Modeling the influence of alternative forest management scenarios on wood production and carbon storage: A case study in the Mediterranean region

Forest ecosystems are fundamental for the terrestrial biosphere as they deliver multiple essential ecosystem services (ES). In environmental management, understanding ES distribution and interactions and assessing the economic value of forest ES represent future challenges. In this study, we developed a spatially explicit method based on a multi-scale approach (MiMoSe-Multiscale Mapping of ecosystem services) to assess the current and future potential of a given forest area to provide ES. To do this we modified and improved the InVEST model in order to adapt input data and simulations to the context of Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Specifically, we integrated a GIS-based model, scenario model, and economic valuation to investigate two ES (wood production and carbon sequestration) and their trade-offs in a test area located in Molise region (Central Italy). Spatial information and trade-off analyses were used to assess the influence of alternative forest management scenarios on investigated services. Scenario A was designed to describe the current Business as Usual approach. Two alternative scenarios were designed to describe management approaches oriented towards nature protection (scenario B) or wood production (scenario C) and compared to scenario A. Management scenarios were simulated at the scale of forest management units over a 20-year time period. Our results show that forest management influenced ES provision and associated benefits at the regional scale. In the test area, the Total Ecosystem Services Value of the investigated ES increases 85% in scenario B and decreases 82% in scenario C, when compared to scenario A. Our study contributes to the ongoing debate about trade-offs and synergies between carbon sequestration and wood production benefits associated with socio-ecological systems. The MiMoSe approach can be replicated in other contexts with similar characteristics, thus providing a useful basis for the projection of benefits from forest ecosystems over the futureL'articolo è disponibile sul sito dell'editore www.elsevier.com/locate/envre

Modeling the influence of alternative forest management scenarios on wood production and carbon storage: A case study in the Mediterranean region

Forest ecosystems are fundamental for the terrestrial biosphere as they deliver multiple essential ecosystem services (ES). In environmental management, understanding ES distribution and interactions and assessing the economic value of forest ES represent future challenges. In this study, we developed a spatially explicit method based on a multi-scale approach (MiMoSe-Multiscale Mapping of ecosystem services) to assess the current and future potential of a given forest area to provide ES. To do this we modified and improved the InVEST model in order to adapt input data and simulations to the context of Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Specifically, we integrated a GIS-based model, scenario model, and economic valuation to investigate two ES (wood production and carbon sequestration) and their trade-offs in a test area located in Molise region (Central Italy). Spatial information and trade-off analyses were used to assess the influence of alternative forest management scenarios on investigated services. Scenario A was designed to describe the current Business as Usual approach. Two alternative scenarios were designed to describe management approaches oriented towards nature protection (scenario B) or wood production (scenario C) and compared to scenario A. Management scenarios were simulated at the scale of forest management units over a 20-year time period. Our results show that forest management influenced ES provision and associated benefits at the regional scale. In the test area, the Total Ecosystem Services Value of the investigated ES increases 85% in scenario B and decreases 82% in scenario C, when compared to scenario A. Our study contributes to the ongoing debate about trade-offs and synergies between carbon sequestration and wood production benefits associated with socio-ecological systems. The MiMoSe approach can be replicated in other contexts with similar characteristics, thus providing a useful basis for the projection of benefits from forest ecosystems over the futureL'articolo è disponibile sul sito dell'editore www.elsevier.com/locate/envre

Mapping and assessment of forest ecosystems and their services - Applications and guidance for decision making in the framework of MAES

The aim of this report is to illustrate by means of a series of case studies the implementation of mapping and assessment of forest ecosystem services in different contexts and geographical levels. Methodological aspects, data issues, approaches, limitations, gaps and further steps for improvement are analysed for providing good practices and decision making guidance. The EU initiative on Mapping and Assessment of the state of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES), with the support of all Member States, contributes to improve the knowledge on ecosystem services. MAES is one of the building-block initiatives supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020.JRC.H.3-Forest Resources and Climat

PERCIVAL, Italian Intensive Outreach Team for the treatment of adolescent psychiatric emergency in the territory of Milan: preliminary results of nine months of activities

