The invasion of pines in the Argentine Patagonia, particularly in Bariloche, poses a significant challenge to biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management. In response, Red PINOS, a participatory and collaborative governance structure, has emerged as a key alternative for articulating and coordinating efforts to address this issue in a comprehensive and holistic manner. This study aims to characterize the role of Red PINOS in mapping the social actors involved in pine invasion management in the natural--urban interface areas of Bariloche. Utilizing actor mapping techniques and social network analysis, the study identified and measured the levels of participation of diverse actors through various articulations. The initiative fostered various links and interactions, resulting in the establishment of a multi-actor, open, and dynamic round table that was previously non-existent.

The research identified twenty-eight actor groups linked to the issue, including ten from the public sector, five from the private sector, six from the academic--scientific sector, and seven from civil society. Currently, the governance table is comprised mainly of individuals from academic--scientific institutions, where the initiative originated, followed by the public sector, and civil society to a lesser extent. An initial link has been established with 70% of the actor groups, with the private sector presenting the greatest challenges for articulation.

The results demonstrate that Red PINOS has facilitated greater communication, consensus, cooperation, and synergy among government entities, non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, and civil society regarding action strategies for more efficient and effective pine invasion management. These positive outcomes are partially attributed to the mobilization of resources, knowledge sharing, and collaborative actions leading to increased awareness of the problem and mitigation of pine invasions. Examples: on-site removal efforts in a pilot area, growth of the social network, increased public interaction, and citizen participation in collaborative mapping of the invasions.

Bamboo forms an important resource for indigenous communities, especially in Asia with its abundant bamboo resources. Thin-walled bamboo is widely used for mat weaving by the tribal communities in Western Ghats, which forms a major utilitarian item. Two endemic bamboos, Teinostachyum wightii Bedd. & Ochlandra travancorica (Bedd.) Benth, are used for mat weaving by the communities, with the former being the most preferred species. The physical and anatomical properties of these two bamboo species are studied in the bottom, middle and top portions. The internodal length of T. wightii was found to be more (120 cm) in the middle, reducing the need for joining the slivers, which is an important parameter of mat weaving. Density ranged between 0.48g/cm³ and 0.59 g/cm³ for T. wightii. Vascular bundles were found to be predominantly of Type II. Fiber characteristics showed variations across height levels (bottom, middle and top) and radial positions of the species (outer, middle and inner). Mechanical properties were studied for the splits (IS 8242) that were used to produce slivers from the bottom, middle and top parts of both species. The study revealed that T. wightii splits had better MOE (6563 N/mm²) compared to O. travancorica (8334 N/mm²), which could explain the reason why it is the preferred choice of indigenous communities for weaving highly flexible bamboo mats with various designs.

This study evaluated the correlation of climatic variables with the chronology of a tree species, Manilkara huberi (Ducke) A. Chev. (Sapotaceae), from a upland forest in Central Amazonia. Samples were taken from a forest management area and analyzed using a dendrochronological technique, high-frequency densitometry. Instrumental climate data in the Amazon are insufficient to describe the natural variability of rainfall regimes and their association with major ocean–atmosphere interaction events. A dendroclimatic signal was found for Manilkara huberi, which forms annual growth rings as a consequence of the seasonality of rainfall. The annual growth rings of this species are indicated by an alternation of fiber and parenchyma with a band of distinct fibers marking its boundary and are macroscopically difficult to detect. In order to produce a reliable marker of the rings for Manilkara huberi, the technique of high-frequency densitometry was applied, an innovative method of measuring density variations in relation to the wood surface, in high resolution, using the dielectric properties of the wood. The indexed chronology showed a significant correlation with precipitation data from the study region, as well as with sea surface temperature anomalies from the Tropical North Atlantic and traditional El Niño regions. Close congruence was also found with Berlage's (1931) chronology in Java, Indonesia, for the period between 1725 and 1929, despite a distance of more than 18,000 km between the two study regions. This can be explained by teleconnections between the two precipitation regimes, regional and ENOS, and also indicates the potential of dendrochronology, specifically high-frequency densitometry, as a powerful tool for obtaining information about past climatic conditions in the tropics using the annual growth rings of tree species.

