supply of ecosystem services. ► Discrepancy between locals and expert opinions related with biodiversity, water, and carbon cycling. ► Regulating services are recognized by experts, but are rather unfamiliar to the general public. ► Plantations may improve the provision of some ecosystem services while diluting some others.

]]>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:50:19 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001523&_version=1&md5=f114aa564a2cbe1b5eaf25a47c02814d2011-10-04T00:50:19Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001572&_version=1&md5=c9ae22e9f28f8f4261b185a5302aca00
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 2 October 2011

Romain Pirard

The underlying principle of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) is based on contractual payments to users of a natural resource, such payments being subject to the condition that PES maintain a pre-defined environmental service. They can be viewed as a way for private stakeholders to bypass public policies by contracting outside the policy framework, as long as the instrument is viewed as an application of the Coase theorem. For instance, some PES enable local users to be rewarded for abandoning illegal practices in place of law enforcement. But high transaction costs, institutional requirements for action, or the need to upscale the scheme tend to bring public bodies back into play. This can materialise in the issuance of regulations, the establishment of ad hoc entities to implement PES, the negotiation of contracts with resource users, and many other effects. In theory and according to the classical definition of the instrument, PES apply a “beneficiary pays principle”. With the policy framework potentially playing a central role in their future development, PES may be interpreted as a way to complement the “polluter pays principle” under the control of public bodies. Indeed, in contexts where those degrading an environmental service (“polluters”) are not eligible to be considered as payers, e.g. insolvent rural populations in developing countries that cannot afford to pay for their negative impacts, PES may eventually represent the vehicle to justify and finance public action. This analysis, built on a case study in Indonesia, downplays the statements presenting PES as market-based mechanisms aimed at filling the regulatory gap — i.e. the lack of prescriptive regulations for the environment – and enlarging the funding sources for conservation. We note also the promising emergence of a specific type of PES that relies on mandatory financial contributions by service beneficiaries, while keeping payments to service providers on a voluntary basis through contracts.

Highlights

► Payments for Environmental Services (PES) reverse the polluter pays principle (PPP). ► PES have ambiguous relationships with public policies for the environment. ► The case study in Indonesia shows a strong convergence between PES and forest policies. ► PES can rely on mandatory financial contributions from beneficiaries to achieve positive outcomes. ► The involvement of public authorities remains necessary to effective PES implementation.

]]>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:56:00 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001572&_version=1&md5=c9ae22e9f28f8f4261b185a5302aca002011-10-03T00:56:00Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001523&_version=1&md5=f114aa564a2cbe1b5eaf25a47c02814d
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 2 October 2011

P. Vihervaara, A. Marjokorpi, T. Kumpula, M. Walls, M. Kamppinen

The rapidly increasing area of tree plantations, especially in the tropics and subtropics, has raised expectations and concerns as to their impact on ecosystem services. We studied the effect of the establishment of eucalyptus and pine plantations on local people's social valuations of ecosystem services in a case study in Uruguay. We also assessed the social and political restrictions that might limit the establishment of new markets for ecosystem services. Our study showed that the rapid change in land use in Uruguay over the past 20 years, from grassland to plantations, has affected people's perceptions of landscape's capacity to produce ecosystem services. The ecosystem services of plantations that showed the greatest discrepancy between local people's valuations and both recognition by experts and current scientific evidence were biodiversity, water effects, and carbon cycling. We found that in particular regulating services, and some provisioning ones, are quite well recognized by substance specialists, but are sometimes rather unfamiliar to the general public. The proper planning of plantations may improve the provision of ecosystem services, such as biodiversity enhancement, wood availability for fire and energy, water quality, and carbon sequestration, while at the same time diluting some others. The selection of ecosystem services to be taken into account in plantation management depends both on local cultural values and on the particular environmental pressures considered to be most in need of mitigation.

