Afforestation in semi-arid Mediterranean environments is frequently constrained by water scarcity, shallow rocky soils, and strong competition from herbaceous vegetation, resulting in low seedling establishment and growth. This research evaluated the effects of three planting methods (traditional pits, hoedad, and auger) and four vegetation control treatments (mulching, mowing, herbicide application, and no vegetation control) on the early establishment of three native Mediterranean conifer species (Cedrus libani, Pinus halepensis, and Pinus pinea) at Chmistar, eastern Lebanon, from 2022 to 2024. The experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four blocks and 48 plots, with 24 seedlings per plot. Seedling survival, height growth, and root collar diameter (RCD) growth were assessed annually. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of £ 0.05. Vegetation control had a significantly greater influence on seedling performance than planting technique. Across all species, the hoedad × mulch treatment produced the highest survival rates, reaching 97.9% in 2022 and maintaining 70.8% in 2024. P. halepensis showed the highest survival under this treatment, reaching 87.5% in 2022 and 2023 and remaining at 75.0% in 2024. In contrast, P. pinea and C. libani reached a maximum survival rate of 68.8% in 2024. Height growth was also enhanced by effective vegetation control, with maximum annual increments reaching 41.7 cm for P. halepensis, 20.8 cm for P. pinea, and 20.8 cm for C. libani. Similarly, maximum RCD increments reached 1.50 cm, 1.08 cm, and 1.24 cm for P. halepensis, P. pinea, and C. libani, respectively. Overall, mulching consistently improved seedling survival and growth across species and years, demonstrating that vegetation control is a more important determinant of early conifer establishment than planting technique under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. These findings highlight the importance of combining effective vegetation management with site-adapted species selection to enhance afforestation success in water-limited environments. Keywords: afforestation success, competitive vegetation, environmental conservation, pit-digging methods, seedling survival
Kalitalang Ecotourism is a natural tourism object in the Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM) region, jointly managed by local communities and conservation area operators. It lies within Mount Merapi’s highest volcanic hazard zone, and features steep terrain that may pose safety risks to visitors. Visitor numbers increased markedly from 59,144 in 2024 to 182,856 in 2025 following its official designation as a natural tourism object in December 2024, potentially intensifying environmental pressures. The destination has also faced governance challenges during the transition toward a more formal tourism management arrangement under TNGM, underscoring the need to balance conservation objectives with local community interests. Despite these challenges, no previous multidimensional sustainability assessment has been conducted. This study’s novelty lies in providing such an assessment for Kalitalang Ecotourism. This study aims to assess the sustainability status of Kalitalang Ecotourism management using the Rap-Ecotourism method based on multidimensional scaling, through an organized and transparent attribute matrix covering five dimensions: ecology, economy, social, law and institutions, and accessibility and infrastructure. Data were gathered through field observations, structured interviews using interview guidelines, questionnaires, and secondary sources. The results reveal that Kalitalang Ecotourism’s sustainability level falls into the moderately sustainable category (65.33%). The ecological dimension scored 80.67% and was classified as highly sustainable, while accessibility and infrastructure (66.96%), legal and institutional (71.30%), social (62.23%), and economic (69.45%) dimensions were classified as moderately sustainable. Optimizing sensitive attributes through adaptive management and temporal monitoring is a key recommendation to improve Kalitalang Ecotourism’s sustainability. To better capture local economic consequences, future research should replace the Regional Original Revenue or Pendapatan Asli Daerah (PAD) contribution attribute with tourism sector economic growth. Keywords: multidimensional scaling, national park, Rap-Ecotourism, sustainability matrix
Understanding the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) in community-based forest tourism is essential for sustainable destination management. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the TALC stage of the Mataram Cultural Forest Tourism area. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Data were collected through interviews with site managers, tourist surveys, questionnaires, direct observation, and document review. The composite index was derived from seven variable groups: visitor numbers, tourist characteristics, attractions, accessibility, amenities, institutional capacity, and community participation. Scores ranged from 12.08 to 61.84, indicating substantial differences in development levels. Bukit Mojo, Bukit Panguk, Pinus Asri, and Lintang Sewu remained at the exploration stage with a declining trend; Seribu Batu was at the involvement stage; Puncak Becici was at the development stage; Pinus Sari was at the consolidation stage; whereas Pinus Pengger showed characteristics indicating a transition toward stagnation. These findings suggest that forest tourism development does not always follow a linear TALC trajectory. Visitor numbers alone cannot fully explain this process. Differences in destination development are more strongly associated with institutional capacity, administrative capability, policy coherence, and community participation. This study demonstrates the heuristic value of TALC and the importance of governance-sensitive forest tourism planning. Keywords: community participation, destination development stages, forest-based tourism, institutional governance, Tourism Area Life Cycle
