Ecosystem services for communities in forest frontiers: An assessment of nature’s benefits to local stakeholders under different land use and tenure systems in a tropical frontier landscape in Myanmar

Tropical forest frontier landscapes are subject to land use changes and different claims on land by various actors, often leading to trade-offs and a general decline in ecosystem services (ES) for local communities. However, few comprehensive ES studies have been done in such data-scarce frontier regions and they are limited in terms of area, land uses, and number and types of ES assessed. This doctoral thesis aimed to analyse how local stakeholders in Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Region can benefit from various ES and how these are associated to different factors such as land use, land tenure, market access, or population structures. Applying advanced modelling techniques, I used Bayesian networks to model the supply, demand, flow and final outcomes of nine ES: subsistence foods, commercial products, fuelwood, medicinal plants, biodiversity, climate regulation, water regulation, environmental education, and cultural identity. The models were developed in an iterative process and integrated existing spatial datasets, census data and qualitative data from focus group discussions and interviews with local communities, government representatives, researchers, civil society organizations and non-governmental institutions working on land issues in Tanintharyi. I linked the nine models to spatial data to map ES supply, demand, and flow for local stakeholders across the region. Finally, I combined these maps to identify supply/demand (mis)matches as well as accessibility that particularly affects local communities. The thesis highlights the value of mosaic landscapes and the crucial role of equitable land tenure in tropical forest frontiers for providing multiple ES and enhancing human well-being

Sustainable Development Under Competing Claims on Land: Three Pathways Between Land-Use Changes, Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being

Competition over land is at the core of many sustainable development challenges in Myanmar: villagers, companies, governments, ethnic minority groups, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations from local to the international level claim access to and decision-making power over the use of land. Therefore, this article investigates the actor interactions influencing land-use changes and their impacts on the supply of ecosystem services and human well-being. We utilise a transdisciplinary mixed-methods approach and the analytical lens of the social-ecological systems framework. Results reveal that the links between land-use changes, ecosystem services and human well-being are multifaceted; For example ecosystem services can decline, while human well-being increases. We explain this finding through three different pathways to impact (changes in the resource systems, the governance systems or the broader social, economic and political context). We conclude with implications of these results for future sustainable land governance

Sustainable Development Under Competing Claims on Land: Three Pathways Between Land-Use Changes, Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being

Competition over land is at the core of many sustainable development challenges in Myanmar: villagers, companies, governments, ethnic minority groups, civil soci-ety organisations and non-governmental organisations from local to the international level claim access to and decision-making power over the use of land. Therefore, this article investigates the actor interactions influencing land-use changes and their impacts on the supply of ecosystem services and human well-being. We utilise a transdisciplinary mixed-methods approach and the analytical lens of the social-eco-logical systems framework. Results reveal that the links between land-use changes, ecosystem services and human well-being are multifaceted; For example ecosys-tem services can decline, while human well-being increases. We explain this find-ing through three different pathways to impact (changes in the resource systems, the governance systems or the broader social, economic and political context). We con-clude with implications of these results for future sustainable land governance

Regional disparities in impacts of climate extremes require targeted adaptation of Fairtrade supply chains

Climate extremes can seriously affect supply chains of agricultural commodities, decreasing agricultural production and disrupting transport, which is detrimental to livelihoods of smallholders all around the world. We assess the extent of climate extremes by 2050 on Fairtrade producers of banana, cocoa, coffee, and tea. We find that globally, most of the 1.6 million producers within this supply chain could be affected by future heatwaves across all sourcing regions. However, for some crops and in some regions, producers could also be affected by considerable increases in drought and extreme rainfall. Without timely adaptation measures, production in major banana, cocoa, coffee, and tea regions might not be possible in the future, or farmers might need to diversify or change crops. Through spatially explicit analysis of a particular supply chain, we can support the planning of more climate-proof supply chains that can provide stable incomes and commodity supply under future climate change

Ein integrierter landschaftlicher Ansatz für den Erhalt und die Wiederherstellung von Waldlandschaften

