Alex Tunas Corzon

WS 3.505

See the trees for the forest

Details

Full Title
WS 3.505: See the trees for the forest: looking at trees to depict the forest
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Alex Tunas
Co-Conveners
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Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
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Thematic Focus
No focus defined
Keywords
Art, Forests, Ecology, Creativity, Communication

Description

In the English language, there is an expression that says “you can´t see the forest for the trees”, which applies when one cannot see the whole picture because one is too focused only on the small details. In forest ecology, sometimes the opposite is true, and one needs to actually look in detail at individual trees in order to better understand and predict how the whole forest will respond to the ongoing change. However, as scientists, sometimes it is good to step back, zoom out, and try to -not only understand why we are studying what we study- but also see the beauty of our subjects. On those grounds, art -be it through painting, drawing, sculpting, music, writing or photography- provides an excellent opportunity to express ourselves in ways that complement the scientific experience. At the same time, art can also be a source of inspiration to spark creativity in scientific thinking.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.8669

Assessing mountain forest health: A Comparative Study between sacred grove and community forest of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India.

Pooja Chaudhary
Rayal, Rajesh; Uniyal, V.P

Abstract/Description

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is a crucial life support system known for its rich biodiversity and essential ecosystem services, including hosting four global biodiversity hotspots. Degradation of ecosystem in IHR is caused by the climate related catastrophe such as forest fire, floods, drought and human interference increasing vulnerability . This study focuses on the ecological, cultural and socio-economic roles of Hariyali Devi sacred grove in the Dhanpur range of Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand, exploring the community managed forest and sacred grove. Hariyali Devi sacred grove is situated at 3000 masl is a temperate broadleaf mixed forest, surrounded by plants like Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboreum, Quercus semecarpifolia, Abres spectabilis), and Lyonia ovalifolia. Presence of ethnomedicinal plants make this sacred grove a unique site for conservation. The research aims to examine the key differences between these forests, assessing biodiversity, ecosystem services as well as the impact of management practices on forest health. Additionally, the study will investigate the economic role of Community Forest in providing natural resources. The study will be depended on the field surveys for ecological assessments, interviews and participatory workshops. In context of climate change by external pressures like anthropogenic activities the study will assess the sustainability and resilience of both forest management systems. Preliminary findings suggest that sacred groves tend to maintain stable ecological outcomes due to cultural protection, while community-managed forests provide significant livelihood resources but face challenges from over-exploitation. Further investigation will address community participation in conservation efforts and develop a model that balances ecological sustainability with socio-economic development. Conclusively this study will seek to solution for sustainable forest management and promote collaborative approach to stakeholders to tackle climate change in the IHR. By integrating scientific knowledge with local practices, we aim to enhance the resilience of Himalayan ecosystems through active community involvement in conservation initiatives.

ID: 3.8877

Assessing Provenance Variation and Edaphic Influences on the Survival and Growth of Widdringtonia whytei (Mulanje cedar) in Malawi

Innocent Julius Taulo
Jinks, Richard; Jenya, Herbert

Abstract/Description

Widdringtonia whytei (Mulanje cedar), a critically endangered conifer endemic to Malawi, is threatened by over-exploitation and habitat loss, necessitating effective reforestation strategies. The success of these efforts relies on selecting provenances that are well-suited to specific environmental conditions. This study assessed the survival and growth performance of three W. whytei provenances (Chikangawa, Tanzania, and Zomba) in a four-year-old provenance trial across five sites in Malawi (Mt Mulanje, Zomba and Dedza and Luwawa, & Chikangawa highlands). It also analyzed the relationship between key soil factors and provenance performance. A randomized complete block design was used with five blocks per site, each containing three treatments of 49 trees planted at a spacing of 2.75m x 2.75m. Measurements were taken from a core area of 25 trees within each plot to minimize edge effects. Tree height (m) and root collar diameter (RCD, cm) were accurately measured, and survival rates were determined by counting surviving trees per plot. Soil samples were collected randomly from each 5×5 plot at all five provenance trial plots at a depth of 0.15 meters, with six samples collected from each subplot. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon content, total nitrogen, exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity (CEC), total organic carbon (TOC) and phosphorus levels were analyzed using standard operating procedure for soil analysis. Analysis of Variance ANOVA using Minitab 16.1 was used to analyze height and RCD data, with means separated by Fischer’s least significant difference (LSD) at the 0.05 level. Survival data was analyzed using percentages. Zomba provenance demonstrated the highest mean survival (66.2%), with highest survival (88.8%) at Luwawa and RCD growth (7.68 cm). Chikangawa showed the least RCD growth (1.57 cm) lower mean survival of 31.2%. Available phosphorus (P) varied significantly; Dedza recorded a mean of 32.5 mg/kg, while levels at Thuchira and Zomba were critically low, averaging 3.0 mg/kg. Total nitrogen (N) varied between 0.11% at Luwawa and 0.63% at Thuchira, indicating site-specific differences in nutrient availability. Provenance and soil conditions significantly affect W. whytei survival and growth, with Zomba generally superior. Soil pH and phosphorus are crucial; matching provenance to site is vital.

