I visited Ukraine in 2009. Without any doubt, it was one of the most beautiful countries I have ever seen in my life. Together with a group of entomologists, we were travelling around Crimea observingContinue reading
Category: International Forestry
How do insect pests interact with other forest disturbances?
Insects are part of our ecosystems and are well integrated in the dynamics of forest landscapes. However, high-intensity episodes, known as outbreaks, can have strong negative impacts to host plants and, consequently to the wholeContinue reading
The complex adaptive ecosystems of Tannourine cedar reserve in Lebanon
An ancient landscape in the east of the Mediterranean that witnessed many changes over the centuries and gained a variety of landscape characteristics as a result of human practices, and natural history. But now andContinue reading
Is the burning of woody biomass climate friendly?
Our newest paper on woody biomass for energy production is now published online in English. The paper is clarifying common misconceptions and is debunking myths about the use of forest biomass. We also discuss ifContinue reading
A step forward in the simulation of Mediterranean forest ecosystems
Modelling the dynamics of Mediterranean forests at large scales is a challenge. But scientists are setting up simulation models to help us better understand future directions of these ecosystems and how to better manage them.Continue reading
30 years of triad forestry: an interview with Dr. Robert Seymour
Recently, I’ve been meditating on the strengths and weaknesses of intensively managed plantations. I understand firsthand the incredible efficiency of plantation forestry to produce wood fiber; I worked nearly a decade in some of theContinue reading
What Do We Know About Global Forest Investments and Their Returns?
In this short article, I discuss the main characteristics of global forest investments together with their expected returns. The article is based on a recently published paper by Professor Frederick Cubbage (College of Natural Resources atContinue reading
Are ash trees doomed?
Ash trees have been part of North American and European forest landscapes for millennia. Yet, they are now under threats because of invasive pests and pathogens such as the ash dieback in Europe and theContinue reading
How to measure the height of a tree?
Only in exceptional cases can tree height be measured directly. There are many instruments for measuring heights. They are known as hypsometers, altimeters, or clinometers. In modern times, the smartphone that uses the software basedContinue reading
Does increasing tree species diversity in plantations make sense?
Mixed species forests tend to be more productive, so whey are we still planting monocultures? A lot of recent research indicates a positive relationship between tree species diversity and productivity. So why aren’t monocultureContinue reading