VEGETATION AND SOIL BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT IN TEMPERATE FORESTS SURROUNDING THE KHAZAR NABI MARSHES, IRAN. A thorough understanding of biodiversity is crucial for the sustainable management and conservation of forest ecosystems. This study investigates vegetation cover in conjunction with key environmental factors-including physiographic features, soil characteristics, and climatic conditions-in the Nimvar Forest of Nowshahr, Iran. Vegetation zoning was conducted in areas surrounding the Khazar Nabi Marshes based on the degree of homogeneity and heterogeneity among vegetation units. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate vegetation and soil biodiversity within the temperate forests adjacent to the marshes. Plant diversity was quantified using the Simpson and Shannon-Wiener indices, while species richness was assessed through the Margalef and Menhinick indices. The Berger-Parker and Pielou's indices were also employed to evaluate species dominance and evenness. Results indicated that both species diversity and richness reached their highest levels in the eastern, northern, and northeastern parts of the study area. Statistically significant differences in species richness and evenness (p < 0.05) were observed among these regions. The predominant soil texture in areas surrounding the marsh was sandy clay loam (62.5%). Notable variation was found in clay content (p < 0.01), organic matter (p < 0.01), and soil pH (p < 0.05). Beech species were most abundant on the northern slopes, whereas the Gramineae family represented the most dominant plant group overall. These findings emphasize the marsh's role in shaping local vegetation patterns and soil attributes, contributing to the development of a distinct microhabitat with unique microclimatic conditions.
This mixed methods research study investigates the biodiversity and tourism potential of Sampunong Bolo Wildlife Sanctuary in the Municipality of Sara, Province of Iloilo, Philippines, aiming to identify floral and faunal species, assess their tourism appeal, and propose strategies for rehabilitation and sustainable development. Primary data were collected through interviews and focus-group discussions with 14 purposively selected barangay residents and officials, complemented by secondary data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) of Sara. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interview data, identifying patterns and themes relevant to the sanctuary's current state and its potential for revival. The DENR-CENRO data revealed 39 faunal and 100 floral species, highlighting the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. Moreover, the findings suggest significant tourism potential, with opportunities for wildlife observation, recreational activities, and cultural and economic activities. To rehabilitate the sanctuary, recommendations include implementing protective policies, enhancing infrastructure, installing informative signage, and employing environmental conservation efforts. These measures are expected to preserve biodiversity, improve visitor infrastructure, and promote sustainable tourism practices. Future research should focus on long-term ecological monitoring and assessing the socio-economic impacts of tourism development on local communities.
The concept of multi-business forestry (Mb-F) aims to increase the economic benefits of forests, which have thus far made little contribution, without ignoring their ecological functions. The opportunity to develop multi-business forestry in social forestry (SF) activities within the Forest Area with Special Management (Kawasan Hutan Dengan Pengelolaan Khusus/ KHDPK) is huge. With one area management permit, many business activities can be carried out. This study aims to determine the feasibility of multi-business forestry using screening method for social acceptance (community preference), financial feasibility (NPV, B/C Ratio, and IRR), and ecological suitability (soil type, rainfall, and location altitude). The results show that socially, the community accepts and has even implemented the concept of multi-business forestry through agroforestry. However, most permit holders consider it necessary to regulate the number of trees to optimize land use. Economically, all multi-business patterns implemented are feasible, with the presence of aren (Arenga pinnata) and sheep being important keys to the sustainability of SF. Ecologically, some NTFPs species cultivated by the community are less suited to local conditions, which can result in suboptimal production. The existence of investors or business entities is very important in the sustainability of forestry multi-businesses, which are mostly based on NTFPs and require high capital.