Wälder sind als zentrales Element der Landschaft (Waldlandschaften) von grosser Bedeutung für die Erreichung der Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung (SDGs) und spielen eine wichtige Rolle für die lokale Wirtschaft und die soziale Identität. Sie stehen aber gleichzeitig vor grossen Herausforderungen, indem sie durch Landnutzungsänderungen, steigende Holznachfrage oder den Klimawandel bedroht sind. Um Waldlandschaften mit ihren Leistungen langfristig zu sichern, ist es entscheidend, integrierte Ansätze zu ihrer Erhaltung und Wiederherstellung zu verfolgen. Sektoralen Ansätzen fehlt oft der Erfolg, weshalb integrierte Landschaftsansätze (ILAs) an Bedeutung gewinnen. Diese betonen die Multifunktionalität und eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung von Waldlandschaften. Der theoretische Rahmen von ILAs und der Wiederherstellung von Waldlandschaften (FLR) wird in diesem Artikel anhand von Fallstudien aus verschiedenen Regionen im Ausland und in der Schweiz untersucht. Es werden Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten bei der Umsetzung dieser Ansätze diskutiert. Dabei wird die Bedeutung einer integrierten Herangehensweise zur Erhaltung und Wiederherstellung von Waldlandschaften für die nachhaltige Entwicklung besonders hervorgehoben. Es wird empfohlen, Landschaftsansätze und sozialökologische Innovationen miteinander zu verbinden, um die Vorteile von Waldlandschaften optimal zu nutzen und die Widerstandsfähigkeit von Ökosystemen und Gemeinschaften zu stärken. Eine vertiefte Kenntnis der Verbindungen zwischen Wald, Landschaft und Menschen sowie Erfahrungen mit ILA- und FLR-Strategien können dazu beitragen, den Landschaftsansatz in der Waldpolitik weiter voranzubringen.En tant qu'élément central du paysage («paysages forestiers»), les forêts sont d'une grande importance pour la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable (ODD) et jouent un rôle important dans l'économie locale et l'identité sociale. Mais elles sont en même temps confrontées à de grands défis, dans la mesure où elles sont menacées par les changements d'utilisation des sols, la demande croissante de bois ou le changement climatique. Pour garantir à long terme les paysages forestiers et leurs services, il est essentiel d'adopter des approches intégrées pour leur conservation et leur restauration. Les approches sectorielles sont souvent dépourvues de succès, raison pour laquelle les approches intégrées du paysage («Integrated Landscape Approaches» – ILAs) gagnent en importance. Celles-ci mettent l'accent sur la multifonctionnalité et sur une approche globale des paysages forestiers. Le cadre théorique des ILA et de la restauration des paysages forestiers («FLR») est examiné dans cet article à l'aide d'études de cas provenant de différentes régions à l'étranger et en Suisse. Les défis et les possibilités liés à la mise en oeuvre de ces approches seront discutés. L'importance d'une approche intégrée de la conservation et de la restauration des paysages forestiers pour le développement durable est particulièrement soulignée. Il est recommandé de combiner les approches paysagères et les innovations socio-environnementales afin d'exploiter au mieux les avantages des paysages forestiers et de renforcer la résilience des écosystèmes et des communautés. Une connaissance approfondie des liens entre les forêts, les paysages et les populations, ainsi que l'expérience acquise dans le cadre des stratégies ILA et FLR peuvent contribuer à faire progresser l'approche paysagère dans la politique forestière.As a central element of landscapes (“forest landscapes”), forests are of great importance for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and play an important role for local economies and social identity. At the same time, however, they face major challenges in that they are threatened by changes in land use, increasing demand for wood, or climate change. In order to secure forest landscapes with their services in the long term, it is crucial to pursue integrated approaches to their conservation and restoration. Sectoral approaches often lack success, which is why integrated landscape approaches (ILA) are gaining importance. These emphasise multifunctionality and a holistic view of forest landscapes. The theoretical framework of ILA and forest landscape restoration (FLR) is explored in this article using case studies from different regions abroad and in Switzerland. Challenges and opportunities in implementing these approaches are discussed. The importance of an integrated approach to the conservation and restoration of forest landscapes for sustainable development is particularly emphasised. It is recommended to combine landscape approaches and social-ecological innovations to make the most of the benefits of forest landscapes and to strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and communities. A deeper knowledge of the linkages between forests, landscapes and people, as well as experience with ILA and FLR strategies, can help to further advance the landscape approach in forest policy

