Towards an Analytical Framework for Defining Forest Degradation

Markku Simula

FAO Consultant

Preparatory CPF Meeting on Forest Degradation20 March 2009, Rome

Degradation and Related Processes

Restoration

Forest (non-degraded)- primary- other

Degraded forest

Degraded forest land (non-forest)

Rehabilitation

Natural expansion

Degradation

process

Simplified Illustration of Human-induced Forest Degradation

Production/multiple-use forest- natural- semi-natural- planted

”Old growth” forest

Primary forest

Restoration

ProtectionProtection

Secondary forest

Logging and management

Management

Illegal logging and encroachment

”Degraded” forest

Rehabilitation- reforestation- soil conservation

Natural expansion of forest

Natural expansion of forest

Degraded forest land (deforested)- grassland- other non- forest

Non-forest land

Planned land-use conversion (deforestation)

Afforestation

Management

Degradation Thresholds

Crown cover %

(example)

100

80

10

”Undegraded forest”

”Degraded forest”

”Non-forest”

Forest

Restoration

Rehabilitation

A/R

Original status

Time

Degree of Degradation

Crown cover %

(example)

100

Forest threshold

Degree of degradation

Non-degraded (undisturbed, little disturbed)

Slightly degraded forest

Moderatey degraded forest

Severely degraded forest

Deforested (degrated forest land)

Options for ”Rationalisation” of Definitions

1. Decomposition

2. Theoretical elimination

- trade-offs- correlation

3. SFM elements (C&I framework)

4. Clustering

5. Composite indices (involves subjective weighting)

Decomposition Factors of Forest Degradation (1/2)

Element Sub-element UNFCCC CBD FRA ITTO Countries

Forest cover Thresholds

Stocking Thresholds

Forest structure Age stucture

Species composition

Functions Goods

Services

Other

Resilience Ecosystem capacity

Ecosystem processes

Ecosystem shift

Time scale Short-term

Long-term

Permanent

Temporary

Cause Human induced

Natural

Indeterminate

TO BE COMPLETED

Decomposition Factors of Forest Degradation (2/2)

Element Sub-element UNFCCC CBD FRA ITTO Countries

Reference state Natural

Previous state

Other

Spatial scale Stand

FMU

Watershed

Landscape

Degree of degradation

Thresholds

Process Direct

Indirect

TO BE COMPLETED

Degradation and SFM Elements

SFM element Potential indicators (examples) Extent of forest resources Forest cover, crown cover, growing stock, stand density,

degree of fragmentation, (TOF) Biological diversity Ecosystem diversity, species composition/diversity, genetic

diversity, degree of fragmentation, connectivity, naturalness, crown cover, forest structure, etc.

Forest health and vitality Area affected by pests, diseases, fire, storm damage, area subject to air pollution damage, area with diminished biological components, etc.

Productive functions of forest resources

Stocking level, MAI, age structure, NTFP yield

Protective functions of forest resources

Soil erosion, water quality and runoff, managed watershed area, flood protection areas, protective plantation area, etc.

Socio-economic functions of forests

Value of forest products, recreation and tourism; cultural and community values; employment; income; area available for recreation, area available to indigenous people/social services

Contribution to the carbon cycle/climate change by forests

Carbon stock in pools (above/below ground biomass, deadwood, litter, soil), stocking density, removals, TOF, etc.

Assessment of Degradation

Purpose of assessment

Extent and quality of degradation

Drivers and impacts of degradation

Levels of assessment

National

Sub-national

Landscape/watershed

Forest management unit

Stand

Implications for (inter alia)

Choice of inidicators

Choice of assessment methodology

Not to be considered:- Ecosystem level as functional entity

Terms Associated with Degradation

Processes• Degradation• Disturbance• Improvement• Restoration• Rehabilitation (incl. A/R)

Degradation status• Undegraded/undisturbed• Degraded forest• Degraded forest land

(deforested land)

Forest• Forest• Forest type - Primary forest (old growth) - Secondary forest - Semi-natrural forest - Planted forest

Carbon stock / flow• Biomass• Soil

Biodiversity• Habitat quality • Fragmentation• Connectivity• Species diversity

Other• Permanence• Resilience/reversibility/ecolo- gical integrity• Reference status• Cause: human induced/natural

Questions to the Participants

• What are we aiming at: – Harmonization through increased convergence and comparability

between existing definitions

– Operationalization of various definitions for specific purposes

– More operational common definition

• Is the proposed analytical framework appropriate • Which related terms need to be tackled• Which ”rationalization” approaches to be applied

– Decomposition

– SFM elements

– Other