Abstract Determination of nutrient contents in Diospyros crassiflora leaf litter was carried out in the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Okwuta-Ibeku,Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria in 2016 and 2017. Three 1 m × 1 m trays were randomly positioned for collection of leaf litter production from 4/5 years old Diospyros crassiflora species in each block (10 m × 25 m) within the planta tion totaling 1.5 ha. A Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates was used to study the mean monthly leaf litterfall of Diospy ros crassiflora. Leaf litter was collected from each of the three litter trays per block and placed in paper bags every 28th day of each month from January-December in 2016 and in 2017. Fifteen grammes (15 g) of properly mixed and oven-dried samples of D. crassiflora leaf litter were milled and sieved in 1mm sieve; 0.3 g was used to determine nutrient elements and their concentrations. The data obtained from mineral nutrient contents of D. crassiflora leaf litter was analysed using analysis of variance. Result reveals the mean concentrations of nitrogen (1.41 and 1.41 mg·l−1), phosphorus (0.18 and 0.18 mg·l−1), potassium (0.68 and 0.68 mg·l−1), sodium (0.35 and 0.30 mg·l−1), calcium (1.57 and 1.56 mg·l−1), magnesium (0.32 and 0.31 mg·l−1), chlorine (0.25 and 0.24 mg·l−1), Organic carbon (0.03 and 0.03 mg·l−1) and Organic matter(1.17 and 1.18 mg·l−1) etc. in D. crassiflora leaf litter in January-December (2016 and 2017). The study shows almost uniform distribution of mineral elements concentrations in 2016 and 2017.

Abstract Illegal logging is a pervasive problem of major international concern that causes many negative social, economical and environmental consequences. EUTR is a tool adopted in 2010 and entered into force in 2013 to stop the trade of timber illegally logged within the EU market. The implementation in Italy is still in progress and varies among regions. This study considers the respondents’ opinions on different EUTR characteristics, implementation processes and compliance activities. Taking Italy as an example, the questionnaire was delivered to relevant Italian foresters and timber operators in the forest-timber system. Two hypotheses are under verification: 1) if Italian forest-wood-timber sector integrated EUTR into its activity and 2) if the Italian Due Diligence system is a valid model to other countries. The questionnaire has been submitted to the wood industry stakeholders. It has been organized into six sections to collect information about the professional characteristics of respondents, their experiences on EUTR, the opinion about EUTR and FLEGT, the support received on EUTR implementation, the opinion about the checks system, and the role of EUTR in marketing timber products. Questionnaire data have been elaborated in different ways. Conclusion underlines the EUTR Italian system criticalities and some suggestions for a more effective use of EUTR in the wood market. The picture that emerges from the results collected is that the EUTR, although proposed for morally and ethically valid purposes, doesn’t have unanimous effectiveness. In particular, EUTR can generate a distortion of the market, new expenditures for importers. Various operators applaud the role of certification schemes for sustainable forest management, which indirectly makes it possible to prevent the aforementioned problem. The Italian EUTR system is working only for satisfying Regulation 995/2010 targets. This must be considered as the starting point; however, three innovative topics could be developed in the future: digitalization and computerization of EUTR certification, integration of EUTR certification with forest certifications schemes and other quality certifications, and use of EUTR in the marketing initiatives.

Abstract Bamboo is an important non-timber forest product owing to its multipurpose nature. In Cameroon, bamboo has always been neglected and seen as worth less by many communities. However, in recent years, bamboo has received renewed attention which has made many communities and different stake holders to gain interest in the resource. This study which was carried out in the Menoua division, West region of Cameroon between February to July 2021 sought to identify and characterise the actors involved in the bamboo sector, and assess the different strategies that could be employed to develop the bamboo sector. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods in 6 sub-divisions in Menoua division (Dschang, Santchou, Fongo Tongo, Fokoué, Penka Michel and Nkong-Ni). For the selection of study sites, the criterion used was the proximity of households to the area where the bamboo resource is found. Using the simple random sampling method, 53 households were surveyed across the Menoua division. Key informant and expert interviews were also conducted with mayors, traditional chiefs, heads of forestry posts, heads of research institutions/structures and craftsmen involved in the bamboo sector. Using SPHINX software version 5, a survey form was designed. The data collected was coded and analysed using EXCEL 2010 and SPSS. Map data was analysed using ARCGIS version 2.18. Results indicated that there were two main groups of actors: direct actors (collectors, collectors/transporters, producers/collectors, producers/collectors/transporters , collectors/traders) and indirect actors (Municipal Councils, Decentralized Services of the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife—MINFOF, Development partners like INBAR, Research Institutions like the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development—IRAD, and academic institutions like the University of Dschang). The direct actors are directly linked to the bamboo value chain while the indirect actors are those whose decisions influence the sector (e.g. MINFOF) or those who provide financial and technical support (Municipal Councils, INBAR; IRAD, the University of Dschang). The main strategies proposed by the local population for the development of the bamboo sector were regular sensitization campaigns on the benefits of bamboo (92%) and the provision of technical, material and financial support to bamboo producers (41%). Key informants/experts proposed the following in order to ensure the development of the bamboo sector in the Menoua division: raising wareness about bamboo, its different varieties and benefits; creating bamboo plantations (with varieties adapted to the agro-ecological zone i.e. the western highlands) in order to reduce the pressure on other resources; setting up support mechanisms for producers and other actors in the bamboo value chain; allocating land/agricultural areas for bamboo plantations as there is land scarcity in the Menoua division. Based on the strategic framework developed from this study, in order to ensure an adequate and effective development of the bamboo sector in the Menoua division, there should be among others: multiplication of awareness-raising and training programmes for farmers on bamboo production techniques; more support for smallholder farmers by providing them bamboo plants in quality and quantity; production of bamboo stems in quality and quantity; more awareness campaigns for young craftsmen on the advantages of the bamboo craft sector; more training campaigns for craftsmen on modern bamboo processing techniques; and the establishment of a well-developed and sustainable bamboo-based craft .