The massive increase in efforts to develop ecotourism in Indonesia has made the concept of ecoregional identity necessary for strengthening the comparative advantage of inter-regional ecotourism development. This research was conducted to analyze, map, and interpret stakeholder orientation toward ecoregional identity for ecotourism development in the Gayo Highlands, Aceh Province, especially Aceh Tengah District. The study was conducted by analyzing the perceptions, motivations, and preferences of stakeholder groups; by adopting the One Score One Criteria Scoring System for 7 aspects: ecological, sociocultural, socio-economic, social politics, development, regional, and ecotourism. The analysis showed that stakeholder orientations toward ecoregional identity for ecotourism development remained relatively low: of the 327 ecoregional identity types mapped, only 41% were recognized by stakeholders. The ecoregional identities that are trending and have significant economic value at this time are Gayo Coffee, Lut Tawar Lake, and Depik Fish, which have the highest stakeholder orientation in Aceh Tengah District. This fact not only weakens the functions of other ecoregional identities, which are also important for ecotourism development, but also causes the loss and even extinction of these identities.
THE INITIAL IDENTIFICATION OF RAFFLESIA IN THE ANAMBAS ISLANDS, RIAU ISLANDS PROVINCE, AND THE CALL FOR PROTECTION. Rafflesia sp., which was found in the Bukit Batu Tabir Production Forest area on Siantan Island, Anambas Islands Regency, Riau Island Province, became the starting point for further research. However, its existence in relatively unprotected Production Forests carries a risk of damage from human behavior because the presence of Rafflesia sp. has been known to the public since 2014. Based on the Direction Letter from the Riau Islands Provincial Environment and Forestry Office No. 13/070/1268.1/DLHK-04/2023 Medco E & P Natuna Ltd. together with the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies IPB University, and the Production Forest Administration (KPHP) Unit VI of the Anambas Islands conducted an initial survey to identify species and surrounding habitats and build discussions with multi-stakeholders at the local level for the protection of Rafflesia sp. and their habitat. The research used morphological and observation methods, secondary data references, and discussions with related parties and Tarempa Selatan Village's government. The research indicated that the species in Bukit Batu Tabir, Siantan Island, is the Rafflesia haseltii species. This is a new finding of R. haseltii in the archipelagic landscape. Previous findings of R. haseltii were found on the mainland of Sumatra and Kalimantan Island. The interviews and discussions with the parties indicated that there are initiatives to protect Rafflesia sp. and its area in a collaborative scheme using the Social Forestry Village Forest mechanism. However, further studies are still required to determine the precise species based on microstructure studies and to strengthen the model of protection and management
SIXTY YEARS OF TROPICAL FORESTRY SCIENCE AT GADJAH MADA UNIVERSITY: A SCOPUS-BASED BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY. This Study undertakes a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the research trends in the Scopus publications affiliated with the Faculty of Forestry at Gadjah Mada University (FF-UGM) in the generation of knowledge in tropical forestry. A total of 725 publications affiliated with FF-UGM were mined from the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The findings indicate a steady growth in the number of research publications and therefore, the cumulative count of 5,409 citations amounts to an average of 7.5 citations per publication. Furthermore, FF-UGM has engaged collaborations with researchers from all continents, with Japan exhibiting the highest network power through 112 collaborations. In relation to the sources of funding, a total of 518 articles has been granted financial assistance from 159 donors on a global scale, with 133 publications being self-sponsored by UGM. The Burst analysis, further, reveals emerging research frontiers to be explored further in future study including deforestation, catchments, agroforestry, and sustainable development. Thematic clustering indicates five big areas with high interdisciplinary approach to forest management, policy, product innovation, silviculture, and biodiversity conservation. The present bibliometric analysis proves that the FF-UGM is also changing its areas of interest into sustainable tropical forest ecosystems and serves as a source of both science and policy-related studies.
PRODUCTIVITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BAMBOO IN MONOCULTURE VERSUS MIXED SYSTEMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL FORESTRY. Bamboo forest holds significant potential for enhancing social forestry and community welfare. This study aims to compare bamboo's productivity and economic contribution in monoculture versus mixed systems in one of the village forests in Indonesia and analyze the implications for social forestry management. Using a quantitative approach with systematic sampling on 21 plots (14 monoculture plots, six mixed plots, and one pure shrub plot), data on bamboo 'clumps' (a group of bamboo plants that grow closely together) and 'culms' (the individual stems of the bamboo plant) dimensions and regeneration proportion were collected. Statistical analysis employed the Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test to compare two independent groups when the dependent variable is not normally distributed. Results showed that monoculture bamboo had higher productivity and economic contribution, averaging 6,374 culms per hectare per year and an estimated monetary value of IDR 50,992,000 per hectare per year, compared to 5,242 culms per hectare per year in mixed systems. Moreover, the monoculture system had a higher proportion of young bamboo (30.8%) than the mixed system (27.0%). Yet, the result shows the need to fairly balance economic benefits for the local community by strengthening the Management Institution of Village Forest (LPHD) in managing the bamboo supply chain. Implementing an agroforestry system that integrates bamboo with perennial plants and other non-timber forest products may also offer an effective solution for the local community, who cultivates bamboo plants on their own land. The implications emphasize government support in enhancing community capacity, providing market access, and regulations to promote sustainable practices in social forestry. Balancing productivity and sustainability in bamboo forest management can improve local welfare while maintaining forest ecosystems, aligning with Indonesia's social forestry objectives.
IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING OF DUSUNG SYSTEM AS LOCAL CULTURE-BASED AGROFORESTRY IN AMBON CITY, MALUKU PROVINCE, INDONESIA. Dusung, the cultural heritage of Maluku, is a unique traditional agroforestry system. Formed from shifting cultivation and patrilineal land ownership, dusung has adapted to the environment of small islands. Dusung agroforestry is an effective solution to various environmental problems in watersheds, as it has been proven to maintain soil fertility, regulate water flow, prevent erosion, increase farmers' income, and preserve biodiversity. However, so far data and information about the species, structure, composition, and distribution of dusung agroforestry in watershed areas are still limited. This research aims to identify and map the distribution pattern of dusung agroforestry based on local wisdom in the Wai Batu Gajah Watershed, Ambon City. The methods used in this study include surveys and field observations. Structured interviews with 30 dusung farmers were conducted to explore local knowledge and dusung management practices. Vegetation analysis was carried out to determine the dominant species and species diversity. Furthermore, spatial analysis was applied to visualize and analyze the distribution pattern of dusung in more detail. The results show that the dusung agroforestry system has a medium plant species diversity, with the dominance of durian (Durio zibetinus), gandaria (Bouea macrophylla), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), kecapi (Sondoricum koetjape), langsat (Lancium domesticum), aren palm (Arengapinnata), and salak (Salacca zalacca). The mapping of dusung distribution patterns underscores the importance of local culture in the dusung system's natural resource management. Study of 25 dusung based on dati (land ownership), the central role of customary institutions in maintaining this system's sustainability is clearly seen. These findings imply the need for further research to comprehensively analyze the economic, ecological, and social impacts of the sustainability of dusung agroforestry through the integration of local culture.
MORPHOLOGICAL, ANATOMICAL, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING SEED MATURATION OF SUGAR PALM (Arengapinnata Merr.). Arengapinnata (sugar palm) seeds are classified as seeds that have a long dormancy period. This dormancy can be influenced by the maturity level of the sugar palm fruit. This study aims to characterize the morphology and anatomy at various levels of fruit maturity and its relationship to the dormancy of sugar palm seeds. The research was conducted descriptively, involving data collection through morphological, anatomical, and physiological observations of sugar palm fruits and seeds randomly selected from productive sugar palms in Nagari Andaleh Baruh Bukik, Sungayang Subdistrict. The sampling technique was conducted through the purposive sampling method on 12 productive palm trees aged 10 years and above. The results showed that morphologically, there were changes in the color of the skin of the palm fruit to yellowish when it reached physiological maturity, as well as the texture of the hardened seed shell. Changes did not follow these changes in shell color and seed size. Physiologically, there is an increase in gibberellin hormone levels along with the increase in fruit maturity, and it continues to increase when entering the germination phase. Anatomically, the structure of the seed embryo does not show significant changes since the beginning of the fruit ripening. Based on this, there is a mutual relationship between the morphological and physiological characteristics of the dormancy of sugar palm seeds. The riper the palm fruit is, the harder the seed shell is, so the seed dormancy becomes longer and is known as morphophysiological dormancy.
Cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi) oil is one of the products developed under Perum Perhutani's Multipurpose Forestry Business. Developing the cajuput oil business remains a challenge; efforts must continue to build both competitive and comparative advantages and to increase revenue. The aim of this research is to analyze the competitiveness of Perum Perhutani's cajuput oil business which can be managed in accordance with the concept of sustainable development goals in the Forestry Sector. In doing this, we use Resources Based Value (RBV) and Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization (VRIO) analysis to evaluate the competitive resouces of cajuput oil bussines. SmartPLS was used to test the influence on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results show Perum Perhutani has sustainable competitive advantages, namely the quality of its cajuput oil plant seeds, the ability to achieve supply chain certification, and the ability to produce good quality products sustainably. In running the cajuput oil business, Perum Perhutaniexperiences a significant impact from applying SDG values, which manifest as both economic and ecological benefits.. Perhutani's cajuput oil products are more competitive than those of other domestic producers, but less competitive when compared to imported eucalyptus oil products in the global market.
Social knowledge is a key ingredient in sustainably managing forest resources. It offers an understanding of how people living in forested areas can coexist. Social capital has become a type of community knowledge as far as the matter of community forest management is concerned. Research should be carried out on social capital, which is central role to community-based forest management. This research aims to grasp the theory of social capital, specifically its relevance to communities building a shared identity and engagement to change their managed forests into common "public" spaces, both for the residents and the forest manager. This study uses the literature review method. The findings provide a general understanding of forest management through social capital. The following concepts provide a basic understanding of forest management linked with social capital: 1. Social capital in forest management. 2. Social capital plays an important role in forest management. 3. Social capital expresses itself in forest management. 4. Social capital in action for the forest. 5. Obstacles and challenges to developing social capital in forest management. 6. The measurement of social capital is applied as a management context. 7. Research on social capital in forest management includes managerial implications. 8. The opportunity and challenge of integrating social capital into forest governance. The conclusion is that social capital is the crucial pillar of the sustainable forest management framework.
The community surrounding Sebangau National Park (SNP) play a key role in comprehending the epidemiological triad. Peat forests have experienced illegal logging and concessions practises from the early 1970s to 2005. The disturbed forest habitat offers the perfect setting for the inter-species transmission of pathogenic agents. The purpose of this study was to identify any possible zoonotic concerns based on the typical community activities across SNP. Community access data were collected using questionnaires and interview in Kereng Bangkirai (Sebangau River), Asem Kumbang, Baun Bango, Tumbang Ronen, Jahanjang, and Karuing (Katingan River) as the representatives' villages. These settlements are close to the locations used for field sampling (n:102 individuals). The prediction model was developed using CART (R) Classification for categorical data using MINITAB v. 20.3. We discovered that the model categorised five out of seven factors as important factors. The number of days spent becomes the most crucial predictor (100%), followed by access (95.3%), mode of stay (42.1%), followed by activities (16.8%) and defecation (8.3%), respectively. It was concluded that the longer and deeper they accessed the natural resources; the higher the zoonotic potential would be. The Indonesian Government has established a wildlife health information system, referred to as SehatSatLi, which is designed to protect wildlife genetic resources and reduce the likelihood of zoonotic diseases emerging. It is recommended that stakeholders at all level engaged in coordination, collaboration, and communication as a preventive strategy to inhibit the possible transmission of zoonotic diseases between wildlife and humans, vice versa.
Indonesia has responded to the timber certification obligation imposed by importing countries, particularly the European Union, by implementing the Indonesian Timber Legality Assurance System (Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu-SVLK). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the SVLK policy on the state of the Indonesian forestry industry and the performance of Indonesian wood goods, mostly plywood, in the international market. Secondary data on Indonesian wood product exports, classified under HS Code 4412, were utilized in this investigation. The analysis revealed that comparative advantage (RCA) analysis was used to assess the competitiveness of Indonesian wood products, while panel data analysis was utilized to assess the impact of the SVLK policy on Indonesian wood export performance. The implementation of SVLK enhanced the value of Indonesian plywood exports; however, the increase was still relatively small compared to other major exporting countries. According to the estimation results, the use of SVLK had a positive impact on the Indonesian plywood trade in the international market. However, Indonesia's ability to increase its market share was still critical so that the Indonesian plywood industry could maximize the potential for expansion in demand for plywood.
Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum (Becc.)) was an endemic flora found only on the island of Sumatra, listed as endangered and possessing the largest flower among 170 species of Amorphophallus. Conservation activities could benefit from the use of plant propagation through cuttings. The success of cuttings was determined by the concentration of plant growth regulators (PGR) to induce the formation of roots, corms, and shoots, making the study of PGR concentration important. This study aimed to find the best IBA concentration to induce roots, corms, and shoots in A. titanum. The research was conducted from February to October 2023. The study was designed based on a completely randomized design with treatments of IBA concentration consisting of 5 levels: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L-1. The results showed that an IBA concentration of 15 mg L-1 produced the best survival percentage (100%), rooting percentage (93.33%), corm formation percentage (93.33%), shoot formation percentage (76.67%), and an average of 1.20 shoots per cutting on A. titanum petiole cuttings.
Agarwood is a distinctive wood resin product extracted from the important genus of Aquilaria, but the population of agarwood-producing trees from natural forests in Indonesia is threatened due to over-exploitation, leading to an urgent call for conservation and sustainable uses. Molecular techniques such as DNA profiling have been used to ensure the legality, conservation, and sustainability of species from this genus. In this study, cross-species amplification of microsatellite markers initially developed for Aquilaria crassna was developed on two other closely related agarwood species (Aquilaria malaccensis and A. microcarpa), and their genetic variation was evaluated. The four loci (6pa18, 10pa17, 16pa17, and 71pa17) were used to amplify leaf genomic DNA from 55 trees across three Aquilaria species. The results showed that the four loci could successfully be amplified in A. malaccensis, A. microcarpa, and A. crassna. In addition, A. crassna exhibited higher genetic variation (Na=2.75, Ne=2.35, He= 0.5672, and F=-0.727) than A. malaccensis (Na=2.75, Ne=2.19, He=0.5424, and F=-0.598) and A. microcarpa (Na=2.50, Ne=2.11, He= 0.5234, and F=-0.734) indicated the transferability of microsatellite markers in closely related agarwood species, possibly due to the flanking region in these four microsatellite regions being well-conserved in several agarwood species. These findings indicated that the markers tested here can be considered an effective tool for future studies in population and conservation genetics to support the management of agarwood genetic resources and track its supply chain to prevent overexploitation.
The housing demands in Bogor City have been on the rise, leading to environmental changes affecting pest organisms, especially subterranean termites. This research aimed to identify various species of subterranean termites in Bogor City, analyze soil and weather conditions, and evaluate termite attack frequency and severity. The study spanned 12 designated sub-districts. In each area, 25 bait wood (2 x 2 x 46 cm) crafted from pine wood and treated with water vapor pressure (105 degrees C, 1 bar, 5 hours) were installed. Soil samples were gathered from each sampled village, while weather data was specifically documented in one sub-district. Findings uncovered three termite species inhabiting residential zones of Bogor City: Microtermes insperatus, Macrotermes gilvus, and Schedorhinotermes javanicus, with Microtermes insperatus emerging as the predominant species. The soil and weather conditions significantly favored termite existence in Bogor City. Termite attack prevalence stood at 38%, and the degree of wood damage ranged from 4 to 9.