Highlights

► Land use change has affected people's perceptions of supply of ecosystem services. ► Discrepancy between locals and expert opinions related with biodiversity, water, and carbon cycling. ► Regulating services are recognized by experts, but are rather unfamiliar to the general public. ► Plantations may improve the provision of some ecosystem services while diluting some others.

]]>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:56:00 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001523&_version=1&md5=f114aa564a2cbe1b5eaf25a47c02814d2011-10-03T00:56:00Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001559&_version=1&md5=8a5271a7f9a8e2f389b68869dacb24a3
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 1 October 2011

Boon-Kwee Ng, Thiruchelvam K.

As a low-tech, labour intensive and supplier-dominated industry, the wooden furniture industry's pattern of innovation is widely acknowledged as business driven. This paper's main objective is to ascertain the roles played by the various innovation actors and their linkages to the process of technological innovations in the wooden furniture industry. Empirical evidence is derived from a narrative case study of the Muar furniture cluster in Malaysia. The main findings from this study indicate that the dynamics of innovation in Malaysia's wooden furniture industry are mainly business-led and are characterised as collective innovation. In this regard, the roles played by the immediate business environment such as suppliers, customers, competitors, and retailers are of paramount importance. These innovation actors have been linked closely to firms in their surge for technological advancement. Universities and government organisations do not feature in the operations of these firms.

Highlights

► All innovation actors contribute to the success of Malaysia’s furniture industry. ► Market and commercial partnership are the main sources for knowledge. ► There is a strong social capital amongst competitors to see each other as partners. ► The take up rate of government assistance programs by the industry is poor.

]]>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:10:53 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001559&_version=1&md5=8a5271a7f9a8e2f389b68869dacb24a32011-10-02T01:10:53Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001547&_version=1&md5=e84df21ec5b72a63459c30093eb84f47
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 26 September 2011

Denys Yemshanov, Jeffrey Biggs, Daniel W. McKenney, Tony Lempriere

This study examines the economic and spatial impacts of afforestation choices for carbon sequestration in Ontario, Canada when the non-permanence of forestry carbon offsets is taken into consideration. We test six scenarios including three long-term projects with red pine, Norway spruce and hybrid poplar plantations and three shorter term hybrid poplar scenarios that produce temporary carbon emission offsets. We convert the break-even costs of sequestering carbon to a permanent carbon offset equivalent and analyze the possible geographical implications of the choices across eastern, southern and central Ontario, Canada.The most financially viable scenarios show a relatively large part of central Ontario with attractive choices at a 4% discount rate but a much smaller area at an 8% rate. The assumption about the future price evolution of temporary carbon offsets is one of the biggest factors that influence the attractiveness of these choices. At the 4% discount rate and the assumption of rising prices of permanent carbon offsets, the scenarios that store carbon for long periods appear to be the least-costly option. Hybrid poplar appears as the best choice in southern Ontario and a mix of conifer species and hybrid poplar in the central and northern parts. When future prices of temporary carbon offsets are assumed to decline, temporary hybrid poplar projects appear to be more attractive in the southern and eastern parts of the province. The variety of alternative scenario choices also depends on the discount rate and future price expectations for temporary carbon offsets. For a relatively narrow deviation of the carbon offset price (±$0.6 tCO2), only 4% to 9.2% of the total 5.8 million ha area would have one or more potentially viable alternative scenarios at the 4% discount rate and almost zero alternatives at the 8% rate. Higher discount rates lead to fewer attractive choices, suggesting that landowners would be left with very few options when trying to maximize net returns from plantations.

Highlights

► We examine the afforestation choices for temporary carbon sequestration in Ontario, Canada. ► At 4% discount rate and rising carbon prices the permanent scenarios is the least-cost option. ► Higher discount rates lead to fewer attractive alternative scenario choices. ► Hybrid poplar is the most financially attractive choice in southern Ontario. ► A mix of conifer species and hybrid poplar is the best choice in central and northern Ontario.