Abstract State and Federal agencies in the United States manage wildland fires to minimize forest loss and reduce fire impacts on communities living near forests. Despite changes to policy that emphasize the importance of collaborative management with Tribes and local communities, stakeholders with place-based knowledge still have limited access to meaningful participation in policy development and management planning. These barriers contribute to the alie nation of communities disproportionately burdened with the negative im pacts of wildfire. Reduced community-level support and a lack of inclusive practices regarding place-based knowledge result in less robust management plans and poor ecological outcomes. These outcomes highlight the need for improved multi-stakeholder collaborations that holistically address interconnected management areas. In this paper, Federal wildfire policy development and implementation are assessed to identify barriers to collaborative management. An examination of multi-stakeholder fire management organizations showed that coupling of federal policy, practices and norms and the underrepresentation of external stakeholders may hinder progress toward collaborative partnerships. A linguistic examination of federal wildfire policy showed that directive, rather than cooperative language predominated. This may promote unequal power-sharing dynamics that reduce opportunities for federal engagement and collaboration with stakeholders from Tribes and local communities. Tribal barriers to equitable partnership and decision-making were found to be tied to culturally mediated frameworks for environmental management. Based on these findings, this article offers suggestions for changes to policy and institutional culture that will allow for an inclusive, holistic fire management model.

Abstract Dwindling supplies of bamboo resources and the increase in the demand for bamboo have led to the need for better propagation techniques. This is the only way to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods. Thus, this study was carried out to examine the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris in propagation beds with a substrate consisting of dark soil, manure (compost) and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1. Data on different growth parameters was collected on a daily basis over a three week period and analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that the different growth parameters (diameter, height, leaves and sheaths) of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris evolved in like manner in three propagation beds. Descriptive statistics for growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris showed little or no differences across three shelter/propagation beds (shelter bed 1, shelter bed 2 and shelter bed 3) with 1.4675 ± 1.6172 cm, 93 ± 112 cm, 22 ± 30 leaves, and 4 ± 6 sheaths being the mean diameter, height, number of leaves and number of sheaths for all three propagation beds, respectively. ANOVA test showed no statistically significant variation (p > 0.05) between growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris across the three propagation beds, implying that the different growth parameters were relatively similar. Pearson correlation showed the existence of direct and inverse relationships between the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of bamboo. The existence of these direct and inverse relation ships could be attributed to the rapid growth rate of bamboo, the substrate used, and the species of bamboo used (B. vulgaris). The study recommends more large-scale propagation projects of this bamboo species in order to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods of bamboo dependent rural communities.

Abstract Dwindling supplies of bamboo resources and the increase in the demand for bamboo have led to the need for better propagation techniques. This is the only way to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods. Thus, this study was carried out to examine the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris in propagation beds with a substrate consisting of dark soil, manure (compost) and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1. Data on different growth parameters was collected on a daily basis over a three week period and analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that the different growth parameters (diameter, height, leaves and sheaths) of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris evolved in like manner in three propagation beds. Descriptive statistics for growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris showed little or no differences across three shelter/propagation beds (shelter bed 1, shelter bed 2 and shelter bed 3) with 1.4675 ± 1.6172 cm, 93 ± 112 cm, 22 ± 30 leaves, and 4 ± 6 sheaths being the mean diameter, height, number of leaves and number of sheaths for all three propagation beds, respectively. ANOVA test showed no statistically significant variation (p > 0.05) between growth parameters of culm cuttings of B. vulgaris across the three propagation beds, implying that the different growth parameters were relatively similar. Pearson correlation showed the existence of direct and inverse relationships between the different growth parameters of culm cuttings of bamboo. The existence of these direct and inverse relation ships could be attributed to the rapid growth rate of bamboo, the substrate used, and the species of bamboo used (B. vulgaris). The study recommends more large-scale propagation projects of this bamboo species in order to ensure the sustainability of the bamboo resource base and improve livelihoods of bamboo dependent rural communities.

Abstract High diversity of species in agroforestry homegardens play main agro-ecological roles in complex and sustainable land use systems. Efforts are being made in valuing and protecting the age-old practices of agroforestry on scientific basis in homegardens. This study attempted to analyse the scientific basis of households’ practices and to develop strategies for the promotion of sustainable agroforestry homegardens in Matara district of Sri Lanka. Selected households were inter viewed measuring their concern using 5-point Likert scale, and analysed the qualitative data using non-parametric statistics. The study revealed that scientific basis of household practices in agroforestry homegardens are mod erate in selection of appropriate trees and plants, and management of trees and plant health care. Households pay little concern on scientific basis in planning and site placement, land preparation and establishment of trees/crops, and implementing proper cultural practices. There is no significant correlation between scientific basis of practices in agroforestry in relation with size of homegardens, educational level of households, and across the category of their occupations. Resources to use scientific knowledge in practice, and opportunity to improve scientific skills have moderate correlation significantly while availability of scientific information and access to scientific knowledge have significant but low correlation as applying knowledge on scientific basis. The interest to acquire scientific knowledge, and sufficient time to improve scientific knowledge, and other reasons have no significant correlation with scientific basis of household practices. Carefully planned interventions including policy adjustments and effective extension programs for learning and experimenting together with supportive programs would enhance scientific basis of household practices for agroforestry in homegardens.