ID: 3.9641

Preserving the Himalayan ecosystems and biodiversity – a hill to die on

Karuna Budhathoki

Abstract/Description

The Himalayan range is a critical bio-geographic region with epithets such as the ‘water tower of the world’. Harbouring thousands of plants and avifauna, hundreds of mammals, and millions of inhabitants, it is an important biophysical and socioecological system. Owing to global climate change, the Himalayan region is one of the most vulnerable systems in the world, with manifestations of prolonged droughts and erratic precipitation patterns. Combined with the hardships brought about by topographic complexities, human movement, agrarian activities, and natural resources use are rapidly changing, failing to adapt suitably to the vagaries of climate change. Rural farmland abandonment, declining agropastoral labor, and changes in vegetation and wildlife, led by depopulation of rural mountain areas pose additional risk to the socioecological mountain systems in the Himalaya. One of the important challenges raised in the Himalaya at present is the fundamental shift away from agrarian livelihoods, which are intricately woven with the ecosystems they inhabit. In the S4SSS workshop, we will take inspiration from a curated list of unique ecosystems or components (niche environments, endemic or endangered flora and fauna) of the Himalaya. The expected outcomes include creation of art (drawings, paintings, music or writings), reflection on the importance of our muse, and possibly curiosities and ideas for future research. Another possibility is the compilation of the art and ideas from the workshop into an open-source online publication (in English as well as local languages such as Nepali), hosted at the organizing institution and/or the collaborators.

ID: 3.10453

Morphological diversity of ganoderma species and its host trees in mezam division of the northwest region of Cameroon

Bih Ndeh Joan
Tacham, Walter N.; Katamssadan, Tofel H.; Kinge, Tonjock R.

Abstract/Description

Ganoderma P. Karst. is a fungal pathogen that causes root and stem rot in trees, ultimately leading to their death. It can be used to treat various conditions of human diseases. This fungal species often grows on economically significant trees. Its morphological’ diversity and host range need to be better understood due to the similarity in morphological characters. This research aims to identify the phenotypic diversity of Ganoderma species and their host trees. Opportunistic sampling was used to collect samples from nine villages in Mezam Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon. Morphological identification of Ganoderma species was done based on morphological characters such as colour, length, and width, laccate or non-laccate, the type of basidiocarp, margin shape, microscopical structures, and hyphae. The morphological characters of basidiocarps collected from different host trees revealed eleven distinct Ganoderma species, including Ganoderma applanatum, G. australe, G. brownii, G. cupreum, G. gibbosum, G. lucidum, G. multipileum, G. multiplicatum, G. orbiforme, G. resinaceum and G. weberianum. This study identified nine host tree species including Elaeis guineensis, Ficus sp., Albizia adianthifolia, Mangifera indica, Maesopsis eminii, Cola acuminata, Croton macrostachyus, Eucalyptus globulus and Persea americana. Ganoderma resinaceum was host-specific to Elaeis guineensis. G. cupreum on Ficus sp., and Persea americana, and G. orbiforme on Cola acuminata. G. multiplicatum, G. lucidum, G. gibbosum, and G. applanatum had multiple hosts. Ganoderma typically grows on dead tree stumps based on host preferences. However, three species were collected from living trees: one on Albizia adianthifolia and two on Persea americana, confirming their nature as saprophytes and plant pathogens.

ID: 3.11987

Terrestrial laser scanning for understanding the structure of individual trees in the Himalayan forests

Akshay Paygude
Pande, Hina; Kumar, Manoj

Abstract/Description

Terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) integrates precise range and angular measurements to construct a three-dimensional representation of the target object in the form of a point cloud. In forestry, TLS allows precise measurement of tree dimensions, canopy structure, and forest density, which are essential for understanding growth patterns, and biomass estimation. Quantitative Structural Modelling (QSM) of point cloud data has been widely used for structural parameter retrieval and volume estimation of trees. In this study, we demonstrate QSM to retrieve tree structural parameters from point cloud data acquired in the Indian Western Himalayan region. The target forest vegetation was comprised of native Himalayan tree species viz. Pinus roxburghii, Cedrus deodara, Shorea robusta and Quercus floribunda. The difficulty of estimating Himalayan forest structure parameters arises from topographical variations. Rugged terrain limits positions for LiDAR scanning and complicate the generation of accurate Digital Terrain Models (DTM). Therefore, several acquisition factors determine the preciseness of the forest parameters estimated from TLS data, such as sensor specifications, scanning and processing technique, topography, and the characteristics of target forest vegetation.