Understanding gender aspects in the management of small-scale agroforestry is important to creating an inclusive and sustainable model in subsistence agriculture. This research aimed to analyze the actualization of the gender dimension in productive, reproductive, and social-political activities in small-scale agroforestry management among subsistence farmer groups in Lamala Sub-District, Banggai Regency, Indonesia. The study employed a mixed-methods case study approach using the Harvard Analytical Framework (HAF) to analyze the gender-based division of labor, integrating observations, interviews with 5 key informants, and a questionnaire administered to 50 respondents. The data collected were then analyzed thematically and descriptively. The results showed a gender imbalance in the management of small-scale agroforestry. HAF mapping indicated that women were involved in only 52.63% of the identified productive activities, whereas men were involved in all productive activities. In contrast, women carried out all identified reproductive activities, while men were involved in only 33.33% of them and only occasionally. In socio-political activities, women were involved in 66.67% of the identified activities, again only occasionally, whereas men were involved in all activities and dominated 66.67% of them. These findings suggest that small-scale agroforestry is not gender-neutral, as its productive, reproductive, and socio-political activities are structured through unequal gender relations. This research recommends education for small-scale farmers on gender and productivity, helping the community understand gender equality in efforts to improve access, productivity, and outcomes through equitable, egalitarian role distribution. Keywords: agroforestry, community empowerment, gender equality, Harvard Analytical Framework, subsistent farmer
Acacia crassicarpa is a fast-growing tree species that has been a mainstay in the establishment of industrial plantation forests in Indonesia. The need for A. crassicarpa seedlings for large-scale planting programs is often hampered by poor seed germination due to strong dormancy and low seed vigor. This study aims to analyze the effects of ultrafine bubbles (UFB) and biopriming with dark septate endophytes (DSE) on the viability and vigor of A. crassicarpa seeds. Before treatment, all seeds were soaked in 98% H2SO4 for 15 minutes as a field procedure for A. crassicarpa seed germination, serving as the positive control in this study. A completely randomized factorial design with two factors, i.e., UFB water (0, 8, and 20 ppm) and DSE isolates (without DSE, MM15 (DSE MM.15), Cladosporium teunissimum (DSE KSP.1), and Dendrothyrium sp. (DSE CPP.114), was used to test the effects of the treatments on seed germination parameters (germination capacity, germination speed, germination value, hypocotyl and radicle length, and vigor index). The germination parameters were analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at the 95% confidence level. The interaction between UFB and DSE treatments significantly affected germination capacity, germination speed, germination value, and vigor index. The optimal result was achieved by soaking seeds in 8 ppm UFB water for 24 hours, combined with soaking in DSE CPP.114 for 24 hours with a germination capacity of 78.5% (increase of 32.5% from control), germination speed of 8.04% day-1 (increase of 38% from control), germination value of 15.39 (increase of 188.7% from control), and vigor index of 11.29 (increase of 80.3% from control). Thus, the UFB water and DSE Dendrothyrium sp. (DSE CPP.114) can increase seed viability and vigor after scarification, thereby directly improving the quality and quantity of A. crassicarpa seedlings for planting programs. Keywords: Acacia crassicarpa, biopriming, dark septate endophyte, seed germination, ultrafine bubbles
Pine resin is an important non-timber forest product in Indonesia; however, the productivity of Pinus merkusii tapping remains relatively low and has not yet met industrial demand. This study evaluated the effect of a sulfuric acid–modified ETRAT stimulant on pine resin productivity under operational tapping conditions in Perum Perhutani forests in Central Java, Indonesia. Resin tapping was conducted on 160 trees distributed across four age classes (AC III–VI) using a randomized block design with four stimulant treatments: ETRAT, ETRAT + 5% H2SO4, ETRAT + 10% H2SO4, and a control without stimulant. Resin yield was monitored over 10 consecutive tapping periods, with intervals of 3 days. Resin productivity exhibited temporal variation across tapping periods, with generally lower yields during the initial tapping periods, increasing toward the intermediate periods, and declining slightly thereafter; however, differences among tapping periods were not statistically significant. Stimulant