Asian Journal of Forestry

Developing a mud crab ecotourism business model in the mangrove forest ecosystems of Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark, Indonesia

AKHMAD MAHBUBI — 2025-01-21

Abstract. Mahbubi A, Fatoni A, Iskandar. 2025. Developing a mud crab ecotourism business model in the mangrove forest ecosystems of Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark, Indonesia. Asian J For 9: 13-23. The traditional mud crab business model, which involves trading fresh mud crabs, exhibits limited sustainability, particularly in the Belitong UNESCO Global Geoparks (Belitong UGGp) mangrove area. Scylla tranquebarica (Fabricius, 1798) is more abundant than Scylla serrata (Forskål, 1775) and other mud crab species in the Belitong UGGp. This study aims to develop a mud crab ecotourism business model within the Belitong UGGp mangrove forest ecosystem. This study employs a qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews with mud crab catchers and mangrove forest tourists, as well as focus group discussions with Belitong UGGp management, the Indonesian Tourism Association, and the tourism and creative economy office of the Belitong District Government. The data analysis in this study used content analysis involving the Business Model Canvas (BMC), empathy map, and value innovation framework. The qualitative analysis procedure covered the phases of data condensation, presentation, and conclusion or verification. The reliability of the study, tested using the kappa coefficient, yielded an excellent score of 0.81. Promoting innovation in business models involves creating diverse products and mud crab ecotourism programs, such as culinary offerings, snacks, souvenirs, educational tours, and tracking; fostering activities, such as mud crab processing; and establishing resources, such as mud crab galleries. In addition, it will enhance customer relationships and stakeholder collaboration, reduce the trade of fresh mud crabs with consumers outside the region, and eliminate small mud crab fishing.

Land use direction based on landslide susceptibility levels in the Rongkong Watershed, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

TIRZA TIRSYAYU — 2025-02-20

Abstract. Tirsyayu T, Soma AS, Paembonan SA. 2025. Land use direction based on landslide susceptibility levels in the Rongkong Watershed, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Asian J For 9: 53-67. Landslides, a common natural disaster in Indonesia, cause significant material and non-material losses. Mitigation efforts, including the provision of accurate information about landslide-prone areas and appropriate land-use recommendations, are crucial for minimizing their impact. This study, which analyzed landslide susceptibility using the frequency ratio method integrated with GIS technology, provides confidence in its methodology. The research, which began with data collection on landslide occurrences through imagery, identified 388 landslide points. These data were divided into two groups: validation data (20%) and training data (80%). The validation process, using the ROC curve, yielded an AUC value of 0.81, indicating the effectiveness of the frequency ratio method in predicting landslide occurrences in the Rongkong Watershed, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study revealed that parameters such as rainfall, slope gradient, land cover, elevation, lithology, curvature, and slope aspect significantly influence landslides in the Rongkong Watershed. In contrast, parameters such as distance from rivers, distance from roads, and NDVI had less influence. The study's findings, which classified landslide susceptibility levels as very high (1.32%), high (29.05%), and moderate (25.70%) based on the total area of the Rongkong Watershed, are of significant importance. They suggest that land use in areas with very high and high susceptibility should be designated for conservation or protected zones. In comparison, areas with moderate susceptibility can be utilized for limited and controlled cultivation, such as implementing agroforestry systems.

Review: Ethno-mycological perception towards wood ear fungi (Auricularia spp.) in and around the Indian Subcontinent

