Cristina Herrero-Jáuregui

Conflict of use for multi-purpose tree species in the state of Pará, eastern Amazonia, Brazil.

Although diversified forest management is promoted as a strategy aimed at slowing tropical deforestation, little is known about the viability of integrating timber and non-timber forest products in the same forest management plans. In this study we offer an initial characterization of multi-purpose tree species in the State of Pará, the principal Amazonian logging region. We identify the species used for both timber and non-timber extraction, and classify these according to their commercial value. We relate multi-purpose species to their ecological traits, the type of non-timber forest use and the fraction of the tree harvested. Although a high number of species present a potential conflict of use, this conflict is only relevant in four of them: D. odorata, T. serratifolia, T. impetiginosa and H. courbaril. Nevertheless, the nature and relevance of this conflict will ultimately depend on the importance that the non-timber use has for the livelihoods of forest-dependant people, the commercial value and the ecological resilience of these species.

Chemical Variability of Copaifera reticulataDucke Oleoresin

The copaiba tree (Copaifera spp.) produces an oleoresin which is highly valued due to its medicinal properties. The chemical composition of C. reticulata oleoresin was characterized, and its variability related to seasonal variation (dry and rainy seasons), to successive extractions, and to several factors associated with tree morphometry, disease, and surrounding vegetation structure was investigated. Oleoresin was collected from 24 C. reticulata individuals between October 2006 and March 2008. For seven individuals, oleoresin was extracted for a second time between three and nine months after the first extraction. For each tree, several morphometric variables, viz., the presence of termites, vines, and holes as well as the soil type and surrounding vegetation structure, were recorded. The chemical composition and concentration of the main volatile compounds were identified by GC/MS. Almost 100% of the constituents were sesquiterpenes, the three main ones being β‐caryophyllene, trans‐α‐bergamotene, and β‐bisabolene. A classification analysis separated the C. reticulata individuals in two main groups and further divided one of the main groups in two subgroups, which were defined by different concentrations of the three main compounds. The results showed high intra‐population variability in the composition and concentration of sesquiterpenes, this being comparable to the interspecific variability. It was not possible to determine a clear influence of environmental, morphometrical, and structural factors on the oleoresin composition, although some compounds varied according to the soil type, the volume of oleoresin extracted, and the crown surface.

Assessing the extent of “conflict of use” in multipurpose tropical forest trees: A regional view

In the context of multiple forest management, multipurpose tree species which provide both timber and non-timber forest products (NTFP), present particular challenges as the potential of conflicting use for either product may be high. One key aspect is that the magnitude of conflict of use can be location specific, thus adding complexity to policy development. This paper focuses on the extent to which the potential for conflict of use in multipurpose tree species varies across the Amazonian lowland forests shared by Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, emphasizing the economic dimension of conflict. Based on a review of the current normative and regulatory aspects of timber and NTFP extraction in the five countries, the paper also briefly discusses the opportunities and constraints for harmonization of timber and NTFP management of multipurpose species across the region. It was found that about half of the 336 timber species reviewed across the five countries also have non-timber uses. Eleven timber species are multipurpose in all five countries: Calophyllum brasiliense, Cedrela odorata, Ceiba pentandra, Clarisia racemosa, Ficus insipida, Jacaranda copaia, Schefflera morototoni, Simarouba amara and Terminalia amazonia. Seven other multipurpose species occurred only in either Venezuela (Tabebuia impetiginosa, Spondias mombin, Pentaclethra macroloba, Copaifera officinalis, Chlorophora tinctoria, Carapa guianensis) or Ecuador (Tabebuia chrysantha). Four multipurpose tree species presented the highest potential of conflict of use across the region: Dipteryx odorata, Tabebuia serratifolia, Hymenaea courbaril and Myroxylon balsamum yet these were not evenly distributed across all five countries. None of the five studied countries have specific legislation to promote sustainable use of any of the multipurpose species reported here and thus mitigate potential conflict of use; nor documented management options for integration or else segregation of both their timber and NTFP values.