]]>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:53:49 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001547&_version=1&md5=e84df21ec5b72a63459c30093eb84f472011-09-29T00:53:49Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001511&_version=1&md5=672a75421315fde980e54318fc484413
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 25 September 2011

Cheng Gong, Chenguang Xu, Li Chen, Shixiong Cao

Compensation payment schemes play an important role in conservation efforts around the world, particularly for implementing agri-environmental policy. Unfortunately, huge investments such as those conducted in China under the Grain for Green Program (GGP) and elsewhere around the world have historically provided few long-term benefits. To design a cost-effective compensation policy for ecological restoration, the approach must integrate economic and ecological components. Here, we describe such a policy model (“Buying Green Cover”) and compare it with an existing approach, the GGP, using data from China's Northern Shaanxi Province. The modified compensation program pays farmers to build terraced farmland or perform other “green” activities that will also sustain their livelihoods once the program ends. The resulting program costs 30% less than the GGP, and will take only 3 to 7 years to achieve the GGP's 16-year goal of converting sloping farmland into forests and grassland. In contrast with the failures of the GGP and related programs, the new approach improves the management and restoration of rapidly degrading landscapes and should be applicable both in China and around the world.

Highlights

► A cost-effective compensation policy for ecological restoration must integrate economic and ecological components. ► Investing in green activities are capable of both restoring degraded land and providing long-term sustainable livelihoods. ► The strategy of “Buying Green Cover” can provide sustainable results without requiring additional funding after program ends. ► "Buying Green Cover" model can guide government policy development with the goal of achieving socioeconomic efficiency.

]]>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:54:44 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001511&_version=1&md5=672a75421315fde980e54318fc4844132011-09-27T00:54:44Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001560&_version=1&md5=de88a0e31bdd42c83c4a0c3841b18d74
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 25 September 2011

Till Pistorius, Harald Schaich, Georg Winkel, Tobias Plieninger, Claudia Bieling, ...

This paper compares the historic German discourse on forest functions with the current international debate on ecosystem services and analyzes the factors that may have triggered or inhibited the development and the institutionalization of both underlying concepts and subordinate debates. Ultimately, this comparison aims at drawing conclusions for the present debate on the currently negotiated REDDplus mechanism which can be considered as a major effort to upscale payments for environmental services.Both discourses show some remarkable similarities — despite their diverging spatial foci, cultural backgrounds, and eras of origin. Similarities include the utilitarian concepts of nature used, the functions or services considered, and the ongoing challenge of valuing and monetizing them. However, there are also fundamental differences in regard to property rights and assumptions on the harmony of forest functions, respectively apparent and potential trade-offs between different ecosystem services for which the current discourse promotes market-based governance approaches as the mean of choice to balance competing interests of stakeholders.In terms of current policy debates as on REDDplus, the focus on one particular ecosystem service – here the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions – shows significant analogies to the historic forest functions discourse in which timber production was seen as the main function that inherently ensures the delivery of all other functions. With regard to the considerable risks resulting for biodiversity and other ecosystem services from such a mono-functional focus we argue that any market-based approach to REDDplus should be accompanied by comprehensive international and national regulatory policies and foster the implementation of effective safeguards.

Highlights

► We compare the discourses on forest functions (Germany) and ecosystem services (int'l). ► We find similarities despite diverging spatial foci, cultural background and era of origin. ► Examples include utilitarian concepts of nature, focus on similar functions/services and efforts to value them. ► Fundamental differences concern property rights, trade-offs and governance approaches. ► The current debate on REDDplus shows remarkable similarities to the historic German discourse.