‘Alerce’ is an endangered conifer native to Patagonia. Seed production is cyclic; seeds are frequently inviable in a high proportion, present dormancy, and there are no studies of their viability under long-term storage conditions. These difficulties impact their use in ex situ conservation programs. Thus, in vitro culture may provide valuable tools for the propagation of ‘alerce’. We aimed to analyse the influence of stratification, scarification, and sterilization procedures; explant type; basal culture media composition; and 6-benzyladenine (BA) concentration on the success of bud induction. Firstly, we tested the effect of stratification, scarification, three sterilization methods, and four culture media (LP, SH, and the same media but with half macronutrients: HLP, HSH) supplemented with 4.4, 22, or 44 µM BA on bud induction, using whole seeds as explants. Stratification at 4°C was evaluated in a period of 7-60 days; scarification was performed by immersing the seeds in H₂SO₄ for 2 min or in H₂O at 90°C until reaching room temperature (before or after stratification). All seed lots that underwent stratification exhibited high contamination levels (>90%), whereas those subjected to scarification showed neither contamination nor bud induction. Secondly, an experiment without stratification nor scarification was conducted using the same media and BA concentrations mentioned above. Seeds were sterilized with 3% H₂O₂ + Tween 20 for 10 min, and whole zygotic embryos were used as explants. The contamination rate was 26.7%. Significantly higher bud induction was obtained with HSH (72.2 ± 25.4%) and with HLP (48.5 ± 8.7%), both supplemented with 4.4 µM BA. Bud formation was not observed with SH or LP supplemented with 22 or 44 µM BA. Seed viability (20.1 ± 5.7%) was similar to that reported for this species. These results will contribute to the development of a propagation protocol through organogenesis for alerce, a threatened species.

The impacts of land use changes and climate change on shrub expansion have been extensively documented in the Northern Hemisphere. Studies conducted in the Tibetan Plateau indicate that shrub expansion is more reliant on soil moisture than in the Arctic, where results indicate that changes in temperature and precipitation have a significant correlation with shrub expansion. Studies on the spread of shrubs throughout Central Asia, including the northern part of our country, are, sadly, insufficient. We carried out studies on 6 shrub species present in the Shatan river area to determine the response of several shrub species to climate factors, growth patterns, and growth types of dependent habitat types. According to the results of our research, there is a correlation (R²=24) between the morphological characteristics of the shrub. Also, depending on the type of habitat, the growth of annual rings is different (P<0.0001). In addition, each species has a different annual ring width (P<0.0001). In terms of climatic factors, wind had a negative effect (R²=47) and precipitation had a positive effect (R²=57) on the annual ring width of Salix divaricate, a shrub growing in river valley habitats, and it was weakly related to other species. This differential pattern indicator may function depending on the habitat. That being the case, dominant shrub species in southwestern Khentii taiga, Mongolia, have successfully been proven to have high dendrochronological potential and it is practicable to apply it for rangeland and ecological assessments.

This study explores the microwave drying of Melia dubia, with a comprehensive approach that addresses various facets. The primary objectives were to examine drying behaviour and evaluate the drying defects. The drying rates for various treatments were calculated both above and below the fibre saturation point (FSP). The most optimal treatment, characterized by minimal defects, exhibited a drying rate of 0.77g/minute above FSP, 0.39g/minute below FSP, and an overall drying rate of 0.59g/minute. The drying process showed nearly an uniform distribution of moisture, and there were no observable drying-induced defects in the dried wood, suggesting a promising aspect of microwave drying. Static bending and compression tests parallel to the grain were carried out to analyse the impact of microwave drying on mechanical properties. Microwave-dried wood exhibited reductions of 7±3%, 10±2%, and 9±2% in the modulus of elasticity (MOE), the modulus of rupture (MOR), and the maximum compressive strength (MCS), respectively. Examination under light microscopy revealed damage to wood microstructures like ray cells, perforation plates, and vessel walls. The decline in mechanical properties may be attributed to these micro-cracks or damage in its microstructures. These findings emphasize the need for a balanced approach in optimizing microwave drying methods to mitigate the reduction in mechanical properties while capitalizing on the advantages of reduced drying time and uniform drying.