Traditional medicines derived from natural resource plants have gained attention since modern medications are expensive for certain diseases, including cancer. The Lawu Mountain ecosystem has shown that the environment supports plant distribution, including species with anticancer properties. This study aimed to determine the distribution and abundance of medicinal plants that could serve as cancer preventives, particularly along the Cemoro Sewu hiking trail. The purposive sample method was employed to make the observations, wherein plots measuring 5 m x 5 m for shrubs and 1 m x 1 m for herbs were created. Plots were made by systematic distribution on both sides of the hiking trail, with four plots at each station. This study had six stations at 2,000 m, 2,200 m, 2,400 m, 2,600 m, 2,800 m, and 3,000 m asl. The distribution of plant species was evaluated using the Morishita index distribution, whereas the abundance of species is observed to get the average value in plant individuals per unit area. Depending on the environmental conditions where the growth occurs, the nine species were found along the hiking track with an abundance ranging from 180 to 4,580 individuals per hectare for the shrub category and 5,000 to 50,830 individuals per hectare for the herbaceous category. The distribution patterns of the species were found to be regular and clumped, respectively.
The success of forest area rehabilitation requires community involvement. The selection of plant species that are suitable to community preferences will substantially influence the success of rehabilitation efforts. Communities' preferences for specific plant species may increase their willingness to care the plant. This research explored the importance of participatory plant species selection in supporting forest rehabilitation success of Cahaya Tala-Tala Forest Farmers Group (FFG) in the Bulusaraung Forest Management Unit (FMU), South Sulawesi, Indonesia by applying the agroforestry technique. The study employed the participatory rural appraisal approach in one village and involved 50 respondents. The results indicated that the FFG members' preferences for specific plant species were categorized as being in the "affected" stage and positioned at the "preference" stage according to the hierarchy of effects model. The participation of the FFG members in forest rehabilitation activities at the Bulusaraung FMU is categorized as the "partnership" level. The selected multipurpose tree species are expected to substantially contribute to the community's income and help the success of forest rehabilitation activities in Indonesia.
Bitti (Vitex cofassus Reinw. ex Blume) is a group of plants in the Verbenaceae family. The species is classified as a promising endemic plant in South Sulawesi; however, it has received little attention and has not been used and developed optimally. The seed is a recalcitrant category, which has responses to water loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of water temperature and storage periods on the vigor and viability of Bitti seeds. The study was conducted at a greenhouse of the Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University, from May to July 2022. The design of the research was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of two factors: water immersion temperature and storage time. Each treatment consists of 30 seeds, with three replications. The results showed that a water immersion temperature of 50 degrees C with a storage period of two weeks gave the best results in the parameters of percentage of sprouts (65,55%), germination viability (65,55%), and mean germinated seeds per day (0,49). The water immersion temperature of 90 degrees C, which was drained for 24 hours without storage, showed the highest value for the mean germination time parameter (31,1), and the soaking temperature of 90 degrees C drained for 24 hours with one week of storage produced gave the best value for the vigor index parameter (4,77). It is considered that germination activities on Bitti seeds require treatment with suitable water immersion. Thus, Bitti seed germination activities require water immersion at a certain temperature and storage time.
ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR OF COMMUNITIES AROUND PEATLAND AREA OF PULANG PISAU, CENTRAL KALIMANTAN. Sustainable peatland management must consider the social, economic, and environmental conditions of surrounding communities. Balancing these three pillars is essential for preserving the peatland's functions, which support the lives of various organisms dependent on the ecosystem. This research focuses on the behaviours of communities around peatlands in the Block C Peatland Management Unit (PMU) in Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan. It investigates the social and economic variables influencing environmental behaviour in peatland management and utilization. Employing two methods-Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and survey-this research aims to collect comprehensive data. Data processing is conducted by using tabulation and statistical inference. The PRA includes tools like village historical timelines, transects, seasonal calendars, and livelihood preferences, while the survey uses semi-structured interviews to assess individuals' characteristics, perceptions, and participation in peatland management. The study reveals that villages encounter several challenges, including insufficient agricultural support, susceptibility to flooding, restricted access to clean water, and poorly functioning irrigation systems. Climate change has disrupted the dry season, resulting in lower rubber sap production. The limited availability of land for rice farming and a decreasing interest in forestry products are also significant concerns. The communities must shift their agricultural practice to adapt to climate change. While most respondents acknowledge the ecological importance of peatlands, greater involvement in their management is still needed. This underscores the need to enhance community capacity for peatland restoration and conservation. In conclusion, the findings stress the importance of incorporating social factors into peatland preservation efforts to foster environmental sustainability.
