Tree stock, structure and use of common woody species of a town neighboring forest reserve in Tanzania: implication for managing carbon accumulation
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Date
2018-11-05
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Abstract
Town neighboring forests in the tropics suffer high human pressure owing to unregulated
harvest to supply domestic energy and equipment. Although this causes considerable
source of income among communities, it poses significant deforestation, thus,
jeopardizing carbon accumulation potentials of most of the forests. This study therefore
assessed the stock, structure and use of common woody species in a town neighboring
forest reserve to elucidate the reserve’s carbon accumulation potential amid pressures
from surrounding communities. It was found out that the structure of the forest had been
altered following unregulated tree harvest. There were selective harvesting and removal
of valued timber trees, and key species that otherwise are responsible in regulating the
ecosystem functioning of the reserve. It was apparent that the unregulated harvest is
likely to jeopardize the ecosystem functioning and carbon accumulation potential of the
reserve. Thus, to manage the reserve sustainably, awareness education on forest biodiversity
conservation among surrounding local communities is recommended. We also
recommend exploration of the reserve for ecotourism potentials. This might stimulate
ecotourism activities in the area and provide an alternative source of income among
the local population. This would add value and sense of ownership and stimulate selfmobilization
for protection of the reserve.
Description
Chapter 2, Forest Biomass and Carbon 2018
Keywords
Miombo, Savanna, Community, Exploitation, Harvest