treatment significantly affected resin productivity. The highest productivity was achieved with ETRAT + 5% H2SO4 (11.29 g/quarre/day), representing an approximately 78% increase compared to the control (6.34 g/quarre/day). The addition of 10% H2SO4 did not further improve productivity, suggesting potential physiological stress associated with excessive acidity. Productivity also differed among age-class blocks, with the highest values observed in AC V and AC VI, although these differences likely reflected combined stand-level effects, including stand density and site conditions. These findings demonstrate that low-concentration sulfuric acid modification can enhance the operational performance of organic stimulants by improving ethylene-mediated resin flow while maintaining tree physiological tolerance. These results provide practical implications for improving pine resin productivity in tropical production forests under operational management conditions. Keywords: age class, ETRAT, pine resin productivity, stimulants, sulfuric acid
Forest training areas increasingly operate under multiple management mandates that simultaneously require capacity building, conflict governance, and forest protection, yet their interactions remain underexplored in the forest governance literature. This study examines the compatibility of multi-mandate forest governance in a forest training area in Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and observations. The study develops a trilogy framework of forest training governance that conceptualizes management as the interaction of training functions, tenurial conflict governance, and forest protection. The findings show that these mandates are neither inherently synergistic nor entirely conflicting. Their compatibility depends on governance arrangements, including institutional coordination, leadership capacity, and community engagement. Training activities can support forest protection through increased field presence, yet may intensify social tensions when access overlaps with contested land uses. Conflict governance plays a mediating role in shaping the legitimacy of protection measures and the effectiveness of training. This study contributes to the forest governance literature by offering an analytical framework for understanding multi-mandate compatibility in forest training areas and by providing policy-relevant insights for managing special-purpose forest areas. Keywords: forest governance, forest protection, multi-mandate management, tenurial conflict
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main greenhouse gas, and its atmospheric concentration continues to increase. Globally, in 2019, the average CO2 at Earth’s surface reached 409.8 ppm. Information on carbon storage remains a strategic issue for sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation. Sibolangit Nature Tourism Park is a 24.85 ha conservation area with high biodiversity and a range of potential environmental services. This study aims to quantify the aboveground biomass, carbon stock, and CO2-equivalent emissions in the Sibolangit Nature Tourism Park. The study used 5% intensity sampling, resulting in 31 plots selected using simple random sampling. The plot size was 400 m2 (trees), 100 m2 (poles), 25 m2 (saplings), and 4 m2 (seedlings). The vegetation species, height and diameter at breast height were recorded to measure the biomass of trees, poles, and saplings. The aboveground biomass of vegetation was estimated using a non-destructive method with Chave’s allometric equation, while the biomass of seedlings was calculated using a destructive method according to SNI 7724-2019. The carbon stock was measured by multiplying the biomass by 0.47. The carbon stock value was then converted to CO2-equivalent using a conversion factor of 3.67. The results showed that Sibolangit Nature Tourism Park had an aboveground biomass of 525.73 t/ha, a carbon stock of 247.09 t C/ha, and a total carbon stock of 6140.30 t C, equivalent to 906.84 t CO2/ha. The study site had potential as an atmospheric CO2 absorber, indicating its primary role in climate change mitigation and in the FoLU Net Sink 2030 program. Keywords: allometric equation, conservation area, global warming, Sibolangit Nature Tourism Park, tropical forest
The urban heat island phenomenon has become a major concern for medium-sized tropical coastal cities, driven by interactions among land-use change, increasing building density, and the effectiveness of spatial planning. This paper examines how urban forest distribution and building density relate to urban heat island intensity using an urban ecology framework, remote sensing-based spatial analysis, including normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference built-up index (NDBI), and land surface temperature (LST), and spatial planning policy evaluation. The study combines Landsat imagery (2015–2023) with spatial planning documents, green space data, and stakeholder interviews. LST was obtained from NDVI-based emissivity-corrected digital number temperature-radiation-brightness conversion, and linear regression was used to determine the impact of NDVI and NDBI on LST. Based on the research findings, the two cities show different LST patterns. In Baubau, the temperature rise is largely influenced by building density, meaning the denser the buildings, the hotter the city becomes. In Kendari, on the other hand, temperature changes are more strongly influenced by vegetation density. Important ecological features, such as urban forests, mangrove forests, and coastal vegetation, remain scattered along the city’s outskirts. Their existence has not been fully integrated into urban spatial planning. As a follow-up to these findings, we emphasize the need for ecosystem-based measures to tackle the urban heat island effect. This includes tightening regulations on building density and green open spaces through permitting systems, as well as preserving remaining vegetation while developing well-integrated green corridors. Keywords: Baubau, building intensity, green open space, Kendari, land surface temperature, urban ecology
