Damaged Trees Caused by Selective Thinning in Two Tropical Mountain Rain Forest Types in Southern Ecuador

The proportion of damaged trees and the type caused by the selective thinning can have serious impacts on the ecological and economic sustainability of forests. So far, the damage caused by thinning operations in montane tropical forests is unknown. In this study, we try to quantify the damages caused by selective thinning in two types of humid montane forests in southern Ecuador. For this, we installed 52 permanent plots of 50 m x 50 m in two force types. In the valley forest (VF), we extracted an average basal area of 2.75 m² ha–1, in the ridge forest (RF) an average basal area of 0.8 m² ha–1 was extracted. For each felled tree, we counted and categorized the damage separated by large (>20cm DBH) and small ( 20 cm. The extracted basal area significantly influences the proportion of (TD) trees with DBH < 20 cm. In general, the proportion of temporarily damaged (TD) trees is greater than the proportion of permanently damaged (PD) trees in both types of forest. Considering only the heavily damaged trees we can conclude that the damage in total is acceptable

Compositional diversity of rehabilitated tropical lands supports multiple ecosystem services and buffers uncertainties

High landscape diversity is assumed to increase the number and level of ecosystem services. However, the interactions between ecosystem service provision, disturbance and landscape composition are poorly understood. Here we present a novel approach to include uncertainty in the optimization of land allocation for improving the provision of multiple ecosystem services. We refer to the rehabilitation of abandoned agricultural lands in Ecuador including two types of both afforestation and pasture rehabilitation, together with a succession option. Our results show that high compositional landscape diversity supports multiple ecosystem services (multifunction effect). This implicitly provides a buffer against uncertainty. Our work shows that active integration of uncertainty is only important when optimizing single or highly correlated ecosystem services and that the multifunction effect on landscape diversity is stronger than the uncertainty effect. This is an important insight to support a land-use planning based on ecosystem services

Compositional diversity of rehabilitated tropical lands supports multiple ecosystem services and buffers uncertainties

High landscape diversity is assumed to increase the number and level of ecosystem services. However, the interactions between ecosystem service provision, disturbance and landscape composition are poorly understood. Here we present a novel approach to include uncertainty in the optimization of land allocation for improving the provision of multiple ecosystem services. We refer to the rehabilitation of abandoned agricultural lands in Ecuador including two types of both afforestation and pasture rehabilitation, together with a succession option. Our results show that high compositional landscape diversity supports multiple ecosystem services (multifunction effect). This implicitly provides a buffer against uncertainty. Our work shows that active integration of uncertainty is only important when optimizing single or highly correlated ecosystem services and that the multifunction effect on landscape diversity is stronger than the uncertainty effect. This is an important insight to support a land-use planning based on ecosystem services

Accounting for multiple ecosystem services in a simulation of land‐use decisions: Does it reduce tropical deforestation?

Conversion of tropical forests is among the primary causes of global environmental change. The loss of their important environmental services has prompted calls to integrate ecosystem services (ES) in addition to socio-economic objectives in decisionmaking. To test the effect of accounting for both ES and socio-economic objectives in land-use decisions, we develop a new dynamic approach to model deforestation scenarios for tropical mountain forests. We integrate multi-objective optimization of land allocation with an innovative approach to consider uncertainty spaces for each objective. These uncertainty spaces account for potential variability among decisionmakers, who may have different expectations about the future. When optimizing only socio-economic objectives, the model continues the past trend in deforestation (1975–2015) in the projected land-use allocation (2015–2070). Based on indicators for biomass production, carbon storage, climate and water regulation, and soil quality, we show that considering multiple ES in addition to the socio-economic objectives has heterogeneous effects on land-use allocation. It saves some natural forest if the natural forest share is below 38%, and can stop deforestation once the natural forest share drops below 10%. For landscapes with high shares of forest (38%–80% in our study), accounting for multiple ES under high uncertainty of their indicators may, however, accelerate deforestation. For such multifunctional landscapes, two main effects prevail: (a) accelerated expansion of diversified non-natural areas to elevate the levels of the indicators and (b) increased landscape diversification to maintain multiple ES, reducing the proportion of natural forest. Only when accounting for vascular plant species richness as an explicit objective in the optimization, deforestation was consistently reduced. Aiming for multifunctional landscapes may therefore conflict with the aim of reducing deforestation, which we can quantify here for the first time. Our findings are relevant for identifying types of landscapes where this conflict may arise and to better align respective policies

