Trees, Forests and People最新文献

{"title":"An assessment of Kenya's forest policy and law on participatory forest management for sustainable forest management: Insights from Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve","authors":"Colbert M. Jackson ,&nbsp;Olufemi S. Durowoju ,&nbsp;Samuel A. Adelabu ,&nbsp;Sunday A. Adeniyi","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100770","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100770","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The management of state forests is increasingly adopting participatory forest management (PFM), a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. PFM aims to enhance transparency in forest governance by involving local communities in decision-making and processes. The Forest Act of 2005 formalized PFM in Kenya, granting community forest associations (CFAs) the right to collaborate with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). This framework empowers CFAs with both responsibilities and rights related to forest management and benefit sharing. This study evaluated the effectiveness of PFM in Kenya by analyzing the forest policy, legislative framework, and institutional mechanisms that support the transition to sustainable forest management (SFM). It also aimed to identify and address key challenges in forest law enforcement and governance. The study focused on three key questions: (i) How has Forest Act of 2005 and subsequent policies influenced PFM? (ii) How effective are CFAs in managing forests? (iii) What challenges in Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) hinder PFM, and what strategies can address these issues? A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data for cross-validation. The methodology included a comprehensive literature review, alongside data from key informant interviews (KIIs), household surveys, and participant observation. The analysis revealed gaps in forest governance, including conflicting legislation, weak enforcement, insufficient KFS funding, limited CFA involvement in decision-making, and ambiguous CFA roles. Other challenges included illegal logging, inadequate judicial understanding of forestry law, insufficient PFM benefits for the local communities, and the need for more inclusive practices to improve forest conservation and management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100770"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143128563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Degradation of mangrove forests in the Sundarbans: An assessment based on perspectives of mangrove resource collectors using the DPSIR framework","authors":"Khandkar- Siddikur Rahman ,&nbsp;Nabila Hasan Dana ,&nbsp;Mohammad Mizanur Rahman ,&nbsp;Himaddri Shekher Mondal ,&nbsp;Luzhen Chen ,&nbsp;Md Nazrul Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100769","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100769","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mangrove forests provide vital ecosystem services to communities in tropical countries, yet they are susceptible to degradation. The causes and effects of mangrove forest degradation in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to explore these issues from the perspective of mangrove resource collectors (MRCs). Utilizing the DPSIR (Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, and Response) framework, data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with MRCs. The findings revealed that the drivers of mangrove degradation included reduced freshwater supply, increased demand for mangrove resources, climate change, and tourism. These drivers created pressures on the mangrove forests, manifesting through natural disasters, rising salinity levels, the establishment of the Farakka barrage, forest fires, coastal development, overexploitation, and pollution. Consequently, the forests experienced alterations in cover, a decline in mature trees, reduced stem density, and changes in species composition. The impacts of this degradation included biodiversity loss, diminished ecosystem services, and adverse effects on the livelihoods of communities dependent on mangroves. MRCs highlighted the necessity for support in generating alternative incomes, restoring freshwater supply, addressing the Farakka barrage issue collaboratively, enhancing forest management practices, and promoting mangrove afforestation and reforestation. These findings carry significant implications for policy reform, research, sustainable management, and conservation efforts for mangrove forests. They also underscore the need for developing alternative livelihood programs for communities living around the Sundarbans and other tropical regions facing similar challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100769"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantifying winter forage resources for reindeer: Developing a method to estimate ground lichen cover and biomass at a local scale","authors":"Erik Cronvall ,&nbsp;Sven Adler ,&nbsp;Per Sandström ,&nbsp;Anna Skarin","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100768","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100768","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Boreal forests serve as the primary winter range for reindeer (<em>Rangifer tarandus</em>) in Sweden, where ground lichens constitute the main food source. Lichen-rich forests have declined drastically, and modern forest practices, along with other land uses, impact both the quantity and availability of lichen. The resulting reduction in lichen has serious consequences for reindeer and Sami reindeer husbandry. Consequently, robust methods for mapping and measuring lichen are highly sought after.