Trees, Forests and People最新文献

{"title":"Integrating phenotypic and genetic diversity, and species distribution modeling to set long-term conservation strategies for the endangered Afzelia africana in Benin (West Africa)","authors":"Dowo Michée Adjacou ,&nbsp;Rodrigue Idohou ,&nbsp;Alain Sèakpo Yaoitcha ,&nbsp;Jacques Kadjobgé Idohou Ayena ,&nbsp;Thierry Dehouegnon Houehanou ,&nbsp;Gérard Nounagnon Gouwakinnou","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100810","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100810","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Afzelia africana</em> is one of the most threatened multipurpose species in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding its potentially suitable habitats, coupled with its phenotypic and genetic diversity is valuable for establishing sustainable and efficient conservation strategies for the species. This study combines phenotypic and genetic data with best-fit habitat models to identify conservation opportunities for <em>A. africana</em> across Benin. Natural populations were sampled for phenotypic and genetic diversity. Occurrence data were collected in the field and supplemented with available data from GBIF. Current and future climate data under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) were used to model the current and potential future distribution of the species using MaxEnt. The results showed a large natural variation in phenotypic diversity, with populations from the Sudano–Guinean zone exhibiting intermediate diversity (<em>H’</em> = 0.45), while those from the Guinean and Sudanian zones exhibited high levels of diversity (<em>H’</em> &gt; 0.60). Currently, 55.40 % of the country was predicted to be potentially suitable for the conservation of <em>A. africana</em>. Under the SSP5-8.5 and SSP2-4.5 scenarios, a significant increase respective of 70.27 % and 68.85 % in suitable habitat is predicted by 2041–2060. Nevertheless which will negatively affect both phenotypic and genetic diversity. However, individuals from the Sudano–Guinean subgroup are the most vulnerable to future climate conditions. This integrated approach not only helps to identify potential conservation areas but also reveals a crucial interplay in the phenotypic diversity and genetic dynamics of the species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100810"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143527254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The potential of Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr. for enhancing soil health, food, energy, and water security in Indonesia: A comprehensive review","authors":"Anita Apriliani Dwi Rahayu ,&nbsp;Budi Leksono ,&nbsp;Asmaliyah ,&nbsp;Krisnawati ,&nbsp;Heny Rianawati ,&nbsp;Aziz Umroni ,&nbsp;Liliek Haryjanto ,&nbsp;Antonius YPBC Widyatmoko ,&nbsp;Asri Insiana Putri ,&nbsp;Aris Sudomo ,&nbsp;Aditya Hani ,&nbsp;Dona Octavia ,&nbsp;Sarah Andini ,&nbsp;Husnul Khotimah ,&nbsp;Muhammad Rifqi Tirta Mudhofir ,&nbsp;Lutfi Anggadhania ,&nbsp;Ina Winarni ,&nbsp;Ida Ayu Astarini ,&nbsp;Yustina Artati ,&nbsp;Himlal Baral","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100808","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100808","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sugar palm (<em>Arenga pinnata</em> (Wurmb) Merr.) is a type of multipurpose palm with significant economic and environmental value and is widely distributed in Indonesia. All parts of the sugar palm plant organs, from the leaves to the roots, can be utilized, giving it great potential as a superior commodity such as coconut and oil palm. Our review highlighted there are several limitations for developing <em>A. pinnata</em> on an industrial scale. Currently, the <em>A. pinnata</em> industry operates mainly on a household scale, with raw materials sourced from natural stands rather than large-scale cultivation. Additionally, there is no breeding program for <em>A. pinnata</em> trees, resulting in variety and often low sap yields. Traditional management practices further hinder business development and market competitiveness. To promote <em>A. pinnata</em> as a superior commodity for food, energy, and water conservation in Indonesia, several strategies can be implemented: 1) Training and capacity building to increasing farmers' knowledge and skills in cultivating this species, 2) Optimizing the production process and product value chain development of palm sugar and other products such as candy seed, starch, and fibres, 3) Fostering collaboration among stakeholders, especially the government, through policies that support farmers in developing and marketing their products, 4) Promote <em>A. pinnata</em> in watershed rehabilitation and agroforestry for its deep roots that enhance water infiltration, prevent erosion, boost biodiversity, and retain soil moisture. These strategies will help enhance the productivity of <em>A. pinnata</em>, improve farmer welfare, and contribute to environmental sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100808"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143527253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cost effectiveness and financial implications to smallholder tree growers in Mufindi district Tanzania","authors":"Kikolo Mwakasungula,&nbsp;Felister Mombo","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100809","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100809","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Millions of people across Africa, including Tanzania, rely on the continent's biodiversity and ecosystems for livelihoods, energy, medicine, and food. In Tanzania, over 90 % of households depend on wood-based energy, leading to severe deforestation and ecological damage, which adversely affects both ecosystems and human livelihoods. This study examines the costs and financial implications of smallholder tree growing in Mufindi District, Tanzania, aiming to identify cost centers, compare establishment and management costs, and evaluate the financial viability of tree-growing systems specifically commercially