Stabilizing forest productivity and resilience at multiple scales

Abstract

The objective of this study is to introduce a coherent theoretical perspective for sustaining forested landscapes at different scales: meta (forest region), gamma (forest property) and alpha (forest stand), with some details on practical implementation. The main part introduces an integrated set of approaches under three headings: a) gamma design, b) alpha jardinage, and c) continuous observation. The study is based on evidence gathered in the broadleaf and conifer mixed forests of north-eastern China, in European temperate forests, in various forest regions in India, in the afro-montane forests of Southern Africa, and in the pine-oak forests of the Mexican Sierra Madre Occidental.