</div><div>We developed and implemented a multistep method for objectively estimating lichen cover and biomass. We collected data at three study sites in lichen-rich pine forests in northern Sweden during July–August 2021. First, we collected data on NDVI and tree cover using a drone. These data informed a spatially balanced sampling approach to provide a distribution of plots for a representative field sample. Following this, we collected field data on lichen cover and height in these plots. In addition, we compared methods for assessing lichen cover in the field and found that visual estimates resulted in lower values than a point-intercept method. We recommend the point-intercept method for its objectivity and consistency between observers. By combining data from a literature review and fitting a linear regression on lichen volume (dm³ m⁻²) and biomass (kg dry weight m⁻²) through the origin, we determined a slope of 0.0148 for estimating biomass from volume measures. Using this relationship with field data on lichen cover and height, we obtained statistically unbiased estimates of lichen cover and biomass. This approach reduces the time required compared to destructive methods involving lichen collection and weighing.</div><div>While our method provides lichen cover and biomass estimates, we also demonstrate how these biomass estimates can be linked to the number of reindeer grazing days an area can sustain each year, enhancing the usefulness of the results. Our estimates will be valuable in planning and management of reindeer husbandry, as well as for quantifying the loss of the ground lichen resource in forestry, energy and mining industries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100768"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143127805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimation of height and aerial biomass in Eucalyptus globulus plantations using UAV-LiDAR","authors":"Lucia Enriquez Pinedo ,&nbsp;Kevin Ortega Quispe ,&nbsp;Dennis Ccopi Trucios ,&nbsp;Julio Urquizo Barrera ,&nbsp;Claudia Rios Chavarría ,&nbsp;Samuel Pizarro Carcausto ,&nbsp;Diana Matos Calderon ,&nbsp;Solanch Patricio Rosales ,&nbsp;Mauro Rodríguez Cerrón ,&nbsp;Zoila Ore Aquino ,&nbsp;Michel Paz Monge ,&nbsp;Italo Castañeda Tinco","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100763","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100763","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The lack of precise methods for estimating forest biomass results in both economic losses and incorrect decisions in the management of forest plantations. In response to this issue, this study evaluated the effectiveness of using the DJI Zenmuse L1 LiDAR, mounted on a DJI Matrice 300 RTK UAV, to provide three-dimensional measurements of canopy structure and estimate the aboveground biomass of Eucalyptus globulus. Various LiDAR metrics were employed alongside field measurements to calibrate predictive models using multiple regression and machine learning algorithms. The results at the individual tree level show that RF is the most accurate model, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.76 in the training set and 0.66 in the test set, outperforming Elastic Net (R² of 0.58 and 0.57, respectively). At the plot level, a multiple regression model achieved an R² of 0.647, highlighting LiDAR-derived metrics as key predictors. The findings revealed that the combination of LiDAR with advanced statistical techniques, such as multiple regression and Random Forest, significantly improves the accuracy of biomass estimation, surpassing traditional methods based on allometric equations. Therefore, the use of LiDAR in conjunction with machine learning represents an effective alternative for biomasss estimation, with great potential in such plantations and contribute to more sustainable exploitation of timber resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100763"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143093272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by Lois community of Kakching district, Manipur, India","authors":"Salam Shyamchandra Singh ,&nbsp;Laldinfeli Ralte ,&nbsp;Hmingremhlua Sailo ,&nbsp;Athokpam Pinokiyo ,&nbsp;M. Roma Devi ,&nbsp;Sandhyarani Devi Khomdram ,&nbsp;Y. Tunginba Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100765","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The majority of Manipuri still rely on medicinal plants, which have been utilized for generations. The Lois people, who live in the Kakching district of Manipur, have a rich cultural heritage and have long used plants for various purposes, including the production of traditional herbal medicine. Despite the usage of indigenous medicinal plants in the Kakching district, ethnobotanical research has not yet been conducted. The present study aims to document and analyze traditional medicinal plants as well as their associated knowledge and practices among local communities. Quantitative ethnobotanical data was documented from October 2022 to December 2023 using semi-structured interviews, in-person discussions, group discussions, and guided field trips. There were 140 informants for this cross sectional study. Maximum informants were characterized by mostly male practitioners, age around 45–60 years, with high school and diploma level education, farmers and herbalists by occupation. All the collected data were analyzed using MS Excel Spreadsheet, Graph Pad Prism, and ethnobotany R package in R software. We identified 236 traditional medicinal plant species distributed in 80 families and 184 genera used for treating 59 distinct medical conditions under 13 recognized categories of ailments in the present study. With the biggest number of species given and the highest number of dominant families in the area, the Fabaceae and Lamiaceae (20 species) were identified. The most often employed plant parts were leaves and the primary method of preparing cures was decoction. Fidelity level (FL) values ranged from 36.4 % (<em>Ocimum americanum</em>) to 80.4 % (<em>Cucurma domestica</em>). The medicinal plants with comparatively lower FL (below 40 FL value) need proper attention. Informant consensus factor (ICF) value ranged from 0.41 to 0.9. The disease category relating to digestive disorders and cardiovascular diseases had the highest consensus scores (0.9). With 192 use report scores, the greatest number of plant taxa <em>Oroxylum indicum</em> was used to treat stomachache. The Lois people possess considerable traditional ethnomedical expertise. The vegetation in the area supports rich diversity of medicinal plants, but droughts, agriculture, and deforestation pose great threat