grown tree species including <em>Eucalyptus</em> and <em>Pine</em> species in an area with emerging wood-based industries. Data were collected via questionnaires from independent smallholder tree growers, with additional insights from Tree Growers Association (TGA) members, service providers, and out-growers. The study utilized purposive sampling for growers with woodlots of 0.4 to 4 hectares, analyzed using SPSS and Excel, with one-way ANOVA and Fisher's LSD employed for cost comparisons, and NPV and IRR for financial analysis. Results show independent smallholders had the lowest costs per hectare. The study concludes that while cost control is vital, securing markets beforehand significantly impacts the viability of smallholder tree growing. It recommends that policymakers address transaction costs and improve contracts between smallholders and commercial partners, while also encouraging independent growers to join TGAs to enhance their market power and benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100809"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143547827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Selecting dominant or rare tree species as habitat trees: Consequences for epiphyte diversity in temperate mountain forests","authors":"Dina Emrich,&nbsp;Stefan Kaufmann,&nbsp;Markus Hauck","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100807","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100807","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The retention of habitat trees, defined as large old trees saved from logging, is a key strategy for biodiversity conservation in production forests. Epiphytic bryophytes and lichens, which rely on the diverse microhabitats provided by large old trees, are expected to benefit significantly from this practice. The selection of habitat trees has become mandatory in some governmental biodiversity conservation strategies. While broadleaved trees are known to support epiphytes, the role of forest stand characteristics remains less understood. This study investigates whether selecting habitat trees of a stand's dominant tree species or of rare accessory tree species is most effective to conserve a high species richness of epiphytic bryophytes and lichens using 132 study plots and 657 habitat trees in temperate mountain forest of southwestern Germany, representing beech, spruce, and spruce co-dominant forests. Tree species identity of the habitat tree had different effects on epiphyte diversity for different forest types. In beech forest, epiphyte species richness was increased if the habitat tree was also a beech tree; this relationship was primarily driven by bryophytes. In spruce forests and spruce co-dominant forests, epiphyte species richness was higher if rare accessory tree species were selected as habitat trees. This result may guide foresters during habitat tree selection, which has become an important issue at least in German forest management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100807"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143510412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling soil respiration: Seasonal variability and drivers in pine and broad-leaved forests of the lower Himalayas","authors":"S. Sivaranjani ,&nbsp;Mriganka Shekhar Sarkar ,&nbsp;Vijender Pal Panwar ,&nbsp;Rajiv Pandey ,&nbsp;Arun Pratap Mishra ,&nbsp;Upaka Rathnayake","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100804","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100804","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil respiration (Rs) is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions from terrestrial ecosystems. While numerous studies have examined its environmental controls, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors regulating Rs. These uncertainties hinder the accuracy of model predictions, limiting our ability to assess ecosystem carbon dynamics under changing environmental conditions. This study hypothesizes that, soil properties, microclimatic and environmental variables influence <em>Rs</em>, with variations across forest types. To explore this, the study aims to quantify <em>Rs</em> in two distinct forests and predict its relationship with environmental, microclimatic, and soil characteristics in <em>S. robusta</em> and <em>P. roxburghii</em> forests in the lower Indian Himalayas. Initially, we collected field data containing soil respiration, soil properties and environmental factors. The ANOVA analysis revealed that <em>Rs</em> rates across different seasons in Sal (<em>F</em> = 100.9, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) and Chir-Pine forests (<em>F</em> = 49.89, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) were found significantly different. Subsequently, we employed machine learning techniques with various training strategies to improve model accuracy and analyze the relationship between soil respiration and environmental factors. The RF machine learning algorithm was applied to estimate the relationship between Rs and other properties. The results showed that Random Forest model in Sal Forest achieved the lowest RMSE (2.11) and MAE (1.38), suggesting it had the best predictive performance than the others. The most influential parameter influencing Rs rates in Sal was Soil moisture, followed by Soil Temperature and Rainfall. Similarly, Chir-Pine Forest also performed best in the RF model with the lowest RMSE (1.455) and MAE (1.011), as well as the highest R² value (0.363). In Chir-Pine, the most influential parameter was RF followed by ST and SM. The present study concluded that combining forest-specific properties with climatic parameters may provide more robust predictions of <em>Rs</em>. The findings will enable the precise future accounting of temporal and spatial changes in carbon pools and atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and their evolving trajectories concerning species composition in forests under climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100804"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143465003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of