Managing forests in a changing world: the need for a systemic approach. A review

Abstract

Aim of study: The paper is a scientific commented discussion with the aim of defining a framework which allows both a comprehensive vision of forest dynamics, as well as an adaptive management approach and policy procedures more suited to a changing and inherently unpredictable world.Main results: We identify the main challenges facing forestry in relation to recent developments in forestry thinking, i.e. the paradox of aiming at sustainability in a changing environment, a shifting perception of the relationship between ecological and social systems, the recognition of forest ecosystems as complex adaptive systems, the need for integrating the social and ecological dimensions of forestry into a single framework, and the growing awareness of the importance of the ethical approach to the forest. We propose the concept of "systemic forestry" as a paradigm for better understanding forest dynamics and for guiding management and public actions at various levels. We compare the systemic approach with different silvicultural and forest management approaches which have been proposed in the last decades.Research highlights: Our analysis shows that a systemic approach to forestry has five main consequences: 1. forestry is viewed as a part of landscape dynamics through a multi-sectoral coordination, 2. the logic of action changes from norm to process, 3. conservation is a dynamic search for resilience, 4. multi-functionality is achieved through a multi-entries approach integrating ecological, social and economic components of sustainability, 5. forestry institutions are reframed to address the issue of changing interactions among actors, 6. a change in the ethical approach to the forest is needed.

Intraspecific Variation in Pines from the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt Grown under Two Watering Regimes: Implications for Management of Genetic Resources

“…This study also shows the importance of the area for the genetic conservation of the species, as some conservation units can be selected having differential value in terms of adaptation for the future climatic conditions [54]. Also, our results show that, at early developmental stages, genetic differences in survival are important, depending on the species, and therefore silvicultural treatments must be taken into consideration to favor different biomass allocation (e.g., by reducing competition or light) [55]. Managing the genetic resources within a region, therefore, needs not only information at the species level, but a more precise information about major variation patterns of their populations, as the effects will affect the future adaptation and performance of the species in the area considered.…”

“…Seedling allometric changes, linked to low water availability in the soil [32], are associated to particular physiological processes, including changes in photosynthetic and transpirational capacities, that depend on the level of stress [6]. A reduction in SLA, an important functional trait related to leaf assimilation Table 1) with (a) plasticity of Principal Component 2 for P. patula ( petition or light) [55]. Managing the genetic resources within a information at the species level, but a more precise information heir populations, as the effects will affect the future adaptation and area considered.…”

The functional complex network approach to foster forest resilience to global changes

“…In the fifth category, conceptual forest management approaches, we have grouped approaches based on concepts and purposes that go beyond the recommendation of specific management practices, or advance specific silvicultural systems. Examples include New Forestry (Franklin 1989), Holistic Forestry (Pinkerton 1998), and Systemic Silviculture (Nocentini et al 2017). These approaches often served as a novel paradigm for defining new conceptual frameworks and ethical perspectives on forest management.…”

Interactions between Climate and Nutrient Cycles on Forest Response to Global Change: The Role of Mixed Forests

“…A range of silvicultural systems to adapt forest management to global change have been proposed [212,213]. One example is the systemic silviculture management, whose strategies are based on an adaptive approach and continuous monitoring of the natural responses of each forest stand to silvicultural interventions [214]. Another proposal is the 'close-to-nature' approach, which promotes diversity regarding species mixtures, age structure, spatial scales, and heterogeneous stand structures as opposed to even-aged intensive industrial plantations [204,215].…”