Ecological perspectives on variable retention forestry

MARTÍNEZ PASTUR, GUILLERMO J.; VANHA-MAJAMAA, ILKKA; FRANKLIN, JERRY F.

Ecological Processes

Springer

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2020 vol. 9

Forest management globally affects the ecosystem services, especially those related to ecosystem functioning andbiodiversity conservation, by altering forest structure and composition. The degree of alteration was related to theintensity and type of harvesting; therefore, the major silvicultural challenge is to develop alternatives to mitigateclimate change and maintain forest functions and biodiversity while also providing acceptable levels of timberproduction. Variable retention forestry (VRF) is a highly flexible concept, with continuity of forest cover, structure,function, and species composition, thereby supporting multiple economic, environmental, and cultural goals. Thisspecial issue provides an overview of the concepts and applications related to VRF implementation around theworld. It shows that VRF has been applied globally for several decades, with varying levels and retention types,depending on local conditions and the economic importance of forestry. The challenges of VRF seem to differ tosome extent on different continents, yet the general aims have been accepted in most of the continents. VRF hasbeen successful in mitigating many effects of intensive harvesting, though in some forests of the world, theretention levels are too low to maintain acceptable levels of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. We concludethat an active collaboration between scientists and forest practitioners is needed to realize all of the opportunitiesprovided by VRF in solving global forestry-related issues.