Facilitating biodiversity through the shelter effects of pinus patula and alnus acuminata in montane ecosystems in southern Ecuador

These guidelines on forest landscape restoration (FLR) in the tropics are based on vast recent experiences in implementing FLR in the field and the invaluable inputs of forest landscape specialists and institutions from around the globe. The guidelines, which include 18 case studies from the three tropical regions, are designed to provide a basis for policy decisions and a technical guide that can be used or adapted to the needs and capacities of users. They constitute an international reference document for the development and improvement of national and subnational guidelines on FLR in the tropics. These guidelines are a joint effort of ITTO and members of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, particularly the Center for International Forestry Research, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Global Environment Facility, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the International Union of Forest Research Organizations and the United Nations Environment Programme. Other major collaborating institutions are the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization, RECOFTC, WeForest and the World Resources Institute

Contrasting stakeholders perceptions of pine plantations in the páramo ecosystem of Ecuador

The páramo, a collection of Neotropical alpine ecosystems, plays a prominent role in ecosystem services (ESs), providing water supply and regulation, conservation of biodiversity, and carbon storage in soil. The establishment of pine plantations for carbon sequestration and wood production has recently raised questions concerning the possible impact on the páramo's ES. This study identifies the main stakeholders in this field and compares and contrasts their perceptions of the impact of pine plantations on the páramo's ES, because the disparity among stakeholders' perceptions must be addressed to achieve sustainable management. The data were gathered using 56 semi-structured interviews and were qualitatively analyzed. The results show that the main stakeholder groups (landowners, local government officials, foresters, and nature conservationists) acknowledge the important ES of the plantations. The perception of plantation impact varies among and within stakeholder groups, however, on specific functions, such as water provision, carbon storage, erosion prevention, and habitat function for wildlife and natural vegetation. Consideration and integration of these perceptions can help policymakers and organizations develop sustainable policies for the futuremanagement of the páramo ecosystem.The páramo, a collection of Neotropical alpine ecosystems, plays a prominent role in ecosystem services (ESs), providing water supply and regulation, conservation of biodiversity, and carbon storage in soil. The establishment of pine plantations for carbon sequestration and wood production has recently raised questions concerning the possible impact on the páramo's ES. This study identifies the main stakeholders in this field and compares and contrasts their perceptions of the impact of pine plantations on the páramo's ES, because the disparity among stakeholders' perceptions must be addressed to achieve sustainable management. The data were gathered using 56 semi-structured interviews and were qualitatively analyzed. The results show that the main stakeholder groups (landowners, local government officials, foresters, and nature conservationists) acknowledge the important ES of the plantations. The perception of plantation impact varies among and within stakeholder groups, however, on specific functions, such as water provision, carbon storage, erosion prevention, and habitat function for wildlife and natural vegetation. Consideration and integration of these perceptions can help policymakers and organizations develop sustainable policies for the futuremanagement of the páramo ecosystem

Contrasting Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Pine Plantations in the Páramo Ecosystem of Ecuador

The p&aacute;ramo, a collection of Neotropical alpine ecosystems, plays a prominent role in ecosystem services (ESs), providing water supply and regulation, conservation of biodiversity, and carbon storage in soil. The establishment of pine plantations for carbon sequestration and wood production has recently raised questions concerning the possible impact on the p&aacute;ramo&rsquo;s ES. This study identifies the main stakeholders in this field and compares and contrasts their perceptions of the impact of pine plantations on the p&aacute;ramo&rsquo;s ES, because the disparity among stakeholders&rsquo; perceptions must be addressed to achieve sustainable management. The data were gathered using 56 semi-structured interviews and were qualitatively analyzed. The results show that the main stakeholder groups (landowners, local government officials, foresters, and nature conservationists) acknowledge the important ES of the plantations. The perception of plantation impact varies among and within stakeholder groups, however, on specific functions, such as water provision, carbon storage, erosion prevention, and habitat function for wildlife and natural vegetation. Consideration and integration of these perceptions can help policy makers and organizations develop sustainable policies for the future management of the p&aacute;ramo ecosystem

Reforestación con especies nativas y exóticas: caso del valle de San Francisco, Zamora Chinchipe