ID: 3.12869

Biodiversity of Ecological Restoration in a Temperate Mountain System of the Central Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

Subir Chowfin
Iranzo, Esperanza; Lopez, Bernat Claramunt

Abstract/Description

Ecological restoration is important for conserving biodiversity,especially in highly diverse,vulnerable forests, such as the temperate forests of the Central Himalayas.This study investigates the responses of vegetation, avifaunal and medium to large-sized mammal communities to ecological restoration by passive forest restoration in the private forests of the Gadoli and Manda Khal Fee Simple Estates in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. Situated within the Western Himalayan Temperate Forest Ecoregion,these forests provide vital ecological services,including freshwater provisioning and habitat connectivity. The study area was originally tea estates, historically managed under working plans since 1953 and have faced extensive degradation due to illegal land use.Conservation interventions included action in legal forums followed by on-ground initiatives to secure these forests,their biodiversity and ecosystem services. Degraded areas were subject to passive forest regeneration, with protection from forest foot-patrols to reduce the intensity of illegal human entry and activity. To evaluate the effectiveness of these restoration efforts in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, natural forests and restoration sites were mapped,and systematic vegetation,avifaunal,and mammal surveys were conducted. Plant species composition, abundance, and diversity were compared between natural and restored sites across 45 plots (Broadleaf Evergreen Forest:10–15, Needleleaf Forest:10–15, Restoration:10–15).Preliminary results suggest restoration areas form a distinct habitat type, with a mixed species pool. Comparing restoration to needleleaf forests,beta diversity was driven by turnover rather than nestedness,and when comparing to broadleaf evergreen forests,was driven by both. Stratifying habitats into regeneration (3m) layers,species filtering was observed both across and within habitats. Upperstories had lower species richness than regeneration and understory layers,while understories showed species accumulation. Our findings will contribute to understanding the role passive forest restoration plays in maintaining and in assisting the recovering of biodiversity within fragmented forest landscapes.This research highlights the importance and value of private forest protection and conservation in achieving long–term biodiversity conservation goals in the Central Himalayas by integrating ecological monitoring with conservation management.

ID: 3.13111

Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Medicinal Plant Usage Among Indigenous Communities in Jammu and Kashmir: A Study on Conservation and Healthcare Practices

Shazia Akhtar

Abstract/Description

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in India is gradually disappearing due to rapid modernization, deforestation, and the growing reliance on allopathic medicine. Indigenous communities and traditional healers, who have long relied on plant-based remedies for treating various ailments, are witnessing a decline in the transmission of this knowledge to younger generations. Urbanization and lifestyle changes have led to reduced dependence on traditional medicine, while commercial exploitation and biopiracy threaten the ownership and sustainability of indigenous practices. In Himalayas, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, a Union Territory of India, support rich biodiversity and a wealth of traditional plant-based remedies. Local people, healers, and tribal communities, including the Gujjar and Bakarwal, live in forested areas with their livestock and migrate from one place to another, extensively using medicinal plants for their healthcare. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted at three altitude ranges (1500m) to assess the traditional use of plants among indigenous communities. The study examines that these communities depend on a deep understanding of local flora, passed down through generations, to treat various diseases, including respiratory issues, digestive disorders, skin conditions, and inflammatory diseases. The harsh climatic conditions and limited access to modern healthcare systems in remote and high-altitude areas further reinforce the reliance on medicinal plants as primary healthcare solutions. The findings highlight those plants such as Berberis lyceum, Mentha longifolia, Prunus persica, Rosa webiana, and Mentha arvensis are widely used for their therapeutic properties. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the urgent need to preserve and continue ethnobotanical knowledge, which plays a significant role in healthcare and disease management in Jammu and Kashmir.

ID: 3.13231

Status of Deforestation and Forest Degradation and Drivers thereof in Indo-Himalayan region

Trishla Shaktan
Rawat, Dr. Ranjeet Singh; Nautiyal, Dr. Raman

Abstract/Description

With the consequences of climate change (CC) becoming increasingly menacing, the need for effective approaches for its timely mitigation is crucial. The situation has worsened with increased carbon emissions due to continuous deforestation and forest degradation (D&FD). Forests are vulnerable to degradation as they provide several products like fuel-wood, fodder, etc. to the communities. Temperate forests in Indo-Himalayan region are particularly important to maintain the Himalayan eco-system that is crucial for climatic and water security of the plains of Northern India. The study aims to estimate baseline carbon stock of temperate forests of Indo-Himalayan region, status of D&FD using GIS and identifying the drivers of D&FD in the study area. Estimation of the overall carbon stock for the study area was found to be around 195.60 million tonnes. LULUCF and status of D&FD was studied using remote sensing and GIS. The study indicated a decrease in forest cover, water availability and snow cover and showed an increase in the agriculture and settlement areas reflecting degradation of the forest area. A detailed household survey and stakeholder workshop was executed to identify the drivers of D&FD and understanding the socio-economic status and dependency on forests. Analytical Hierarchical Programming was used to give weights to the drivers of D&FD. The main drivers identified were encroachment, developmental activities, illicit-felling, over-lopping and fuel-wood collection and forest fires. The solutions to combat D&FD are alternate and sustainable livelihood opportunities, unconventional energy sources and community involvement in combating forest fires.

WS 3.504: Numerical Modeling for Landslide Risk Assessment

WS 3.506: Bridging Research and Practice in PhD Studies

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

WS 3.505

See the trees for the forest

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Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

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Keywords

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Submitted Abstracts

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