Unit 2.pptx

Forestry and the Socio- Biophysical System Prepared by: RODRIGA G. AGUINSATAN Overview of the importance of understanding the relationship bet forestry & socio-biophysical systems. The relationship between forestry & socio-biophysical systems is crucial for a variety of reasons. This kn...

Forestry and the Socio- Biophysical System Prepared by: RODRIGA G. AGUINSATAN Overview of the importance of understanding the relationship bet forestry & socio-biophysical systems. The relationship between forestry & socio-biophysical systems is crucial for a variety of reasons. This knowledge is essential for individuals, communities, policymakers, and environmentalists, as it provides insights into the intricate interplay between human activities, forest ecosystems, and the broader environment comprehending the relationship between forestry and socio- biophysical systems is essential for promoting sustainable forest management, preserving ecosystem services, supporting local communities, mitigating climate change, and achieving global sustainability objectives. It enables a holistic approach to land use and conservation, recognizing that the health of ecosystems and human well-being are closely intertwined Learning Objectives Understand the concept of the socio-biophysical system. Explore the interconnections between forestry and the socio-biophysical system. Recognize the impacts of forestry practices on social and environmental aspects. Identify sustainable forestry management strategies within socio-biophysical contexts. Definition A socio-biophysical system - a complex, interconnected network of social, biological, and physical components within an ecosystem. biophysical environment includes living things (bio), such as plants and animals, and non-living things (physical), such as rocks, soils, and water. ecology -the branch of biology that deals w/ the relationships of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. ecosystem -consists of all the organisms & the physical environment with which they interact. These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. Society -the totality of social relationships among organized groups of human beings or animals - on broader scale, it consists of the people and institutions around us, our shared beliefs, and our cultural ideas. Economy - a space within which most members of society interact with each other and w/ their environment to improve the quality. Interconnections between forestry and the socio-biophysical system Several key points highlighting the importance of understanding interconnections Ecosystem Services - Forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including clean air & water, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, & climate regulation. Understanding the link between forestry & socio- biophysical systems is necessary to ensure the continued provision of these essential services, which are vital for human well-being & ecological stability. Sustainable Resource Management - Forests are a source of valuable resources such as timber, non-timber forest products, & medicinal plants. A comprehensive understanding of the socio-biophysical system allows for the development of SFM practices that balance resource extraction with the long- term health of ecosystems and local communities. Biodiversity Conservation - Forests are home to diverse flora and fauna. Effective forestry practices should aim to protect and enhance biodiversity. Knowledge of the socio-biophysical system helps identify and mitigate potential threats to biodiversity, such as habitat destruction or invasive species introductions. Interconnections between forestry and the socio-biophysical system Several key points highlighting the importance of understanding interconnections Climate Change Mitigation - Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. Understanding how forestry activities impact carbon stocks and emissions is essential for climate change mitigation strategies. Social and Cultural Significance - Forests hold immense cultural & social significance for many communities around the world. These areas may be essential for traditional practices, livelihoods, and cultural identity. A deep understanding of the socio-biophysical system helps ensure that these values are respected and preserved. Community Well-being - Forestry practices can have direct impacts on local communities. Sustainable forestry management can provide economic opportunities and improve the well-being of these communities. Conversely, unsustainable practices can lead to social and economic challenges, emphasizing the importance of understanding these connections. Policy and Governance - Policymakers and government agencies rely on knowledge of the socio-biophysical system to create effective policies and regulations for land use, forest management, and conservation. Informed decision-making is essential to strike a balance between economic development and environmental preservation. Interconnections between forestry and the socio-biophysical system Several key points highlighting the importance of understanding interconnections Adaptive Management - Forest ecosystems are dynamic and subject to change due to various factors, including climate variability. An understanding of the socio- biophysical system enables adaptive management approaches, allowing stakeholders to respond to changing conditions and emerging challenges effectively. Global Sustainability Goals - The United Nations SDGs and international agreements like the Paris Agreement on climate change emphasize the need for sustainable land use and conservation. Understanding the forestry-socio- biophysical relationship is critical for achieving these global sustainability goals. Education and Awareness - Educating the public and future generations about the importance of forests and their connection to the socio-biophysical system is vital for fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and encouraging sustainable practices.  Social components: Human communities, cultures, institutions, Components of and policies. Biophysical components: Forest ecosystems, flora, fauna, and Socio-Biophysical biodiversity. Economic components: Forest resources, livelihoods, and System industries. Environmental components: Climate, water, soil, and air quality. Impacts of forestry practices on social and environmental aspects Forestry practices have significant impacts that can vary widely depending on factors (type of forest management, scale of operations, and local conditions). Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing sustainable forestry practices that balance economic interests with social and environmental concerns. Environmental Impacts 1.Habitat Destruction - Clear-cutting and other intensive logging practices can lead to the destruction of wildlife habitats. This can result in the displacement or endangerment of numerous species, particularly those with specialized habitat requirements. 2.Biodiversity Loss - Unsustainable logging can lead to a decrease in biodiversity. Removal of old- growth forests and disruption of natural forest cycles can harm both plant and animal species, including endangered or rare ones. 3.Soil Erosion - Logging activities, especially in steep terrain, can contribute to soil erosion and sedimentation of nearby water bodies. This can degrade water quality, harm aquatic ecosystems, and disrupt local hydrology. 4.Water Pollution - Forestry operations may introduce pollutants into water bodies, such as sediment, chemicals (e.g., herbicides and pesticides), and nutrient runoff. These pollutants can negatively affect aquatic life and human communities relying on clean water sources. 5.Carbon Sequestration - Forests are important carbon sinks, sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. Deforestation and unsustainable logging practices release stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. 6.Climate Change Mitigation - Sustainable forestry practices that prioritize carbon storage and sustainable management can help mitigate climate change by locking carbon away in forests. Impacts of forestry practices on social and environmental aspects Social Impacts: 1.Employment: Forestry provides employment opportunities in rural areas, contributing to local economies. However, the level of employment can vary depending on mechanization and the scale of operations. 2.Community Livelihoods: In many regions, forests are vital for supporting local livelihoods, providing not only jobs but also non-timber forest products (e.g., nuts, mushrooms, medicinal plants) and cultural resources. 3.Cultural Significance: Forests often hold cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous and local communities. Unsustainable forestry practices can disrupt these cultural connections and practices. 4.Health and Well-being: Sustainable forestry management can have positive effects on local communities' health and well-being through improved access to clean water, recreational opportunities, and a stable environment. However, unsustainable practices can have adverse health impacts, such as air and water pollution. 5.Conflict and Social Tensions: Conflicts may arise between different stakeholder groups, such as loggers, conservationists, and indigenous communities, over access to and management of forest resources. 6.Resettlement and Land Disputes: Large-scale forestry projects may necessitate the resettlement of local communities. Land disputes and issues related to land tenure can arise, leading to social unrest. 7.Community Involvement: Involving local communities in forest management decisions can lead to more sustainable and socially acceptable outcomes. Conversely, exclusion can result in opposition to forestry practices. 8.Economic Benefits: Forestry can contribute to local and national economies through timber and non-timber forest product sales. However, the equitable distribution of these benefits among stakeholders can be challenging. References Higgins-Desbiolles, Freya. (2015). A Taste of Sustainability: Case studies of sustainable cafes in Australia. 10.13140/RG.2.1.1200.6882. Rana, P. & Platts, Jim & Gregory, Mike. (2008). Exploration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in multinational companies within the food industry.