Spatial limitations in forest biomass harvesting using Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing for an ecological and sustainable bioenergy framework

As the sustainable forest biomass harvesting process is highly influenced by the terrain, the heterogeneity, and the protection status of the landscape, this study highlights the GIS and Remote Sensing as important scientific tools, assisting in the planning process and integrating the appropriate s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of sustainable forestry 2018-10, Vol.37 (7), p.712-726
Main Authors: Manolis, Evangelos N., Zagas, Theocharis D., Karetsos, George K., Poravou, Styliani A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autonomy
biodiversity conservation
bioeconomy
Biomass
Biomass energy production
Ecology
Economic conditions
Employment
Forest biomass
forest energy production
Forest fires
Forestry
Forests
Geographic Information Systems
Harvesting
Landscape
Protected areas
Remote Sensing
Renewable energy
renewable energy sources
Satellite navigation systems
silviculture
Spatial data
Sustainability
Sustainable forestry
Sustainable harvest
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Summary:As the sustainable forest biomass harvesting process is highly influenced by the terrain, the heterogeneity, and the protection status of the landscape, this study highlights the GIS and Remote Sensing as important scientific tools, assisting in the planning process and integrating the appropriate spatial limitations for an ecological forest biomass extraction in a rational bioenergy utilization framework. This study is focused on the northwest Greece and particularly in the regional unit of Grevena which is part of the Western Macedonia region, the region with the highest unemployment rates in Greece. As the forests in the regional unit of Grevena occupy a significant percentage over half of the regional unit area, the emphasis on the sustainable harvesting and utilization of forest biomass for energy purposes could tackle unemployment rates, enhance the energy autonomy of the remote mountain villages, and reduce the Mediterranean forest fire risk. The spatial data process and the implied spatial limitations unfold a methodology procedure, which is revealing specifically quantified and illustrated results as are emerging progressively the oak forests of the regional unit of Grevena with biomass harvesting capabilities, which do not belong to the Grevena's protected areas, have accessible slopes and lower diversity index.
ISSN:1054-9811
1540-756X
DOI:10.1080/10549811.2018.1469216