This study evaluated the implementation of forest and land rehabilitation (RHL) and estimated its contribution to carbon stock enhancement under social forestry schemes in Lampung Province to support Indonesia’s Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 target. A quantitative descriptive approach was employed using secondary data on critical land, rehabilitation activities, and social forestry from 2015–2024. Carbon sequestration and emission reduction potentials were analyzed using the AKSARA platform developed by the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). The analysis incorporated rehabilitation area, seedling survival, planting type, and carbon absorption factors to estimate carbon stock enhancement and carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) sequestration. Results showed that critical land in Lampung Province declined by 284,680 ha between 2018 and 2024, indicating a gradual recovery of the ecosystem. During 2015-2024, RHL activities rehabilitated 32,283.97 ha with 17.63 million seedlings planted. These activities generated an estimated carbon stock enhancement of 174,487.30 tCO2e and carbon sequestration of 639,788.40 tCO2e, equivalent to approximately 0.46% of Indonesia's FOLU Net Sink target. The highest rehabilitation achievement occurred in 2019, contributing more than half of the total rehabilitated area during the study period. Social forestry also demonstrated substantial potential to strengthen community-based climate mitigation, covering 209,408.60 ha managed by 95,707 households through 451 permits distributed across community forests, village forests, forestry partnerships, community plantation forests, and conservation partnerships. The integration of social forestry and RHL through agroforestry practices provides ecological, social, and economic co-benefits by restoring degraded landscapes, increasing carbon stocks, improving watershed functions, and enhancing local livelihoods. This study highlights the strategic role of community-based forest management in supporting sustainable land restoration and achieving Indonesia’s climate mitigation commitments. Keywords: agroforestry, carbon stock enhancement, FOLU Net Sink 2030, forest and land rehabilitation, social forestry
Indonesia’s tropical forests harbor exceptional plant diversity; however, rising global demand for forest-based commodities is intensifying extraction and increasing the risk of extinction. In North Sumatra, Amorphophallus gigas persists within community-managed agroforestry understorey systems, yet a surge in tuber demand since 2019 has accelerated harvesting and expanded trade networks from local collectors to export markets. These pressures threaten the species and highlight the need to identify and coordinate key actors in governing sustainable harvesting and habitat management. This study applies a prospective mixed qualitative–quantitative approach, combining in-depth interviews with farmers, village authorities, collectors, government agencies, academics, non-governmental organizations, industry representatives, and exporters. The MACTOR method was used to assess actor influence and dependence and to map convergence and divergence across three objectives: species conservation, agroforestry habitat protection, and income-oriented cultivation. Results indicate that the Center for Conservation of Natural Resources (BBKSDA) North Sumatra is the most influential and least dependent actor, while farmers remain highly dependent despite managing most habitats on private land. Habitat protection is the most mobilizing objective but shows substantial divergence, reflecting unresolved trade-offs between conservation and cultivation. These findings underscore governance imbalances and the need for inclusive, adaptive strategies, including farmer incentives, capacity building, formalized harvesting rules, and synergies between ex situ conservation and sustainable agroforestry. Keywords: actor, Amorphophallus gigas, conservation, MACTOR, Sustainability