to their existence. Of the 5 factors studied considering selected informant based ranking, deforestation records to be the highest risk factor. In-depth studies of prospective species for medication development are crucial, as is scientific backing for local conservation initiatives. Prioritizing species with higher-use reports is also necessary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100765"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and motivation for adoption of climate-smart agroforestry in two contrasting agroecosystems of Rwanda","authors":"Donatien Ntawuruhunga ,&nbsp;Edwin Estomii Ngowi ,&nbsp;Halima Omari Mangi ,&nbsp;Raymond John Salanga ,&nbsp;Kenneth Lynch Leonard","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100766","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Globally, the experiences show that climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) can contribute to sustainable agricultural growth and rural transformation while tackling climate change. This study evaluated the interplay between farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and motivation to adopt CSAF. The study used data from 381 farmers surveyed in Bugesera and Rulindo regions, Rwanda. Bugesera, in the semi-arid savannah lowlands, and Rulindo, in the temperate central highlands, were purposively selected for their distinct physiographic features. A questionnaire was used to collect the data and descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and binomial logistic regression were performed for data analysis. The results from the correlation analysis showed that various revealed factors, including gender, civil status, education, household size, household poverty level (<em>ubudehe</em>), farm size, farmers’ experience in CSAF, ownership of radio and mobile phone, livestock herd size, farm-river distance, training, and extension visits, influenced farmers’ knowledge in adopting CSAF. The most significant positive correlation was found between owning a mobile phone and farmers’ knowledge, while the weakest positive correlation existed between farmers’ gender and their knowledge of CSAF. These factors equally affected farmers’ attitudes, except for statistically insignificant gender. The most significant positive correlation was between owning a mobile phone and farmers’ attitudes, while the weakest was between extension visits and farmers’ attitudes towards CSAF. Further, results revealed a positively significant relationship between the farmers’ ages and their motivation to adopt CSAF. Additionally, the binomial logit regression analysis showed that farmers knowledgeable with CSAF were 2.5 times more likely to practice CSAF than farmers without such knowledge. Moreover, being motivated by CSAF benefits increased the likelihood of adopting CSAF by 0.6 times compared to unmotivated farmers. By filling the gap in understanding farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and motivations toward CSAF adoption, this study contributes to advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Rwanda. It provides a blueprint for similar initiatives elsewhere.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100766"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143127792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of heterogeneous habitats on the taxonomic and functional diversity of avifauna in an eastern Himalayan foothill landscape, India","authors":"Vivek Chetry,&nbsp;Prasanta Kumar Saikia,&nbsp;Malabika Kakati Saikia,&nbsp;Kuladip Sarma,&nbsp;Pranjal Mahananda","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100764","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100764","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Eastern Himalaya in India is known for its rich avian biodiversity, often supported by the variation in habitat type and distribution. In this context, our study investigated the influence of habitat heterogeneity on avian assemblages in a foothill forest. We estimated the taxonomic and functional diversity of birds, considering species richness and abundance as species weightage. Our avian surveys, conducted from September 2021 to September 2023, recorded 2753 individuals representing 233 bird species, providing a comprehensive picture of avian diversity in the region. Taxonomic and functional diversity indices varied across the habitats. Shannon-Weiner diversity index and functional evenness were high in dense forest, while the forest edge showed high functional richness. Riparian habitat had the lowest Shannon-Weiner diversity but exhibited high functional divergence. Moreover, avian richness and abundance were significantly affected by habitat type. Indicator species analysis revealed that most habitats were associated with several invertebrate-feeding species. The foraging guild composition also significantly differed across the habitats. The presence of globally threatened and near-threatened species highlights the conservation significance of the study area. The results of our study underscore the critical role of habitat heterogeneity in the conservation of diverse bird species. In addition, our results highlight the importance of developing conservation strategies tailored to the specific needs of different bird functional groups to ensure the long-term survival of bird populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100764"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143093271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Towards inclusive conservation governance in forest landscape co-management: Insights from the Yarlung Tsangpo river basin","authors":"Ting Ma ,&nbsp;Peng Wang ,&nbsp;Ding Yang ,&nbsp;Zhi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100762","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100762","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Co-management involves sharing resource management duties between the state and user groups. In the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin (YTRB), resource management is fragmented across township-level governments, resulting in coordination challenges and the exclusion of critical stakeholders from decision-making processes. This research presents feedback and recommendations from focus group discussions with local residents and officials in the YTRB on their experiences with \"forest landscape co-management.