Ecological and economic benefits of timber and non-timber species plantations (2015-2020)
Colombia is one of most biodiverse countries in the world with an estimated 53 % of its territory as forested areas (Brown 2009). Despite this, conservation status of Colombian forests is jeopardized by high rates of deforestation and illegal logging, which are aggravated by land ownership concentration and social inequality, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, and lack of protected areas in fast-transforming regions. Because pressure over natural forests is expected to drop when timber plantations provide enough resources to cover demand for native timber, incentives to establish native plantation should be an integral part of any conservation effort.
Fundacion Biodiversa Colombia is developing an ecological research program to explore the ecologic and economic benefits of TNT plantations, which are mixed plantations of native trees that provide either timber of non-timber forest products. Our strategy is to establish several experimental TNT communities along 21 hectares, and to conduct a long-term monitoring and research program based on a collaborative network (local community, academic institutions, and governmental agencies). During the development of this program we aim to:
- explore fundamental ecological questions regarding tropical forest dynamics and ecosystem processes
- generate high-quality ecological experimental information to evaluate the benefits of TNT plantations in lieu of monocultures with exotic species.
- provide the opportunity for scientific and technical training to national and international students.
- advocate for implementation of TNT plantations and prevent further deterioration of natural forest in regions with high timber demands and high deforestation rates.
Figure 1. Zonification of El Silencio Nature Reserve. Colors represent different land uses: green is the areas selected for conservation that are currently forested; orange corresponds to areas where experimental TNT communities will be planted (square represent plots of 35mx35m); red identifies areas devoted to restoration; white with green spots is the area where cattle will be managed in a silvopastoral agroforestry system; dashed area represents the reserve’s headquarters. Area of each polygon in hectares is indicated in white numbers.
Team
Susana Rodríguez-Buritica, PhD: Project coordinator
Julio Marin: Field Coordinator
Partial funding for this project is provided by Pacific Rubiales due to its environmental compensation fees in the region.
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