Indonesia is one of the world’s leading exporters of uncoated paper products, supported by abundant plantation forests. However, Indonesia's uncoated paper export declined over the period 2018-2024. The objective of this research was to examine factors affecting the export competitiveness of Indonesia’s uncoated paper products in the global forest products market during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on export values, exchange rates, and GDP deflators obtained from Trade Map and the IMF were analyzed using the Constant Market Share analysis. The results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia’s uncoated paper exports increased mainly due to favorable impacts on world trade and competitiveness. In contrast, the composition of commodities and market distribution had an unfavorable impact on Indonesia’s exports. After the COVID-19 pandemic (2023-2024), Indonesia’s uncoated paper exports declined due to adverse effects on global trade and a negative competitiveness effect. On the other hand, commodity composition and market distribution had a favorable impact on Indonesia's exports. For the future, Indonesia needs strategies to maintain and improve the competitiveness and market stability of HS 480256, HS 480255, and HS 480257, such as: ensuring the forest certification; maintaining sustainable production, periodically reviewing international trade barriers, tariff changes, production cost efficiency; and increasing the capacity and technology of paper products. To provide more insight, the CMS method should be combined with an econometric method that can directly model a structural change in demand and estimate important parameters, such as price, cross-price, and income elasticities. Keywords: competitiveness effect, composition effect, constant market share, market distribution effect, writing paper
Uromycladium falcatarium is a gall-forming rust fungus that causes highly damaging disease on Falcataria moluccana in commercial plantations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Falcataria moluccana is also an invasive weed that threatens infrastructure and native ecosystems in many Pacific Islands, including Hawaii, and is currently a target for biological control using host-specific natural enemies. Some Uromycladium species have been successfully used as biological controls for certain Acacia weeds. We conducted artificial inoculations to determine the ability of U. falcatarium from Indonesia to control F. moluccana in Hawaii, and to assess its impact on non-target Mimosaceae. Inoculations were applied in the laboratory and under net house conditions to three-month-old seedlings of F. moluccana, Acacia koaia, Acacia confusa, Albizia chinensis, Albizia lebbeck, and Leucaena leucocephala from Hawaii, and F. moluccana from Moluccas, Indonesia, as a control. Inoculations in the laboratory, monitored by freehand sections at 1, 24, and 48 hours, showed that all species except A. confusa supported the early stages of infection by U. falcatarium. In the net house, 4 randomized complete blocks with 5 seedlings per unit sample for each species were monitored for 5 months after treatment with sprayed inoculum, as well as continuous exposure to mature teliospore-producing galls placed overhead on shade cloth. All species showed early symptoms of infection after the first month, but only F. mollucana, from both Hawaii and the Moluccas, supported full disease development and gall formation over 5 months, ultimately leading to seedling death. The results suggest that U. falcatarium may be a suitable candidate for biological control of invasive F. moluccana. However, since several non-target species from Hawaii have shown susceptibility to the early stages of infection by the rust fungus, biosecurity precautions should be taken to prevent its introduction until further tests demonstrate safety. Keywords: biosecurity, Falcataria moluccana, rust fungus, Uromycladium falcatarium
Sengon wood (Falcataria moluccana) is a fast-growing, low-quality species. In this research, nanoparticle-based impregnation was used to improve the quality and characteristics of sengon wood. SiO2 nanoparticles derived from bamboo leaves were synthesized using the sol-gel method, while TiO2 nanoparticles and SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized using the hydrothermal method. A mixture of citric acid, glycerol, and nanoparticles (SiO2, TiO2, and SiO2/TiO2 composite) was formulated as an impregnation solution at 1% concentration. Sengon wood impregnation was conducted using a vacuum-pressure method. The physical properties tested included weight percent gain (WPG), bulking effect (BE), anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), water uptake (WU), and density. The size of the synthesized nanoparticles was analyzed using a particle size analyzer (PSA). The impregnated sengon wood was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify functional groups and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the degree of crystallinity. PSA analysis showed that the material used in the impregnation process is nanoscale (< 100 nm) and exhibits the best dispersion stability in the SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite. Nanoparticle-impregnated sengon wood exhibited reduced WU and improved dimensional stability compared to untreated samples, especially in citric acid-glycerol and composite nanoparticle treatments. FTIR analysis identified the formation of ester bonds and the reduction of hydroxyl groups, and XRD analysis showed a decrease in crystallinity upon impregnation with nanoparticles and a citric acid-glycerol mixture. Overall, the use of citric acid-glycerol with the nanocomposite showed effectiveness in improving the dimensional stability and physical properties of sengon wood. Keywords: citric acid-glycerol, dimensional stability, sengon, SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposite, wood modification
