Fragmenting forests: the double edge of effective forest monitoring

Authored by Rick L Riolo, Andrew Reid Bell, Jacqueline M. Doremus, Thomas P. Lyon, John Vandermeer, Arun Agrawal

Date Published: 2012-02

DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2011.11.005

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Pseudocode ODD Flow charts Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

The link between ineffective forest monitoring and forest degradation is well known. Under REDD+, monitoring stands to become more important as a means of maintaining incentive. Little attention however has been paid to the possible adverse consequences of forest monitoring. Our research develops a spatially explicit, agent-based model (ABM) of timber extraction in a Congo Basin forest concession to investigate the potential conservation impact of more effective monitoring. We modeled the building of access roads, and logging of legal timber and illegal timber, where illegal timber may be interpreted broadly to include prohibited species, smaller trees, or trees in areas where cutting is not permitted. We investigated road building under (1) random spot monitoring of logging sites and (2) monitoring of logged trunks at checkpoints. Our findings indicate that although more effective monitoring can reduce illegal harvesting, it can also lead to construction of denser road networks and higher levels of forest fragmentation, with an implied loss of biodiversity. These insights are particularly relevant in the context of REDD+, as they suggest that some monitoring strategies may lead to more forest fragmentation, even as they help reduce emissions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tags

Agent-based model Concession forestry Congo Basin Monitoring REDD