Recruitment dynamics of two low-density neotropical multiple-use tree species

In the present study, we describe the temporal and spatial variability in recruitment, growth, and mortality rates of seedlings and saplings of two low-density neotropical tree species, Dipteryx odorata and Copaifera reticulata in Eastern Amazonia, Brazil. As both species have important timber and non-timber uses, for each species we compare regeneration parameters among different management scenarios (sites used for timber logging, non-timber product extraction, and undisturbed forests). Results suggest that both species share similar natural regeneration characteristics. These include temporally and spatially asynchronous germination, existence of individuals that have more abundant and frequent fruit production than the average of the population and a positive influence of the mother tree crown on seedling and sapling density. The management activities analyzed did not influence the regeneration parameters of both species, which suggests that timber logging the way it was performed and current rates of D. odorata seed gathering and C. reticulata tapping at the study site are not sufficiently intense to threaten species population. However, some species characteristics, such as their reproductive strategies, light-demanding syndromes, low-dispersal ranges, and high-mortality rates of seedlings make both species vulnerable to exploitation.

Identifying socio-ecological networks in rural-urban gradients: Diagnosis of a changing cultural landscape

Socio-ecological systems maintain reciprocal interactions between biophysical and socioeconomic structures. As a result of these interactions key essential services for society emerge. Urban expansion is a direct driver of land change and cause serious shifts in socio-ecological relationships and the associated lifestyles. The framework of rural-urban gradients has proved to be a powerful tool for ecological research about urban influences on ecosystems and on sociological issues related to social welfare. However, to date there has not been an attempt to achieve a classification of municipalities in rural-urban gradients based on socio-ecological interactions. In this paper, we developed a methodological approach that allows identifying and classifying a set of socio-ecological network configurations in the Region of Madrid, a highly dynamic cultural landscape considered one of the European hotspots in urban development. According to their socio-ecological links, the integrated model detects four groups of municipalities, ordered along a rural-urban gradient, characterized by their degree of biophysical and socioeconomic coupling and different indicators of landscape structure and social welfare. We propose the developed model as a useful tool to improve environmental management schemes and land planning from a socio-ecological perspective, especially in territories subject to intense urban transformations and loss of rurality.

Baixando à Terra: uma análise crítica de um projeto de comercialização de produtos florestais não madeireiros em uma comunidade da Amazônia Oriental

Many governmental and non-governmental development organisations (NGOs) invest considerable efforts to support forest dependent people for the extraction and commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFP) to generate income in an ecologically sustainable way. But success so far has been quite modest. Many of the families abandon these initiatives once the external support ceases. This paper critically reflects on the expectations and concerns regarding this kind of development projects by in-depth analysing a project for the commercialization of vegetal oils by the traditional community of Pedreira, situated in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, which received intensive government-lead support. The study explores the motivations of the participating families, how the project influenced production schemes, and what have been the specific benefits for participating families and the overall consequences for the entire community. Findings indicate that the analyzed NTFP project, on the basis of overoptimistic expectations, strongly invested in the re-organisation of local production schemes without adequately considering the socio-environmental reality, capacities and interests of the community. As a consequence, the proposed social-productive model was not necessarily meaningful to all local people and even had detrimental effects. Baixando à Terra: uma análise crítica de um projeto de comercialização de produtos florestais não madeireiros em uma comunidade da Amazônia Oriental Resumo Muitas organizações governamentais e não governamentais (ONGs) investem esforços consideráveis para apoiar as populações dependentes da floresta, na extração e comercialização de produtos florestais não madeireiros (PFNM), para gerar ganhos econômicos de forma ecologicamente sustentável. Porém, o sucesso destes esforços agora tem sido bastante modesto, sendo que muitas das iniciativas que recebem apoio externo são abandonadas quando o apoio acaba. Este artigo é uma reflexão crítica sobre as expectativas e as preocupações que surgem deste tipo de projetos de desenvolvimento, analisando em profundidade um projeto para a comercialização de óleos vegetais pela comunidade de Pedreira, situada na Amazônia Oriental Brasileira, que tem recebido apoio intensivo por parte do governo. O estudo explora as motivações das famílias que participaram do projeto, a forma como o projeto influenciou nos processos de produção e quais foram os benefícios para as famílias participantes assim como as consequências globais para toda a comunidade. Os resultados revelam que o projeto de comercialização de PFNM analisado, baseado em expectativas exageradamente otimistas, investiu fortemente na reorganização dos esquemas de produção locais, sem considerar adequadamente a realidade sócioambiental, as capacidades e interesses das comunidades. Como consequência, o modelo sócio-produtivo proposto não necessariamente teve efeitos significativamente interessantes para todos os atores locais e até causaram prejuízos para eles.

