Takeo Shinohara

Structure and Species Diversity of Subtropical Evergreen Broad-leaved Forest in Northern Okinawa Island, Japan

The structure and tree species diversity of a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in northern Okinawa Island, Japan, were studied. Enumeration of the six sampling plots revealed an average density of 5,580 individuals with DBH≧3.0 cm/ha, having an average basal area of 55 m2. The large-size trees of DBH≧20 cm contributed 10% of the total individuals, and 49% of the total basal area. The forest showed a high diversity of tree species, which is comparable to some tropical rain forests. A total of 54 over-story species of 24 families and a total of 63 understory species of 26 families were identified in the six sampling plots. Fagaceae and Theaceae were the most important families;Castanopsis sieboldii, Schima wallichii andDistylium racemosum were the most important species. The diversity index and equitability index of species were 4.15 and 0.72 for the overstory plots, and 4.72 and 0.79 for the understory subplots, respectively. The diversity index for the overstory was significantly correlated to the total basal area of trees over 20 cm DBH (p<0.05) and the importance value ofC. sieboldii (p<0.001), while for understory, the diversity index was not correlated to the structural parameters (allp>0.16). The size distribution pattern and age structure indicated differences in regeneration strategies for canopy dominants. In population dynamics of the succession process,C. sieboldii andD. racemosum were self-maintaining types, andS. wallichii was a gap- or opening-dependent type.

Forest resources and timber production of Ghana: Current instruments for sustainable development

The decline of the natural tropical high forest has reached a critical stage in Ghana’s forestry history. Timber resources are over-exploited, degraded and further production prospects are questionable and of concern to forest management. The objective of this paper is to discuss some of the institutional measures and development instruments being taken in Ghana towards the feasibility of achieving sustainable management of the high forest for timber and other commodity products, as well as conserving other forest resources. This paper, therefore, provides institutional measures and structures, regulatory and economic instruments, currently being taken to ensure effective forest management and increase the productivity of the land and logging. The role of collaborative management approach of both natural reserved and unreserved high forests and to promote integrated farm forestry is explained. Effective management of the high forest resource demands close harmonizing of instruments and mechanisms, both internal and external to forestry, and which encourage stakeholders to participate actively in decision making that affects the resource quality and its production status. Currently, different instruments including regulatory, property rights, motivational, hypothecation, information supply and economic are being applied in Ghana to achieve sustainable forest resource management and timber production. These instruments are not mutually exclusive in their current application, but rather complementary. Thus, an effective mix of instruments is necessary to promote and make feasible, sustainable forestry in Ghana’s socioeconomic development objectives.

Development of Industrial Tree Plantation in the Administrative Region No. 10, in Mindanao Island, Philippines : With Two Case Studies

The study describes the development of industrial tree plantation in a specific region in the Philippines. Two case studies using plantation companies are presented. Likewise, management prospects and problems are considered. Since industrial plantations are given emphasis in the 1980’s, plantation owners are already capable to engage in development. Although majority are small scale, their management performance is considerable. Likewise, social and economic gains are enormous. Fast growing species for pulpwood are developed under different climatic conditions at low stocking density. However, further development is limited by problems particularly product development, financial assistance, and the volatility of plantation policy. Several approaches are endorsed.

The characteristics of timber production in the administrative region No. 10, in Mindanao Island, Philippines: A case study

The characteristics of timber production in the public forest of a specific region in the Philippines are examined and the patterns on the linkages between logging, deforestation, and socio-economic development are established and illustrated. The logging industry is fully manned and financially capable and is a major contributor to the economy. However, the industry is now shrinking due to the declining forest resource of the region. The end results eventually lead to reduced productivity and contribution. The reduction of forest resources was traced to the excessive commercial logging and agricultural conversion of forest lands. Alternatives are suggested.