Rationale : PERCIVAL project is inspired by the international paradigm of Intensive Outreach Teams– IOT, and has three goals: 1. To Provide appropriate and prompt treatment for adolescents in psychiatric emergency living in Milan 2. To Determine the need of specific CANP inpatients beds in Milan 3. To Assess the effectiveness, costs and applicability of the IOT model in the Italian territory Methods: “PERCIVAL” project is aimed at adolescents 12-18 yrs with psychiatric symptoms in the 1 (life threatening conditions with an immediate need for treatment) and 2 (severe symptoms requiring an urgent response) Rosenn and Gail classification. The psychiatric evaluation and the treatment plan design are conducted by a multiprofessional team. The assessment is composed by: Crisis Assessment Tool-CAT, HoNOS-CA, HEADS-ED, CBCL, CGI, CGAS, Difficulties Emotion Regulation Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Risk Taking-Self Harm Inventory, Personality Inventory DSM 5, Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, Broset Violence Checklist, Pediatric Quality of life Inventory, Who Quality of Life, Score 15, Stress Index Parents of Adolescents, Orbetello Satisfaction Scale. This assessment is performed at the beginning and at the conclusion of the treatment and is completed again during follow up visits (6 and 12 months). The individual treatments can be developed at home with different level of intensity; in the outpatient clinic through individual and/or group therapy sessions; if necessary through hospitalization in pediatric ward or adult psychiatric ward (if the patient is ?16 years and Rosenn/Gail class I ). Results: During the first 9 months (1/9/15-30/6/16) 45 patients (18 males and 27 females, in the 11.2 to 18 years age range) have been evaluated.34 patients (76%) met inclusion criteria: 24% class I and 76% class II; 58.8% were females and 41.2% males.19 patients accessed “PERCIVAL” via emergency room (56%), 11 through hospitalization (32%) and 4 as outpatients (12%). 59% had depression with suicide attempts or thoughts, severe personality disorder, post traumatic stress disorders; 18% psychosis or bipolar disorder; 9% severe behavioral disorders; other disorder (14%) were individually unrepresentative. 9 patients (24%) were substance abusers (mainly cannabis). Intensive treatment has been activated for 31/34 patients; the remaining three patients have been reoriented to other services. 52% (16 patients) have only received intensive outpatient or home treatment; 48% (15 patients) have also received short term hospitalization. Conclusions: An Italian adaptation of IOT can represent an effective intervention for adolescents with acute psychiatric symptoms, nonetheless for a subset of patient with very complex needs specific inpatient CANP beds are mandator

PERCIVAL project: Italian adaptation of Intensive Outreach Teams for the treatment of psychiatric emergencies in adolescence

Rationale: “PERCIVAL” project is conceived to guarantee appropriateness of care for patients and families in a situation of shortage of inpatient beds in Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry in the Milan region. Its intent is to offer a prompt response to acute psychiatric adolescent patients and their families, through an intensive pathway of care that may act in an outpatient setting, at home and in hospital as needed, as an alternative to ordinary hospitalization and to prevent residential care. The project will test the feasibility, effectiveness, costs, sustainability and applicability to the Italian reality of a modified IOT (Intensive Outreach Team) paradigm. Methods: The intended target population of “PERCIVAL” project are adolescents in the 12-18 age range who show psychiatric symptoms in the I and II Rosenn and Gail classification. The psychiatric evaluation and the treatment plan design are conducted by a multiprofessional team which includes 4 neuropsychiatrists, 1 psychologist, 1 social worker, 2 professional educators and 2 psychiatric rehabilitation experts.Protocol Description. The treatment goals are differentiated according to the clinical stage (pre acute, acute and post acute), and work up includes the following: • Diagnostic assessment • Triggers checklist • Risk assessment and symptoms management • Design and sharing of a crisis plan shaped on the patient and his community context • Design of a therapy plan focused on the patient and caregiver’s needs and strengths with the intent of: i) reducing hospitalizations ii) managing the acute symptoms; ii) empowering the family in dealing with new breakdown episodes. • Facilitation of the post-emergency care treatments within the locally available outpatient units The treatment includes 4 stages: 1. 0-2 weeks: assessment, crisis plan design and individual intensive treatment. The assessment is aimed at identifying i) actual psychopathological condition underlying the acute breakdown, ii) presence of self and etero aggressive behaviors, iii) global and family functioning, iv) quality of life. The CANS communimetric tool and its related versions (HEADS-ED and CAT) are used in order to plan the intervention and to evaluate and monitor the results of the treatment 2. 2-12 weeks: multidisciplinary treatment at patient’s home and in the community with different levels of intensity (high intensity: 5-7 treatments/week; medium intensity: 2-3 treatments/week; low intensity: 1-2 treatments/week). Individual treatments or small groups treatments, focusing on self harming behaviors or other behaviors that may disrupt or impair the functioning of the patient may be provided. 3. 2-3 weeks: new psychiatric evaluation, assessment of fulfilled goals and design of a new management plan for the transition to the territorial healthcare service 4. Follow up at 6 and 12 months. Conclusions: “PERCIVAL” project aims at verifying an innovative clinical approach (outreach) able to offer immediate and multi professional responses to adolescent psychiatric emergencies by identifying new strategies aimed to deal with the patient crisis in his family context, facilitating natural networks response, and managing the transition to the proper healthcare providers for the future

Mapping and assessment of forest ecosystems and their services : Applications and guidance for decision making in the framework of MAES

The aim of this report is to illustrate by means of a series of case studies the implementation of mapping and assessment of forest ecosystem services in different contexts and geographical levels. Methodological aspects, data issues, approaches, limitations, gaps and further steps for improvement are analysed for providing good practices and decision making guidance. The EU initiative on Mappingand Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES), with the support of all Member States, contributes to improve the knowledge on ecosystem services. MAES is one of the building-block initiatives supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020

Mapping and assessment of forest ecosystems and their services : Applications and guidance for decision making in the framework of MAES

The aim of this report is to illustrate by means of a series of case studies the implementation of mapping and assessment of forest ecosystem services in different contexts and geographical levels. Methodological aspects, data issues, approaches, limitations, gaps and further steps for improvement are analysed for providing good practices and decision making guidance. The EU initiative on Mappingand Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES), with the support of all Member States, contributes to improve the knowledge on ecosystem services. MAES is one of the building-block initiatives supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020