Managing forests in a changing world: the need for a systemic approach. A review
Author(s)
Nocentini, Susanna
Buttoud, Gerard
Ciancio, Orazio
Corona, Piermaria
Date Issued
2017
Type
article
Abstract
The paper is a scientiic commented discussion with the aim of deining a framework which allows both a comprehensive
vision of forest dynamics, as well as an adaptive management approach and policy procedures more suited to a changing and inherently unpredictable world.
Main results: We identify the main challenges facing forestry in relation to recent developments in forestry thinking, i.e. the paradox
of aiming at sustainability in a changing environment, a shifting perception of the relationship between ecological and social systems,
the recognition of forest ecosystems as complex adaptive systems, the need for integrating the social and ecological dimensions of
forestry into a single framework, and the growing awareness of the importance of the ethical approach to the forest. We propose the
concept of “systemic forestry” as a paradigm for better understanding forest dynamics and for guiding management and public actions
at various levels. We compare the systemic approach with different silvicultural and forest management approaches which have been
proposed in the last decades.
Research highlights: Our analysis shows that a systemic approach to forestry has ive main consequences: 1. forestry is viewed as a
part of landscape dynamics through a multi-sectoral coordination, 2. the logic of action changes from norm to process, 3. conservation
is a dynamic search for resilience, 4. multi-functionality is achieved through a multi-entries approach integrating ecological, social and
economic components of sustainability, 5. forestry institutions are reframed to address the issue of changing interactions among actors,
6. a change in the ethical approach to the forest is needed.
Citation
Nocentini, S., et al. 2017. Managing forests in a changing world: the need for a systemic approach. A Review. "Forest Systems" 26 (1): eR01
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Forest Systems _ Managing forests.pdf
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Sponsor(s)
Piermaria Corona was supported by the Project “ALForLab”(PON03PE 00024 1) co-funded by the Italian Operational
Programme for Research and Competitiveness (PON R&C) 2007-2013, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
and national resource (Revolving Fund—Cohesion Action Plan (CAP)MIUR).
Programme for Research and Competitiveness (PON R&C) 2007-2013, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
and national resource (Revolving Fund—Cohesion Action Plan (CAP)MIUR).