Clonal teak in Indonesia was produced through a tree improvement program that selected superior mother trees. These clones showed high growth and could produce more than 200 m3/ha in 20 years after planting. The silvicultural treatment could improve the growth of clonal teak through spacing arrangements and thinning. However, studies combining the effects of spacing and thinning to improve forest productivity in clonal teak plantations remain limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of different spacing and thinning intensity on the productivity of a 13-year-old clonal teak plantation. A nested randomized complete block design was used with 3 blocks as replication. The treatment comprised 4 spacing types: 3 m x 3 m, 6 m x 2 m, 8 m x 2 m, and 10 m x 2 m. Meanwhile, 3 thinning intensities were nested within each spacing treatment: 0% (control), 25% (medium thinning), and 50% (heavy thinning). The results showed that at the age of 13 years old, spacing treatment affected the development of diameter at breast height (DBH), mean annual diameter increment (MADI), tree bole height (TBH), crown diameter (CD), canopy openness (CO), competition index (CI), and pilodyn penetration (PP) (p < 0.05). Spacing treatment did not affect height (H), volume (Vol), and stress wave velocity (SWV) (p > 0.05). The best spacing to improve DBH, MADI, CD, CO, and PP was 10 m x 2 m, yielding 29.68 cm, 2.30 cm/year, 5.18 m, 54.84%, and 20.21 mm, respectively. Additionally, thinning intensity, nested within spacing treatment, significantly affected DBH, MADI, Vol, CO, and CI (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a combination of spacing 10 m x 2 m and thinning intensity 50% is recommended to increase forest productivity in a clonal teak plantation. Keywords: clonal teak, forest productivity, spacing, thinning intensity, wood properties
The genus Dinochloa Buse (Poaceae) comprises a diverse group of climbing bamboos distributed throughout Malesia, yet its diversity in the Philippines remains insufficiently documented. Field surveys conducted in the lowland ultramafic forests of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Mindanao, Philippines, revealed four previously undescribed species of Dinochloa. This study formally describes Dinochloa rubra, Dinochloa torretae, Dinochloa adonii, and Dinochloa hamiguitanensis based on detailed vegetative morphological analyses of voucher specimens collected from elevations of 340–570 m above sea level. Species delimitation was established through comparative assessment of diagnostic characters, including culm coloration, culm diameter, sheath persistence and indumentum, auricle and ligule morphology, branching patterns, and foliage-leaf characteristics. D. rubra is distinguished by bright red young culms turning dark violet, caducous light-purple culm sheaths with narrowly linear caducous blades, and the absence of auricles and oral setae, and possesses glabrous nodes and foliage leaves. D. torretae is characterized by almost solid, very slender culms (0.2–0.3 cm diameter), small auricles bearing long hairs, and culm-leaf and foliage-leaf ligules crowned with erect hairs. D. adonii differs in having larger culms (1.3–1.8 cm diameter), persistent scabrid sheaths with stiff hairs, and ovate-lanceolate sheath blades with small auricles bearing short hairs. D. hamiguitanensis is distinguished by smaller culms (0.8–1.0 cm diameter), pale orange to golden-brown scabrid culm sheaths lacking auricles and oral setae, and the absence of a foliage-leaf ligule combined with glabrous concolorous lanceolate leaves. These discoveries emphasize the ecological and conservation significance of ultramafic ecosystems as centers of bamboo endemism and diversity. Recognition of these four new species increases the number of documented Philippine Dinochloa species from eight to twelve and highlights Mount Hamiguitan as an important center of bamboo diversity and conservation. Keywords: Bambusoideae, Dinochloa, Mount Hamiguitan, Poaceae, taxonomy
This study evaluates the spatio-temporal dynamics of land-cover change and their implications for the sustainability of ecosystem services in the Tiworo Watershed, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, using an integrated ecological–economic framework. The analysis combined land cover datasets from 2014, 2019, and 2024 with sectoral gross regional domestic product (GRDP) data for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and applied the Tapio decoupling model to assess the relationship between economic growth and ecological pressure. Results revealed substantial expansion of built-up areas, plantations, and aquaculture ponds, primarily at the expense of mangrove forests and wetlands. Mangrove cover declined from 431.61 ha in 2014 to 306.77 ha in 2024, indicating increasing pressure on coastal ecosystems. Despite these changes, secondary dryland agriculture and forest areas remained relatively stable, suggesting partial resilience of the watershed landscape. Economically, the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector consistently contributed 38–41% of regional GRDP, confirming its strategic importance to local livelihoods and regional development. Decoupling analysis demonstrated absolute decoupling during 2014–2019 and 2014–2024, while relative decoupling occurred during 2019–2024, indicating that economic growth increasingly outpaced ecological degradation. However, localized ecosystem degradation, particularly in mangrove areas, remains a critical concern. These findings highlight that the Tiworo Watershed is transitioning toward more resource-efficient development, although long-term sustainability depends on adaptive watershed governance, stricter protection of vulnerable ecosystems, improved land-use planning, and strengthened community-based forest management. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the application of decoupling analysis at the tropical micro-watershed scale and contributes to the development of integrated forest and watershed management strategies in data-limited regions. Keywords: ecosystem services, forest management, land cover change, Tapio decoupling, Tiworo Watershed