According to the FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, the planet has lost 178 million hectares of forest since 1990. Africa had the highest annual rate of net forest loss, 3.9 million hectares in 2010–2020, due to human activities. Sacred Forests (SFs) are unique ecosystems, deeply intertwined with religious or traditional belief systems, key historical events, and specific burial practices. Sacred forests represent a holistic approach to the sustainable management of forests and are one response to the accelerating biodiversity loss. This research aims to describe how Sacred Forests in the Guinean forest of West Africa hotspot (Guinea, Senegal, and Benin) have been preserved, comparing their ecological dynamics with other forest management models. The case studies apply mixed methodologies to observe forest dynamics and survey Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Satellite remote sensing series help to diachronically monitor ecosystem dynamics. Interactive qualitative methodologies include socio-anthropological research, questionnaires, participant observations, and interviews with stakeholders of Sacred Forests' socio-ecological systems. The results show that the case studies are not subjected to the same anthropogenic pressures as other surrounding forests. Leveraging TEK and integrating scientific ecological knowledge (SEK) on SFs' socio-ecological systems, the paper advocates for a more holistic and inclusive approach to understanding and managing forests. Recognizing that local communities have long-standing relationships and deep-rooted knowledge systems can contribute significantly to sustainable forest management and conservation efforts.

The influence of the forest environment on human populations is reflected in a series of aspects of its use as raw material to promote well-being, added to the traditional knowledge accumulated over generations. Among the new practices and approaches to the use of plants, which add to the growing practice of Forest Therapy, is Forest Bathing, or Shirin Yoku. This study seeks to identify new forms of interaction with the natural environment, discussing the dynamics of the means and purposes of using the forest to promote health. The aim is to evaluate the aforementioned therapeutic approach applied to the Atlantic Forest. The work aims to analyze the health and well-being benefits perceived by visitors in their use of the Jequitibá Trails in the Três Picos State Park in profile analyzes of mood states (POMS) in students and users of its trails. The mountainous region of the state of Rio de Janeiro served as the location for the installation of numerous environmental therapy institutions, even though it is not directly related to Forest Bathing, this study seeks to carry out a historical survey of the therapeutic use in the region as a therapeutic site still used today by the Navy Brazilian. Finally, we seek to offer subsidies that enable Forest Therapy to join the list of Complementary Integrative Practices in Health, following the trend of global research and public policies that increasingly add therapeutic value to forest environments.

This review delves into the advancements in satellite-based wildfire detection systems, highlighting their pivotal role in monitoring remote areas. The evolution of fire detection technology can be traced from the early use of polar-orbiting meteorological satellites in the 1980s to the sophisticated sensors and algorithms employed today. A key breakthrough came with the introduction of the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor on NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. MODIS and similar sensors like VIIRS can detect fires by measuring thermal radiation and spectral characteristics. The contextual algorithm used in MODIS fire detection plays a crucial role in improving accuracy by analyzing spatial and temporal factors.
However, these contextual algorithms face limitations, such as the potential to miss small fires and sensitivity to errors in background temperature estimation. To address these challenges, researchers are developing improved fire detection techniques. These include integrating multiple contextual tests, applying machine learning methods, and leveraging auxiliary data sources like topographical information and land cover maps. Efforts are also underway to create harmonized fire detection products across different satellite sensors and to adapt algorithms regionally for improved performance. Advancements in detecting smoldering fires, especially in peatlands, are crucial for better understanding greenhouse gas emissions. This review emphasizes the importance of these continuous improvements in satellite-based fire detection systems for enabling early wildfire identification, facilitating timely response, and ultimately reducing the devastating consequences of wildfires.

Understanding the process of wood formation, xylogenesis, is fundamental for the ecological management and conservation of forests due to the implications of tree responses to the impact of climate change, especially in harsh environments. Such is the case with the coastal forests of Pinus pinea L. in the Llobregat Delta (Barcelona, Spain), classified as habitats of special interest and conservation under European regulations.

In this study, we selected four stands of these coastal forests, which differ in tree density and phreatic water parameters, determining the xylem formation process in 20 adult Pinus pinea L. trees (5 from each stand of similar age and diameter). Concretely, we show results from two of these stands, both differing just in tree density.

Procedures. Every twenty days from November 2020 to December 2023, we extracted 1-1.5 cm long minicores, from which we obtained histological sections (6-8 µm). These sections were photographed (40x) to determine the number of cells and the ring width. Tracheids were classified in terms of blue cells (elongation and thickening cells) and early- and late-wood cells. The trees selected were dominant, healthy individuals, representative of each stand, located at a mean of 15 meters from each other. The parameters of brackish groundwater are located at a depth of 1.3 meters.

Results. The results indicate that Pinus pinea L. exhibits greater phenotypic plasticity than anticipated, suggesting that competition among trees exerts a significant influence on phenology. We found that the growing period for the less dense stand is quite long—March to July and September to December—while that ofthe densest is from March to May and July to November. Moreover, the less dense stand can triplicate the number of cells compared to the dense one. The same happens with the ring length width. These results were obtained by studying the number of early- and late-wood cells and features such as width.