Earticle

초록

영어

Tropical forests face degradation due to conventional logging practices. Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) offers a sustainable alternative, aligning with UN SDG 15: Life on Land. This study developed a scalable RIL classification system to evaluate logging sustainability in tropical rainforests using ten parameters, and a structured field sheet with clear instructions was created to guide concession evaluations. The parameters were scored on an ordinal scale of 0 to 2, summing to a maximum of 20. A minimum threshold of 14 distinguishes RIL from Conventional Harvesting (CH), categorizing operations into six levels: Conventional Harvesting (＜14), Beginning RIL (14), Level 1 RIL (15), Level 2 RIL (16), Level 3 RIL (17), or Complete RIL (18-20). Unlike binary compliance frameworks such as FAO standards, this system introduces graduated ordinal scoring, a six-level classification hierarchy, and a mobile application, advances absent across all prior frameworks including the carbon-focused RIL-C approach of Ellis et al. (2019) and the Grünberg et al. (2023) systematic review of logging sustainability criteria. A web application called RIL Scoring App was developed with React.js, ExpressJS, LocalStorage, and EmailJS, hosted at https://ril-scoring-app.netlify.app/. Field assessments in Cameroon’s Forest Management Units (FMUs 11-002, 11-005, 11-006), using nine operational parameters, yielded scores of 8-9/18, classifying all three as Conventional Harvesting. Statistical validity was confirmed through non-parametric tests showing no significant score differences across FMUs (Kruskal-Wallis: p=0.947; Friedman: p=0.717), and perfect Spearman correlation between FMU 11-002 and 11-006 (r=1.000) further validated scoring consistency. Critical gaps were identified in log suspension and logyard management, while logging map preparation and timber identification scored consistently high. Challenges including governance gaps and high training costs necessitate subsidised programs and policy reforms. By standardising RIL evaluation, this framework offers a scalable model to balance timber production with sustainable forest management.

목차

Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Assessment of reduced impact logging (RIL) implementation
Field observations of reduced impact logging (RIL) parameters
Development of field tools and mobile application
Validity of the RIL scoring system
Scope and limitations
Pilot study: South West Region, Cameroon
Results
Parameter-by-parameter analysis
Descriptive statistics
Validity of the scoring system
Comparison with existing RIL assessment frameworks
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations
Expand testing in Cameroon
Test in Southeast Asia and South America
Enhance training
Integrate technology
Conduct comparative studies
References
Appendix

키워드

저자

• Kato Samuel Namuene [ Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, PMB 63 Buea, Cameroon ] Corresponding Author
• Egbe Enow Andrew [ Department of Agronomic and Applied Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, PMB 63 Buea, Cameroon ]

참고문헌

발행기관

간행물

표지보기 관심저널 등록

• 간행물명

  Journal of Forest and Environmental Science [산림과학연구]

• 간기

  계간

• pISSN

  2288-9744

• eISSN

  2288-9752

• 수록기간

  1981~2026

• 등재여부

  KCI 등재

• 십진분류

  KDC 526 DDC 634