Outline of This Book
摘要
As climate change increases the vulnerability of traditional silvicultural systems, sustainable forestry practices must evolve to prioritize resilience, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions. This book explores the integrative forest management and silvicultural practices developed and applied at the University of Tokyo Hokkaido Forest (UTHF) over the past 60 years. The Stand-based Silvicultural Management System (SSMS) is a pioneering approach that balances timber production, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem health. The book examines the ecological, climatic, and geological dynamics shaping the UTHF’s complex hemi-boreal forest ecosystem. It highlights adaptive silvicultural practices, such as single-tree selection harvesting and assisted natural regeneration, which maintain forest diversity and stability. The SSMS’s evolution is supported by long-term ecological research and advanced digital technologies, enabling precise forest classification and sustainable resource management. Case studies on recovery from large-scale disturbances, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem service optimization illustrate how the UTHF integrates ecological, social, and cultural objectives. Challenges such as invasive species, deer overpopulation, and climate-induced disturbances underscore the need for adaptive strategies, including transitioning from monoculture plantations to mixed-species forests. By sharing insights into the SSMS, this book provides a valuable resource for advancing forestry science and sustainable forest management globally, offering a model for integrative practices in a changing world.