A planning tool for tree species selection and planting schedule in forestation projects considering environmental and socio-economic benefits

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2018-01, Vol.206, p.319-329
• Main Authors: Rollan, Catherine Denise, Li, Richard, San Juan, Jayne Lois, Dizon, Liezel, Ong, Karl Benedict
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon sequestration; Forestation; Goal programming; Planting schedule; Species selection
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.10.044

Species selection is a crucial step in the planning phase of forestation programs given its impact on the results and on stakeholder interactions. This study develops a planning tool for forestation programs that incorporates the selection of tree species and the scheduling of planting and harvesting, while balancing the maximization of the carbon sequestered and income realized, into the forestation decision-making and planning process. The validation of the goal programming model formulated demonstrates that the characteristics of natural tree species along with the behavior of growth and timing of yield are significant factors in achieving the environmental and socio-economic aspirations. The proposed model is therefore useful in gauging species behavior and performance over time. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted where the behavior of the income generated and carbon sequestered with respect to the external factors such as carbon market prices, percentage area allocated for protection and discount factor was assessed. •Species selection greatly affects the turnout of forestation programs.•Goal programming balances the tradeoffs between income and carbon sequestration.•Growth behavior and yield timing of tree species are factors for decision-making.