Forest management – active, adaptive and Indigenous

Active management and its role in reducing carbon emissions

A review of the impacts of sustainable harvesting, non-harvest management and wildfire on net carbon emissions from Australian native forests

Raison, 2024, Australian Forestry

Dr John Raison, a former CSIRO Chief Research Scientist, demonstrates in his latest paper published in the Australian Forestry Journal that active forest management delivers better outcomes for reducing net carbon emissions and safeguarding forest health. His paper provides a clear and balanced analysis of how active management compares to a hands-off approach in terms of carbon emissions, wildfire impacts, and forest resilience.

Dr Raison emphasises that accurately assessing net carbon emissions requires a comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), which accounts for all factors influencing emissions. He criticises several high-profile studies for relying on flawed methods and failing to use LCA, questioning the validity of their findings.

Below we delve deeper into the paper, you can read it for yourself here.

Active forest management as a strategy for reducing carbon emissions

Dr Raison’s paper demonstrates the broad benefits of active and adaptive forest management. By employing a life cycle analysis (LCA) framework, the review shows that sustainably managed forests not only mitigate carbon emissions but also reduce the risk of significant carbon losses caused by wildfires. Unlike unmanaged forests, which are more susceptible to carbon instability from natural disturbances, managed forests provide consistent carbon storage and can provide residues and bioenergy resources.

The analysis integrates carbon emissions reduction with other forest management goals, such as biodiversity conservation, water security, and recreation, illustrating the value of active practices even when timber harvesting is not the primary objective.

Addressing misconceptions about carbon emissions from unmanaged forests

The article identifies and critiques earlier studies that overestimated the carbon benefits of unmanaged forests. Methodological issues, including unrealistic assumptions about carbon carrying capacity and overestimated carbon storage in older forests, are examined. These inaccuracies have contributed to the mistaken belief that non-intervention is a superior strategy for reducing carbon emissions.

The review demonstrates that unmanaged forests are highly vulnerable to catastrophic carbon losses caused by wildfires. These losses can equal several years of anthropogenic emissions during a single fire season, making a hands-off approach a less reliable strategy for climate mitigation.

Wildfire as a key driver of carbon emissions

The review highlights wildfire as a critical factor influencing carbon emissions in forests. Wildfire emissions are shown, for example, to vastly exceed those associated with sustainable harvesting practices. The analysis points to the necessity of active fire management, including thinning and prescribed burns, as essential tools for reducing fuel loads and minimising the severity of wildfires. These measures not only safeguard carbon storage but also support broader forest management objectives.

Recommendations for active forest management

The paper underscores the importance of active management in reducing carbon emissions, mitigating wildfire risks, and balancing ecological and socio-economic objectives. Recommendations include integrating carbon management with other forest values at the landscape scale and ensuring effective management contributes to climate solutions.

Conclusion

Dr Raison found strong evidence that active and adaptive forest management is essential for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing forest resilience. The critique of passive conservation models, combined with the emphasis on wildfire management, underscores the need for sustainable management practices.

Prospects for active forest management in Australian temperate forests

Keenan, 2024, Australian Forestry

Active forest management offers promising opportunities for improving the health of Australia’s temperate forests. The practice includes interventions like thinning, controlled burns, and controlling invasive species to mitigate risks from past human activities or emerging threats. Though widely used in western United States, Australia has yet to fully adopt it. Incorporating First Nations knowledge and cultural practices, such as cultural burning, is crucial for sustainable forest care. Success depends on collaboration between governments, researchers, conservationists, and First Nations communities. Long-term benefits can be realised through well-designed trials, funding models, and broad community engagement to create more resilient, biodiverse forests.

For more details, read the full article here.

Untrammeling the wilderness: restoring natural conditions through the return of human-ignited fire

Boerigter, C.E., Parks, S.A., Long, J.W. et al., 2024, Fire Ecology

The article examines the long-term effects of fire exclusion on ecosystems in North America. It highlights that this practice has led to increased fuel loads and altered species composition, resulting in a higher risk of severe wildfires. The research emphasises the importance of integrating Indigenous fire management practices, which historically used controlled burns to maintain ecological balance. These methods promote biodiversity and enhance ecosystem resilience, advocating for holistic fire management strategies that incorporate Indigenous knowledge to address modern fire challenges.

For more details, read the full article here.

Evolving Conservation for Culture: How Conservation Organizations are Adapting Existing Tools and Approaches to Recognize Indigenous Values, Practices, and Priorities

Riebl C, 2024, International Land Conservation Network

The article emphasises the integration of Indigenous knowledge into land conservation, fostering two-way learning between traditional practices and modern science. It highlights how enabling access to land for Indigenous communities strengthens cultural connections and ensures more inclusive conservation strategies. The approach not only supports biodiversity but also recognises the importance of cultural heritage and community well-being. Expanding conservation to include cultural and social dimensions is key to sustainable land management.

For more, you can read it here.

Indigenous sovereignty 

‘Nature markets’ may help preserve biodiversity – but they risk repeating colonial patterns of Indigenous exploitation

Hall D, Taikoto M, Whitaker N, Raroa R, Turoa Gillies T, 2024, The Conversation

The article highlights the importance of Indigenous sovereignty in emerging nature markets like biodiversity credits. While these markets aim to restore ecosystems, they risk replicating colonial patterns if Indigenous rights are ignored. Indigenous sovereignty, particularly over data, is essential to ensure fair involvement in these markets. Data sovereignty gives Indigenous communities control over the collection and use of data related to their lands and resources, helping to safeguard their knowledge. Respecting this sovereignty ensures nature markets empower Indigenous peoples, rather than exploit their land and traditions.

You can read this article here.

Indigenous Data Governance in Australia: Towards A National Framework

Rose  J, Langton M, Smith K, Clinch D, 2023, The International Indigenous Policy Journal

This article examines Indigenous Data Governance in Australia, highlighting the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to control data related to their communities and lands. It introduces a model grounded in self-determination, accountability, and ethical data use. The model ensures Indigenous peoples have authority over how their data is collected, managed, and shared, with guiding principles of trust, transparency, and cultural respect. By embedding these principles in a national governance framework, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would retain control over their data, which is crucial for informed decision-making and protecting cultural knowledge.

Read the full article here.

Indigenous Data Sovereignty Policy Brief

Lowitja Institute, 2023

This policy brief by the Lowitja Institute addresses Indigenous Data Sovereignty (ID-SOV) and Indigenous Data Governance (ID-GOV) in Australia. It critiques the reliance on deficit-based data, which portrays Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples negatively and obstructs their empowerment. The brief calls for a shift to strengths-based data approaches, which highlight Indigenous leadership and knowledge. Recommendations include ensuring Indigenous peoples have control over their data, investing in Indigenous data infrastructure, and embedding ID-SOV principles into government policies, including the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Read the policy brief here.

Invasive species

GONE: Australian animals extinct since the 1960s

Low T, Booth C, 2023, Invasive species council

This report highlights that invasive species significantly contribute to extinctions in Australia, impacting many native animals and plants. It points out that over 80% of the threatened species are at risk due to invasive species such as feral cats and foxes. The report emphasises the urgent need for effective management strategies to address these threats and protect Australia’s unique biodiversity.

For more details, you can view the full report here.