Severity of COVID-19 and survival in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases: data from the French RMD COVID-19 cohort of 694 patients

International audienceObjectives: There is little known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMD). We examined epidemiological characteristics associated with severe disease, then with death. We also compared mortality between patients hospitalised for COVID-19 with and without iRMD.Methods: Individuals with suspected iRMD-COVID-19 were included in this French cohort. Logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to estimate adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of severe COVID-19. The most significant clinically relevant factors were analysed by multivariable penalised logistic regression models, using a forward selection method. The death rate of hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 (moderate-severe) was compared with a subset of patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19 from a French hospital matched for age, sex, and comorbidities.Results: Of 694 adults, 438 (63%) developed mild (not hospitalised), 169 (24%) moderate (hospitalised out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and 87 (13%) severe (patients in ICU/deceased) disease. In multivariable imputed analyses, the variables associated with severe infection were age (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10), female gender (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.25-0.80), body mass index (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12), hypertension (OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.42), and use of corticosteroids (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.09-3.54), mycophenolate mofetil (OR=6.6, 95% CI: 1.47-29.62) and rituximab (OR=4.21, 95% CI: 1.61-10.98). Fifty-eight patients died (8% (total) and 23% (hospitalised)). Compared with 175 matched hospitalised patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19, the OR of mortality associated with hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87-2.42) (n=175 each group).Conclusions: In the French RMD COVID-19 cohort, as already identified in the general population, older age, male gender, obesity, and hypertension were found to be associated with severe COVID-19. Patients with iRMD on corticosteroids, but not methotrexate, or tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 inhibitors, should be considered as more likely to develop severe COVID-19. Unlike common comorbidities such as obesity, and cardiovascular or lung diseases, the risk of death is not significantly increased in patients with iRMD

Severity of COVID-19 and survival in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases: data from the French RMD COVID-19 cohort of 694 patients

International audienceObjectives: There is little known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMD). We examined epidemiological characteristics associated with severe disease, then with death. We also compared mortality between patients hospitalised for COVID-19 with and without iRMD.Methods: Individuals with suspected iRMD-COVID-19 were included in this French cohort. Logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to estimate adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of severe COVID-19. The most significant clinically relevant factors were analysed by multivariable penalised logistic regression models, using a forward selection method. The death rate of hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 (moderate-severe) was compared with a subset of patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19 from a French hospital matched for age, sex, and comorbidities.Results: Of 694 adults, 438 (63%) developed mild (not hospitalised), 169 (24%) moderate (hospitalised out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and 87 (13%) severe (patients in ICU/deceased) disease. In multivariable imputed analyses, the variables associated with severe infection were age (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10), female gender (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.25-0.80), body mass index (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12), hypertension (OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.42), and use of corticosteroids (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.09-3.54), mycophenolate mofetil (OR=6.6, 95% CI: 1.47-29.62) and rituximab (OR=4.21, 95% CI: 1.61-10.98). Fifty-eight patients died (8% (total) and 23% (hospitalised)). Compared with 175 matched hospitalised patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19, the OR of mortality associated with hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87-2.42) (n=175 each group).Conclusions: In the French RMD COVID-19 cohort, as already identified in the general population, older age, male gender, obesity, and hypertension were found to be associated with severe COVID-19. Patients with iRMD on corticosteroids, but not methotrexate, or tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 inhibitors, should be considered as more likely to develop severe COVID-19. Unlike common comorbidities such as obesity, and cardiovascular or lung diseases, the risk of death is not significantly increased in patients with iRMD