A pesar de la riqueza florística de especies arboreas nativas que se encuentran en los bosques andinos con potencial para la restauración activa (reforestación), los paisajes intervenidos se encuentran dominados por especies exóticas. Pocos estudios se han llevado a cabo para comparar el crecimiento y supervivencia entre especies nativas y exóticas en sitios con diferente cobertura vegetal como son: Pastizales recientemente abandonados, Llashipal y Arbustiva. Se establecieron parcelas puras de monitoreo para seis especies nativas (Cedrela montana, Handroanthus chrysanthus [syn. Tabebuia chrysantha], Juglans neotropica, Alnus acuminata, Morella pubescens y Heliocarpus americanus) y dos especies exóticas (Pinus patula y Eucalyptus saligna) en cada sitio, con un total de 384 parcelas y 9600 plántulas al inicio del experimento. La mitad de las parcelas fueron sometidas a tratamiento de remoción de vegetación competitiva. El monitoreo se realizó cada año durante cinco años, excepto para M. pubescens que se monitoreo por solo cuatro años. Los resultados indicaron que en general las especies nativas rinden bien dependiendo del sitio. Por ejemplo, al igual que las especies exóticas, A. acuminata resultó ser una de las especies más competitivas en los pastizales. M. pubescens tuvo un buen crecimiento en la cobertura tipo llashipal, mientras que H. chrysanthus tuvo alta supervivencia, aunque un crecimiento lento, en cobertura tipo arbustiva. La información generada en este estudio demuestra la importancia de las especies nativas en procesos de recuperación de sitios degradados. Adicionalmente indica cómo el monitoreo a mediano y largo plazo aporta a las decisiones sobre el uso de especies más adecuadas dependiendo de la cobertura vegetal predominante en el paisaje.A pesar de la riqueza florística de especies arboreas nativas que se encuentran en los bosques andinos con potencial para la restauración activa (reforestación), los paisajes intervenidos se encuentran dominados por especies exóticas. Pocos estudios se han llevado a cabo para comparar el crecimiento y supervivencia entre especies nativas y exóticas en sitios con diferente cobertura vegetal como son: Pastizales recientemente abandonados, Llashipal y Arbustiva. Se establecieron parcelas puras de monitoreo para seis especies nativas (Cedrela montana, Handroanthus chrysanthus [syn. Tabebuia chrysantha], Juglans neotropica, Alnus acuminata, Morella pubescens y Heliocarpus americanus) y dos especies exóticas (Pinus patula y Eucalyptus saligna) en cada sitio, con un total de 384 parcelas y 9600 plántulas al inicio del experimento. La mitad de las parcelas fueron sometidas a tratamiento de remoción de vegetación competitiva. El monitoreo se realizó cada año durante cinco años, excepto para M. pubescens que se monitoreo por solo cuatro años. Los resultados indicaron que en general las especies nativas rinden bien dependiendo del sitio. Por ejemplo, al igual que las especies exóticas, A. acuminata resultó ser una de las especies más competitivas en los pastizales. M. pubescens tuvo un buen crecimiento en la cobertura tipo llashipal, mientras que H. chrysanthus tuvo alta supervivencia, aunque un crecimiento lento, en cobertura tipo arbustiva. La información generada en este estudio demuestra la importancia de las especies nativas en procesos de recuperación de sitios degradados. Adicionalmente indica cómo el monitoreo a mediano y largo plazo aporta a las decisiones sobre el uso de especies más adecuadas dependiendo de la cobertura vegetal predominante en el paisaje

Variabilidad intraespecífica en la calidad de semillas de especies forestales nativas en bosques montanos en el sur del Ecuador: Implicaciones para la restauración de bosques