Timber and Non-timber Forest Product Extraction and Management in the Tropics: Towards Compatibility?

Tropical forests have the potential to satisfy multiple demands for goods and services. Yet integrated management approaches across multiple goods remain elusive. Here we consider selective harvesting of timber and non-timber forest product (NTFP) extraction. We analyze the current status of this combination and speculate on prospects and challenges regarding (1) resource inventory, (2) ecology and silviculture, (3) conflict in the use of multipurpose tree species, (4) wildlife conservation and use, (5) tenure, and (6) product certification. Convincing conclusions are hampered by the relative paucity of comprehensive studies and lessons learned on what has worked and what has not in the context of integrated management for timber and NTFPs. Interventions for enhancing the compatibility of timber and NTFP extraction must be scaled in relation to the size of the area being managed, applied timber harvesting intensities, and the dynamics of multiactor, forest partnerships (e.g., between the private sector and local communities). In addition, training and education issues may have to be recrafted with multiple-use management approaches inserted into tropical forestry curricula.

Leaf dry matter content is better at predicting above-ground net primary production than specific leaf area

1. Reliable modelling of above-ground Net Primary Production (aNPP) at fine resolution is a significant challenge. A promising avenue for improving process models is to include response and effect trait relationships. However, uncertainties remain over which leaf traits are correlated most strongly with aNPP. 2. We compared abundance-weighted values of two of the most widely used traits from the Leaf Economics Spectrum (Specific Leaf Area and Leaf Dry Matter Content) with measured aNPP across a temperate ecosystem gradient. 3. We found that Leaf Dry Matter Content (LDMC) as opposed to Specific Leaf Area (SLA) was the superior predictor of aNPP (R2=0.55). 4. Directly measured in situ trait values for the dominant species improved estimation of aNPP significantly. Introducing intra-specific trait variation by including the effect of replicated trait values from published databases did not improve the estimation of aNPP. 5. Our results support the prospect of greater scientific understanding for less cost because LDMC is much easier to measure than SLA.

Effects of different clipping intensities on above- and below-ground production in simulated herbaceous plant communities

We studied the effect of clipping on above- and below-ground production in different plant communities through a factorial experiment. We designed five pasture systems with different species composition, perennials/annuals ratio and soil water availability, recreating different altitudinal locations, and simulated a gradient of grazing intensity by clipping with different heights and frequencies. Response patterns of above- and below-ground production were similar, increasing with the higher clipping frequency and decreasing with altitude. These results suggest that high grazing intensity stimulate above-ground production, but only in certain situations of species composition, density, diversity, perennials/annuals ratio and water availability. This stimulus, however, is unsustainable over time, and the lower clipping frequencies are those that favour the maintenance of production.

Modelling of socio-ecological connectivity. The rural-urban network in the surroundings of Madrid (Central Spain)

As most of Europe’s metropolitan landscapes grow, a change is occurring in their surrounding rural environment. The consequences thereof mainly involve losses of traditional land uses and changes in the socioecomic structures of the local population. The lack of coupling ‘urban society-countryside’ can be considered to constitute a driving force of this process. The present paper focuses upon the rural-urban network around the metropolis of Madrid (Central Spain). We developed a quantitative model to explain the socio-ecological rural-urban linkages, taking into account the influence of the metropolis in the network of neighbouring municipalities. The results show a rural landscape gradient ranging from silvo-pastoral to agricultural land uses and maintaining different interactions with the local socioeconomy. Urban-rural polarisation of the territory and accessibility to the metropolis are the main factors influencing the landscape dynamics. Territorial cohesion among municipalities and connectivity with the metropolis are factors determining the socio-ecological structure. The agricultural area presents good social cohesion, but a weak connection with the City. The silvo-pastoral landscape, on the contrary, maintains prominent links with the metropolis, but a non-significant interconnection between the small towns. The model tested constitutes a useful tool for analysing socio-ecological connectivity and for quantifying, designing and promoting territorial cohesion policies.