\" Participants advocated for a fairer and more inclusive conservation mechanism. The paper concludes with discussions on key issues such as equity, empowerment, and gender, emphasizing the need for a shift from co-management to an inclusive conservation governance model. This model would facilitate joint deliberations and decision-making among diverse stakeholders. The study underscores that adopting an inclusive conservation governance approach in the YTRB can enhance forest resource protection and conservation through shared responsibility. It also suggests that such a framework can organize forest resource management to achieve local sustainability. Furthermore, the research provides a baseline for forest resource planners to adopt shared responsibility, mitigating conflicts among users and ensuring that those affected by decisions can understand and accept common resource management goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100762"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of direct and indirect drivers of land use and land cover changes from agriculture to Eucalyptus plantation using the DPSIR framework in Sinan and Mecha Districts of Northwestern Ethiopia","authors":"Kassa Chanie Wubetie,&nbsp;Asabeneh Alemayehu,&nbsp;Engidayehu Melaku","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Ethiopia, several factors are driving the conversion of agricultural land into Eucalyptus plantations. This study focuses on the Sinan and Mecha districts in northwest Ethiopia to identify the drivers behind this shift from agriculture to Eucalyptus forests. We used purposive and simple random sampling to select study areas and households. Data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. For data analysis, we employed descriptive statistics, ranking of drivers with a ranking index using the principle of weighted average, t-test, and a binary logistic regression model. The results reveal several key drivers of land use change. The most significant direct factors include using trees as an alternative income source, declining soil fertility, increasing demand for Eucalyptus wood products, and anticipated future returns from Eucalyptus plantations. Additionally, high agricultural input costs, rising wood prices, land degradation, and the shading effects of Eucalyptus on adjacent plots were identified as proximate drivers. Econometric regression analysis shows that family size and landholding size positively influence land use decisions, while distance to nearby towns negatively affects these choices. Respondents also reported challenges such as limited cropland, insufficient grazing land and fodder, land fragmentation, reduced agricultural production, and food shortages following land use conversion. Addressing these challenges is vital for the well-being and resilience of rural households. Implementing strategies like sustainable land management and effective land use policies can help enhance food security, economic stability, and overall quality of life for these communities. Allocating resources to improve soil fertility and landscape management will support sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation, benefiting rural households. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights for guiding future research, practices, and policies aimed at sustainable land use planning and food self-sufficiency in rural Ethiopia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100759"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143127793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Arboricultural codes of ethics lack protection for trees, wildlife, and biodiversity: A review of codes from national and international professional associations","authors":"Alexander J.F. Martin ,&nbsp;Lukas G. Olson ,&nbsp;Tenley M. Conway","doi":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Arboriculture practices have the potential to negatively impact the natural environment, including through the pruning or removal of trees with cavities or hollows, the misuse of pesticides, and operations that are injurious to wildlife. Mitigating approaches have been limited by market disincentives, under-enforcement, and voluntary best management practices and standards. For arborists in professional associations, codes of ethics (COEs) may have the potential to improve environmentalism within arboriculture while ensuring public trust in the associations themselves. To determine how environmental protection is discussed in arboricultural COEs, we conducted a review of nine COEs from seven national and international arboricultural professional associations, coding for environmental themes and legal/regulatory requirements. Seven COEs included a total of twelve environmentally related themes, most commonly discussing trees (n=8) and the environment (n=5). Wildlife and urban forest health were not mentioned. No COE referenced environmental laws, although six COEs required adherence with laws generally. The lack of specific prohibitions or mandates on environmentally friendly practices may allow practitioners to take advantage of COE loopholes, which would allow environmentally negative practice that could not be disciplined by an ethics committee unless the code was revised. While an alternative means of environmental governance through COEs might examine whether professional members adhered to local laws and regulations, associations may face difficulties in reviewing and properly applying legislation in disciplining their members, particularly when international associations must review legislation outside of the ethics committee's region(s) of practice. We provide recommendations for improving ethics programs, including five suggested additions for COEs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36104,"journal":{"name":"Trees, Forests and People","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100758"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143127806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}