growth rings of Terminalia oblonga: Chronology and its relationship with climatic factors in an Amazonian flooded forest in Peru","authors":"Miguel Angel Ranilla-Huamantuco ,&nbsp;John Canales-Ramirez ,&nbsp;Robert Finfan Farfan-Huanca ,&nbsp;Jorge Luis Ranilla-Huamantuco ,&nbsp;Javier Navio-Chipa ,&nbsp;José Guilherme Roquette ,&nbsp;Mario Tomazello-Filho ,&nbsp;Leif Armando Portal-Cahuana","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100802","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dendrochronology has proven fundamental for studying climate change in tropical forests. This study assessed the dendrochronological potential of <em>Terminalia oblonga</em>, a common species in the eastern Amazon of Peru, and its response to local and large-scale climatic and hydrological variations. A 94-year chronology (1929–2022) was constructed through the analysis of growth rings from 16 trees, correlated with local climatic variables (precipitation and temperature) and oceanic atmospheric circulation indices such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and Western Hemisphere Warm Pool (WHWP). A negative correlation was observed between precipitation and growth, particularly in the months of February, August, September, October, and November, suggesting that excess water may inhibit the species' growth. In contrast, temperature showed a significant positive correlation throughout most of the year, indicating that higher temperatures favor the growth of <em>T. oblonga</em>. Significant correlations were also found between the growth of <em>T. oblonga</em> and the AMO and WHWP indices, particularly between July and September, suggesting a considerable influence of these atmospheric patterns. Additionally, sea surface temperature (SST) was significantly and positively correlated with the species' growth, especially in the tropical Atlantic. This indicates that warmer temperatures promote the development of <em>T. oblonga</em>. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon was analyzed using four indices: El Niño 1 + 2, El Niño 3, El Niño 3.4, and El Niño 4. The El Niño 1 + 2 index exhibited the strongest correlation with <em>T. oblonga</em> growth, suggesting a more direct impact of the eastern Pacific region on local climate conditions. In contrast, the influence of PDO and TSA was less consistent over time, and excessive precipitation had a negative effect. These findings confirm the potential of <em>T. oblonga</em> as an indicator of climate change and highlight the importance of continuing research on the interaction between climate change and forest dynamics in the Amazon. This study provides a solid foundation for future research on sustainable forest management and climate reconstruction in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100802"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143464995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disentangling research on oak decline factors in Mediterranean-type climate regions: A systematic review","authors":"Marco Marques,&nbsp;Miguel N. Bugalho,&nbsp;Vanda Acácio,&nbsp;Filipe X. Catry","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100803","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100803","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Quercus</em> holds significant ecological and economic value in the Northern Hemisphere Mediterranean-type climate (MTC) regions. However, <em>Quercus</em> species and ecosystems are threatened by decline. Despite the importance of this genus, a comprehensive analysis of the causes of oak decline across these regions is still lacking. This study maps and analyzes research on oak decline in MTC regions, examining causal factors and <em>Quercus</em> species studied, while identifying knowledge gaps and future research priorities. We systematically reviewed 241 peer-reviewed articles on oak decline in MTC regions up to 2022, retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases.</div><div>Our findings show that scientific articles on oak decline began to be published in 1981 and peaked in 2021. Most studies focused on the Mediterranean Basin, with disparities between Northern Africa and Southern Europe. The most frequently studied species were <em>Quercus suber</em> L. and <em>Quercus ilex</em> L. in the Mediterranean Basin, and <em>Quercus agrifolia</em> Née and <em>Quercus kelloggii</em> Newb. in California, comprising 53% of all species mentioned. Pathogens (48%) and climate factors (17%) were identified as the most researched causes of oak decline. Additionally, multiple interactions between factors were identified, confirming that these combinations potentially exacerbate oak decline. Climate factors were the most frequently found in combination with others. Conversely, pathogens were mostly studied in isolation, reflecting their widely recognized role in oak decline.</div><div>The study highlights the potential risk of pathogen and pest transference between MTC regions and the critical role of management practices in influencing oak decline in interaction with biotic and abiotic factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100803"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143444464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Jatropha for Galapagos: Targeted approaches to promoting bioenergy are needed given the different practices and objectives of smallholder farmers","authors":"Diana Rade-Loor ,&nbsp;Marianna Siegmund-Schultze ,&nbsp;Francisco Javier Oñate Mancero ,&nbsp;Jhonatan Paul Gamboa-Trujillo ,&nbsp;Álvaro Cañadas-López ,&nbsp;Christian Wehenkel","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100801","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100801","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The government of Ecuador intends to meet the projected renewable energy needs of the Galapagos Islands with oil from Jatropha. However, the yield of dry seeds from the existing Jatropha plantations appears to be too low to meet this demand. We hypothesize that the local Jatropha production system is not yet sufficiently understood. Knowledge of the smallholders’ agronomic management of Jatropha is fundamental to the development of pro-poor bioenergy. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the agronomic practices and perspectives of Jatropha producers to provide a baseline for initiating a change in the Jatropha production system. A total of 400 small-scale Jatropha producers of Manabí province were surveyed. The following factors were examined: canton, planting distance, propagation method, harvesting time, harvesting frequency, diseases, other uses, soil type and area available for Jatropha production. Jatropha smallholders have different levels of knowledge and expectations regarding the expansion of plantations. Currently, they mainly use Jatropha as live fences, but productivity is limited by the lack of high-yielding varieties and agronomic knowledge. A significant increase in yield is needed to commercialize the biodiesel obtained. Despite its potential profitability, farmers have been hesitant to expand their plantations due to the uncertainties of the sector. It is essential to develop comprehensive strategies that address these issues and provide incentives and technical support for sustainable expansion. This would not only boost the biodiesel industry, but also contribute to climate change mitigation, and the economic development of agricultural communities, in line with the Galapagos energy transition plan.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100801"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143464521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Local Livelihoods and Determinants of Peatland Protection in Indonesia","authors":"Mohammad Yunus ,&nbsp;Adcharaporn Pagdee ,&nbsp;Himlal Baral","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Peatlands are vital ecosystems for environmental regulation but also support the livelihoods of local people. However, anthropogenic activities are leading to peatland degradation and reduction of ecosystem services. Understanding this complex relationship between people and peatlands is key for effective management. This study investigated how socio-economic conditions influenced local knowledge and practices of peatland protection in the Sungai Kiyap-Sungai Kampar Kiri Peatland Hydrological Unit, Riau Province, Indonesia. Twelve socio-economic factors including demographics, livelihood strategies, and resource accessibility were obtained from local people using a semi-structured questionnaire during May – June 2023. Household knowledge and practices, including valuation of peatland importance, threats, and community participation in protection schemes were measured. Findings showed moderate to high levels of knowledge of peatland characteristics and importance, but a distinct gap between knowledge and practice, especially on sustainable agriculture. Age, education, and training/workshop attendance determined knowledge levels, whereas length of residence and household income influenced peatland protection. Key recommendations to bridge the knowledge-practice gap included dissemination of best management practices, diversifying local-initiative livelihood options, scaling up successful sustainable agriculture, and providing financial incentives. Finally, mutual collaboration and long-term commitment among community groups were essential for information exchange and developing innovative approaches to sustain connectivity between peatlands and people.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100800"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143436891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The economics of forest restoration: A cost-effectiveness analysis of the leasehold forestry programme in Nepal","authors":"Sony Baral ,&nbsp;Santosh Paudel ,&nbsp;Bijendra Basnyat ,&nbsp;Rajesh K Rai","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100785","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100785","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent decades, Nepal's forest cover has increased significantly, primarily attributable to the community-based forest management approach. The Leasehold Forestry Programme (LFP) has been in place for three decades to reduce poverty. Given that the dynamics of forest ecosystems and socio-economic conditions evolve over time, it becomes imperative to evaluate not just whether the program achieves its original goals, but also whether it contributes to deliver ecological benefits and restoration outcomes in a cost-effective manner. However, the existing literature on cost effectiveness predominantly centres around community forestry. Therefore, this research comprehensively examined the cost-effectiveness of the LFP using a cost benefit analysis, focusing on case studies from Nepal's Gorkha, Tanahun and Nawalpur districts in the Chitwan Annapurna Landscape. For this study, 64 user groups were selected from 921 leasehold forests, using a three-stage cluster sampling technique. A household-level semi-structured questionnaire interview (<em>n</em> = 154 for control forest users and <em>n</em> = 320 for leasehold forest users) was conducted to ascertain the costs and benefits for the beneficiary households. Except for the carbon benefit, which was determined through a field-based biomass survey, we employed the benefit transfer approach for regulatory forest ecosystem services. The results indicate that leasehold forests perform better economically and contribute to the enhancement of user livelihoods compared to control forests. Emphasizing the leasehold programme's goal of ensuring fair access to and distribution of resources, this study underscores the importance of tenure certainty as a crucial factor in attracting prospective tenants and offering security for funding land restoration projects. However, recent modifications of the leasehold forestry tenure limit may impact the programme's future effectiveness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100785"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}