The economics of gap planting technology matter because they determine whether restoring degraded natural forests can be done at scale in a way that’s economically and financially viable for governments, communities, and investors, while also recovering biodiversity and ecosystem services. This study assessed the economic benefits of using gap planting technology —planting commercial, shade-intolerant tree species in artificial gaps— to rehabilitate degraded natural forests. A purposive sampling technique was used to establish 16 artificial gaps, each covering 2,000 m2, which were inventoried on four occasions. Based on the data, the mortality rate, diameter and height increments were determined. Net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and land expectation value (LEV) were also determined in the economic analysis of three scenarios differentiated by rotation age of 6, 7, and 8 years. The results showed the average mortality, diameter and height increments were, respectively, 30%, 3.80 cm year-1 and 326.45 cm year-1. Assuming a real discount rate of 8% year-1 and a real stumpage price of IDR 0.75 million m-3, all scenarios showed NPV >= 0, BCR >= 1, IRR >= minimum acceptable rate of return (MAR), LEV > IDR 115 million ha-1, and job creation of 106 man-days ha-1. Moreover, NPV and LEV are more sensitive to changes in the real stumpage price than to changes in the real discount rate. It is concluded that gap planting technology with white jabon is financially and economically viable under these assumptions and is recommended for the rehabilitation of degraded natural tropical forests in Indonesia. Keywords: economic benefits, fast-growing species, forest rehabilitation, land expectation value, tree increment
Agroforestry systems are increasingly recognized as multifunctional land-use strategies that contribute to climate change mitigation, ecosystem restoration, and rural livelihoods. This study evaluated ecosystem carbon stocks across three land-use systems at the Phu Phayak Highland Agricultural Development Station, northern Thailand, under the framework of the King’s Philosophy for landscape restoration. The systems comprised: (i) coffee intercropped with Pinus kesiya, (ii) coffee intercropped with Morus alba and associated species, and (iii) monoculture coffee without shade trees. Carbon stocks were quantified in aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, and soil organic carbon using plot-based measurements, allometric equations, and standard soil analyses. Results showed significant differences in carbon sequestration among systems (p < 0.05). The P. kesiya–coffee agroforestry system exhibited the highest aboveground and belowground carbon stocks, reflecting the contribution of fast-growing, deep-rooted shade trees. Although monoculture coffee maintained relatively high soil organic carbon due to intensive soil management practices, its total ecosystem carbon stock remained lower because of limited biomass accumulation. Overall, total ecosystem carbon was greater in tree-based agroforestry systems than in monoculture coffee, highlighting the importance of structural complexity, perennial biomass, and root dynamics in long-term carbon storage. These findings underline that the King’s Philosophy encourages sustainable land use that optimizes ecological restoration potential while enhancing adaptive capacity to climate change in Northern Thailand. By integrating perennial tree cover with agricultural production, coffee-based agroforestry emerges as a climate-resilient land-use model that simultaneously strengthens carbon sequestration, ecosystem stability, and long-term landscape sustainability in upland regions. Keywords: agroforestry systems, biomass accumulation, carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, soil organic carbon
Ecosystem condition, biomass, and carbon storage in mangrove forests are highly dependent on the presence of mangrove species in coastal ecosystems. Conversely, the presence of a dominant species alters ecosystem mechanisms; for example, Nypa fruticans Wurmb. Biomass, carbon storage, and potential carbon sequestration were estimated in a coastal area dominated by N. fruticans. Sampling was conducted by laying out multi-level plots along transect lines representing different vegetation types. Biomass on the ground surface was calculated by applying species-specific allometric equations to convert biomass to carbon and CO2 equivalents, and then computing the total carbon stocks. Biomass was calculated at 140.21 tons/ha, with a carbon stock of 66.11 tons/ha, yielding a carbon sequestration potential of 241.82 tons/ha. It is obvious that N. fruticans, the dominant species as the biggest carbon store, is accompanied by low diversity of native mangrove species. Ecological imbalance between N. fruticans and other species persists despite increased total carbon storage. Management efforts must be implemented to support biodiversity and carbon sequestration in coastal mangrove forests. Keywords: biomass, carbon stock, mangrove, Nypa fruticans, carbon sequestration
