Reconciling policy instruments with drivers of deforestation and forest degradation: cross-scale analysis of stakeholder perceptions in tropical countries.

Cross-scale studies combining information on policy instruments and on drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are key to design and implement effective forest protection measures. We investigated the scale and country dependency of stakeholder perceptions about future threats to tropical forests (e.g. agriculture, logging, woodfuel) and preferred policy instruments (e.g. reforestation, protected areas, combat illegal logging), by interviewing 224 representatives of forest-related institutions. We conducted analysis of variance and principal component analysis for eighteen variables across three countries (Zambia, Ecuador and the Philippines) and four spatial levels (from international to local). We found that the overall alertness about commercial drivers and the confidence in policy instruments are significantly lower at subnational levels and also in Zambia. Stakeholder expectations about the most important drivers and the most effective policies in the coming decade follow regional narratives, suggesting that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions in international forest policy. However, we found an unexpected consensus across scales, indicating potential for collaboration between institutions operating at different geographical levels. Overall, agriculture remains the driver with the highest expected influence (43%), while a strong favoritism for reforestation and forest restoration (38%) suggests a paradigm shift from protected areas to a stronger focus on integrative approaches.

The influence of ecosystems services depletion to climate change adaptation efforts in Africa.

Climate change is one of the major challenges societies round the world face at present. Apart from efforts to achieve a reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases so as to mitigate the problem, there is a perceived need for adaptation initiatives urgently. Ecosystems are known to play an important role in climate change adaptation processes, since some of the services they provide, may reduce the impacts of extreme events and disturbance, such as wildfires, floods, and droughts. This role is especially important in regions vulnerable to climate change such as the African continent, whose adaptation capacity is limited by many geographic and socio-economic constraints. In Africa, interventions aimed at enhancing ecosystem services may play a key role in supporting climate change adaptation efforts. In order to shed some light on this aspect, this paper reviews the role of ecosystems services and investigates how they are being influenced by climate change in Africa. It contains a set of case studies from a sample of African countries, which serve the purpose to demonstrate the damages incurred, and how such damages disrupt ecosystem services. Based on the data gathered, some measures which may assist in fostering the cause of ecosystems services are listed, so as to cater for a better protection of some of the endangered Africa ecosystems, and the services they provide.

The interactive effects of rainfall, temperature and water level on fish yield in Lake Bangweulu fishery, Zambia.

Climate variability and climate change have negative impacts on fisheries ecosystems and people who derive livelihoods from them. Zambian climate is projected to increase 2 °C in mean temperature by 2070, and further reports suggest that rainfall will drop by 8-30% of the normal average. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of rainfall, temperature and water level on fish yield. The study used both primary and secondary data sources. The major statistical techniques employed in this research include estimation of mean frequencies and correlation coefficients, as well as multivariate regression analyses, to determine the relationships among climate (temperature, rainfall), water level, and fish yield, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results showed an increase in temperature of 0.3 °C, a decrease in rainfall of 3% and a water-level loss of 1.7 m since 1974. During the same period, fish yield increased by 53%, compared to increases in fishers and boats of 57% and 55%, respectively. The resultant Catch per Unit of Effort (CpUE) decreased from 12 kg/net/night to 1.5 kg/net/night. Findings indicate that there are significant correlations between temperature, rainfall (one-year lag), water level and fish yield. Based on the results, there is strong recommendation to incorporate climate variability and change in the modelling of fisheries management to reduce the impacts of climate variability and change on fisheries-based livelihoods.