One of the most important aspects in efficient plant production for restoration purposes is seed quality and its variability. The main goal of this study was to evaluate seed parameters according to the rules of “International Seed Testing Association” among different mother trees or individuals of seven native tree species (Cedrela montana, Morella pubescens, Inga acreana, Tabebuia chrysantha, Ocotea heterochroma, Oreocallis grandiflora and Myrcianthes rhopaloides) in two mountain forests in the Southern of Ecuador. These species were selected based on the ecological, socioeconomic importance, and their high potential for restoration. From a total of 35 mother trees for all species, seeds were collected in their fructification periods, and in the laboratory the following seed parameters were analyzed: purity, seed weight, moisture content, and germination; in addition, the coefficient of velocity of germination was determined as well. The results showed an intraspecific similarity in each species for the majority of seed parameters. However, the seed weight showed a high intraspecific variability for all species. The germination parameter showed differences among individuals for C. montana, T. chrysantha, O. heterochroma and M. rophaloides. In regard to the coefficient of velocity of germination, individual of species such as O. grandiflora and I. acreana showed a high coefficient in contrast to the individuals of O. heterochroma and M. pubescens. The information generated in this study could be a first step in the formulation of guidelines for the mass plant production for restoration purposes.Uno de los aspectos importantes a considerarse en la producción eficiente de plántulas con fines de restauración es la calidad de semillas y su variabilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los parámetros de semillas de acuerdo con las reglas del “International Seed Testing Association” entre diferentes árboles madre o individuos de siete especies nativas (Cedrela montana, Morella pubescens, Inga acreana, Tabebuia chrysantha, Ocotea heterochroma, Oreocallis grandiflora y Myrcianthes rhopaloides) en dos bosques de montaña del sur del Ecuador. Estas especies fueron seleccionadas por la importancia ecológica, socioeconómica, y su gran potencial para la restauración. De un total de 35 árboles madre de todas las especies, se colectaron las semillas en sus respectivos periodos de fructificación, y en el laboratorio fueron analizados los siguientes parámetros: pureza, peso, contenido de humedad y germinación; adicionalmente se determinó el coeficiente de velocidad de germinación. Los resultados mostraron una similitud intraespecífica en cada especie para la mayoría de los parámetros; no obstante, el peso presentó alta variabilidad intraespecífica para todas las especies. El parámetro germinación obtuvo diferencias entre individuos para C. montana, T. chrysantha, O. heterochroma y M. rophaloides. En cuanto a la velocidad de germinación, individuos de especies como O. grandiflora e I. acreana mostraron un alto coeficiente en contraste a los individuos de O. heterochroma y M. pubescens. La información generada en este estudio podría ser el primer paso en la formulación de pautas para la producción masiva de plántulas de especies nativas con fines de restauración

Variabilidad intraespecífica en la calidad de semillas de especies forestales nativas en bosques montanos en el sur del Ecuador: Implicaciones para la restauración de bosques

One of the most important aspects in efficient plant production for restoration purposes is seed quality and its variability. The main goal of this study was to evaluate seed parameters according to the rules of “International Seed Testing Association” among different mother trees or individuals of seven native tree species (Cedrela montana, Morella pubescens, Inga acreana, Tabebuia chrysantha, Ocotea heterochroma, Oreocallis grandiflora and Myrcianthes rhopaloides) in two mountain forests in the Southern of Ecuador. These species were selected based on the ecological, socioeconomic importance, and their high potential for restoration. From a total of 35 mother trees for all species, seeds were collected in their fructification periods, and in the laboratory the following seed parameters were analyzed: purity, seed weight, moisture content, and germination; in addition, the coefficient of velocity of germination was determined as well. The results showed an intraspecific similarity in each species for the majority of seed parameters. However, the seed weight showed a high intraspecific variability for all species. The germination parameter showed differences among individuals for C. montana, T. chrysantha, O. heterochroma and M. rophaloides. In regard to the coefficient of velocity of germination, individual of species such as O. grandiflora and I. acreana showed a high coefficient in contrast to the individuals of O. heterochroma and M. pubescens. The information generated in this study could be a first step in the formulation of guidelines for the mass plant production for restoration purposes.Uno de los aspectos importantes a considerarse en la producción eficiente de plántulas con fines de restauración es la calidad de semillas y su variabilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los parámetros de semillas de acuerdo con las reglas del “International Seed Testing Association” entre diferentes árboles madre o individuos de siete especies nativas (Cedrela montana, Morella pubescens, Inga acreana, Tabebuia chrysantha, Ocotea heterochroma, Oreocallis grandiflora y Myrcianthes rhopaloides) en dos bosques de montaña del sur del Ecuador. Estas especies fueron seleccionadas por la importancia ecológica, socioeconómica, y su gran potencial para la restauración. De un total de 35 árboles madre de todas las especies, se colectaron las semillas en sus respectivos periodos de fructificación, y en el laboratorio fueron analizados los siguientes parámetros: pureza, peso, contenido de humedad y germinación; adicionalmente se determinó el coeficiente de velocidad de germinación. Los resultados mostraron una similitud intraespecífica en cada especie para la mayoría de los parámetros; no obstante, el peso presentó alta variabilidad intraespecífica para todas las especies. El parámetro germinación obtuvo diferencias entre individuos para C. montana, T. chrysantha, O. heterochroma y M. rophaloides. En cuanto a la velocidad de germinación, individuos de especies como O. grandiflora e I. acreana mostraron un alto coeficiente en contraste a los individuos de O. heterochroma y M. pubescens. La información generada en este estudio podría ser el primer paso en la formulación de pautas para la producción masiva de plántulas de especies nativas con fines de restauración