]]>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:54:44 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001560&_version=1&md5=de88a0e31bdd42c83c4a0c3841b18d742011-09-27T00:54:44Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S138993411100133X&_version=1&md5=3452b09c374cb2cd9e34f00d864f8b48
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 23 September 2011

Prakash Nepal, Robert K. Grala, Donald L. Grebner

Longer forest rotation ages can potentially increase accumulation of carbon in harvested wood products due to a larger proportion of sawlogs that can be used for manufacturing durable wood products such as lumber and plywood. This study quantified amounts of carbon accumulated in wood products harvested from loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) stands grown in Mississippi by extending rotation ages traditionally used to manage these stands for timber. The financial viability of this approach was examined based on carbon payments received by landowners for sequestering carbon in standing trees and harvested wood products. Results indicated a potential to increase carbon accumulated in wood products by 16.11 metric tons (t) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per hectare (ha) for a rotation increase of 5 years and 67.07 tCO2e/ha for a rotation increase of 65 years. Carbon prices of $50/tCO2e and $110/tCO2e would be required to provide a sufficient incentive to forest landowners to extend rotations by 5 and 10 years, respectively. With 2.8 million ha of loblolly pine stands in Mississippi, this translates to a possible increase in wood products carbon of 45 million tCO2e and 80 million tCO2e for harvest ages increased by 5 and 10 years, respectively. Higher carbon prices lengthened rotation ages modestly due to low present values of carbon accumulated with long rotations.

Highlights

► We examined financial viability of increasing carbon in wood products. ► 16 rotation ages of Loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) stands were evaluated. ► Extending rotations by 5 to 65 years increased wood products carbon by 16 to 67 tCO2e/ha. ► Carbon prices of $50/tCO2e and above were needed to extend rotations greater than 5 years.

]]>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:47:26 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S138993411100133X&_version=1&md5=3452b09c374cb2cd9e34f00d864f8b482011-09-24T00:47:26Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001596&_version=1&md5=683f0c31ced8400eedb9a6252d39e1f2
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 23 September 2011

Maria Brockhaus, Krystof Obidzinski, Ahmad Dermawan, Yves Laumonier, Cecilia Luttrell

The global community is negotiating an international REDD+ mechanism, and recent multilateral and bilateral arrangements indicate Indonesia may receive a significant share of financial resources attached to this mechanism. These financial incentives may potentially alter the country's economic landscape. However, current forest and land allocation policies and politics support economic activities that promote the exploitation of forest assets. More recently, global needs for energy and food have increased pressure on forest land. The REDD+ mechanism is designed to reverse this situation and create opportunities for necessary reforms both inside and outside the forestry sector. In this paper, we take a political economy perspective to analyze Indonesia's policies on the allocation of forest land (kawasan hutan)and, related to this, assess the changes in forest land allocation that are needed to enable REDD+ to compete with other sectors. This paper shows that there are numerous challenges to create a “space” for REDD+, many of which are rooted in the political economy of forests that shapes the nature and process of the land allocation system. The questions of where, on which type of forest land, at what scale and based on which procedures remain key for REDD+ and its capability to compete with other objectives within the current forest land allocation framework.

Highlights

►The framework for forest land allocation in Indonesia is challenging for REDD+.►Land allocation is dominated by conflicting objectives and a lack of coordination. ►Development priorities favor the allocation of forest land for timber and oil palm. ►The forestry sector has not facilitated successful small-scale management models. ►Clarity over who has the right to make decisions over forest land allocation is key.

]]>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:47:26 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001596&_version=1&md5=683f0c31ced8400eedb9a6252d39e1f22011-09-24T00:47:26Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001328&_version=1&md5=bc41a5d03d1a1069d828c32505055604
Source: Forest Policy and Economics, Available online 15 September 2011

Lars Lönnstedt, Roger A. Sedjo

This article examines the changing structure and ownership of the forest products industry in North America and the Nordic countries. The authors explore company-specific perspectives on why some private forest products companies divest themselves of timberland ownership and others do not. The focus is on the United States, where the forest products industry has divested itself of substantial amounts of timberland, and on Sweden, where divestitures have been smaller. In both the United States and Sweden, forest products industries are large and forestland ownership has traditionally been an important component of the portfolio of an integrated forest products firm. The analysis presented here is based in part on literature about the vertical integration of markets.
]]>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:27:15 GMThttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1389934111001328&_version=1&md5=bc41a5d03d1a1069d828c325050556042011-09-23T01:27:15Z