Analog forestry
This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2019) |
Analog forestry is an approach to
Analogue forestry draws design input not only from traditional models but also from the natural forest successional dynamics. When an ecosystem is designed to be analogous to the indigenous climax state, the efficiency and dynamics of the natural processes can be replicated. These quasi-natural forests are designed to mimic the structural and functional aspects of indigenous forests and are referred to as analog forests. In addition to their ecological characteristics, analog forests are also designed to provide economic benefits. However, it is not until all the ecological requirements of the location are satisfied that economic values of species are considered. Therefore, an analog forest may comprise natural and exotic species in any proportion, the contribution to structure and function being the overriding factor that determines its use.
The theoretical underpinnings began in 1978 in San Diego and Guatemala. It was first implemented in
The International Analog Forestry Network (IAFN) is currently hosted in Costa Rica.
Analog forestry is a system of silviculture that seeks to design, plan and manage ecosystems dominated by woody perennials. It has been primarily employed in tropical or subtropical areas, but can be used in temperate areas too. The design seeks to mimic the architectural structure and ecological function of the preexisting climax vegetation of the area, and can be designed to provide economic, social and environmental benefits.
Analog forestry always considers the inclusion of non-crop native species to be considered in the design and thus addresses the inclusion of native biodiversity in the design. As analog forestry also requires the inclusion of long-lived species of trees in the design it has the capacity to sequester carbon for a longer time than plantation forestry. Analogue forestry has the potential to produce very high values of photosynthetic biomass as its design calls for the inclusion of all the growth forms that occupy the three-dimensional space of the mature indigenous forest. By including many species of crops in one area analog forestry helps spread the risk of market failure on a single crop.
See also
References
- Senanayake, R. 1987. Analog Forestry as a Conservation Tool, Tiger Paper, vol XIV no2 PP25–29 FAO, Bangkok
- Senanayake, R.; John, J, Jack (1998). Analog Forestry: An Introduction. Monash University Publications. Monash Univ.Clayton, Vic. Australia. ISBN 978-0909685584.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link
External links
- "International Analog Forestry Network". IAFN / RIFA. Archived from the original on 2008-10-02. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
- "Analog Forestry". Mennonite Central Committee (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 2016-10-01. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
- Both ENDS Analog Forestry Information Package