Abstract
Here we propose a method to quantitatively assess and examine Global No Net Loss (GNNL) of forest biodiversity on a global scale. The method produces a GNNL index of existing forest and enables future predictions of forest loss under different assumptions. The method tests the feasibility of the GNNL index and enables discussion of policy for future global scale sustainable forest management up to 2050. The GNNL index was estimated from an equation including forest areas per country per forest type (primary forest, secondary forest and plantation forest), diversity of forest ecosystem, and species density. Estimates derived from historical data revealed an approximate 7% reduction in GNNL index between 1990 and 2005. Predictions of the GNNL index until 2050 emphasize the importance of regenerating large portions of forests felled for agricultural land (or other uses) with secondary forests.
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Notes
Previous research on the relationship between species and forest area consists mainly of monitoring and site surveys over very limited areas and on limited species (e.g., Barlow et al. 2007); there is only a small body of global scale research.
Some critique of the FAO data exists. For example, Australia has claimed a large CO2 benefit in the Kyoto Protocol because of a very large reduction in land clearing between 1990 and 1997, which is clearly not reflected in FAO data.
Biofuels using cellulose-based raw materials (wheat straw, rice straw), not in competition with foods.
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Acknowledgments
This study was conducted as part of the flagship project supported by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). We would also like to thank Dr. Hirotaka Matsuda of IR3S for his invaluable feedback.
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Edited by Zakri A. Hamid, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia.
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Yoshikawa, M., Motoki, Y., Hibino, G. et al. Global-scale quantitative assessment for biodiversity on forest land use: applying the Global No Net Loss approach. Sustain Sci 6, 169–175 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-011-0128-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-011-0128-2