SUBRATA GIRI — 2025-02-24

Abstract. Giri S, Paul P, Pradhan P. 2025. Review: Ethno-mycological perception towards wood ear fungi (Auricularia spp.) in and around the Indian Subcontinent. Asian J For 9: 82-96. The genus Auricularia, commonly called wood ear fungi, is a notable group of basidiomycetes valued for their culinary, medicinal, and nutraceutical properties. These fungi, widely distributed across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions, play a crucial ecological role as saprophytes and potential plant parasites. Domesticated for over 2,000 years in East Asia, Auricularia spp. has been integral to traditional Chinese medicine, treating ailments such as sore throats, ophthalmia, and staphylococcal infections. Their bioactive compounds exhibit antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and immune-enhancing properties, with Auricularia auricula-judae is notable for its lovastatin content, beneficial in managing hypercholesterolemia. In the Indian subcontinent, Auricularia spp. hold significant ethnomycological value, particularly among indigenous communities in the Northeastern states, as well as in Bhutan and Nepal. However, their usage varies, with communities of Tibeto-Burman language family integrating them deeply into culinary and medicinal practices, while communities of Austro-Asiatic language family remain less familiar. This disparity in use is influenced by factors such as cultural practices, availability, and the transmission of traditional knowledge. Despite their economic potential, commercial cultivation in the region is underdeveloped, contrasting with China’s dominance in global Auricularia production. With improved cultivation techniques, awareness, and market strategies, these fungi could bolster rural economies. The present review explores the ethno-mycological perception towards the genus Auricularia in and around the Indian sub-continent, highlighting their cultural, medicinal, and economic significance.

Species diversity of Araceae in Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and Arroceros Forest Park, Manila, Philippines

SAMUEL C. BRILLO — 2025-02-14

Abstract. Brillo SC, Banogon JDA, Aguila NAA, Mones JRM. 2025. Species diversity of Araceae in Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and Arroceros Forest Park, Manila, Philippines. Asian J For 9: 34-44. Green spaces in urbanized areas are crucial for biodiversity conservation. However, cultivation can influence plant diversity and the ecosystem. Araceae is a plant family usually planted in these areas due to its appeal and adaptability. Despite this, exotic species are often planted without considering their potential effects on ecosystems. This study aimed to create a checklist of aroids in Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAWPC) and Arroceros Forest Park (AFP), Manila, Philippines. This study was achieved through an opportunistic, descriptive botanical inventory design. Twenty-five species across 10 genera, namely Aglaonema, Alocasia, Caladium, Dieffenbachia, Epipremnum, Philodendron, Spathiphyllum, Syngonium, Thaumatophyllum, and Typhonium were identified. Twenty-two and 10 species occur in NAPWC and AFP, respectively. Seven species are native, 12 species are introduced, and 6 species are naturalized. The species surveyed varied in morphology and habitat preference. Epipremnum pinnatum and Typhonium blumei were the most abundant. Aglaonema commutatum, Syngonium spp., and Alocasia macrorrhizos were considered site specific. Introduced species like Dieffenbachia seguine and Philodendron ‘Lemon Lime’ reflected human cultivation preferences. Additionally, Jaccard index of 0.4 presents a moderate similarity of Aroid species between sites. The findings highlight the underrepresentation of native aroids and prioritizing these species can promote biodiversity and sustainability in urban environments.

The market of forest payments for environmental services in Vietnam after fifteen years of its implementation

THI-LINH PHAM — 2025-02-22

Abstract. Pham TL, Mai TTX, Ngo T. 2025. The market of forest payments for environmental services in Vietnam after fifteen years of its implementation. Asian J For 9: 75-81. Sustainable development is a core concern for most countries and entities across the globe despite the fact that there is a trade-off between environmental sustainability and economic growth. Many countries are focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG14: Life below water, and SDG15: Life on land. Meanwhile, the people still face challenges like unemployment and poverty, worsened by the recent pandemic. Innovative tools like Payments for Environmental Services (PES) have gained importance, and Vietnam was the first ASEAN country to implement forest PES (FPES) in 2008. Over the past 15 years, despite its achievements, such as raising individual income and government budget generation, some challenges still persist, including administrative inefficiencies and market inequalities. This study re-examined the development of Vietnam's FPES market, highlighting its contributions to the national and provincial budgets, forest protection, and cash income for forest owners. Importantly, the study also analyzed the society's awareness and knowledge of the FPES market, particularly in terms of market participants and price mechanism. We found that ongoing improvements in official training and education, as well as market mechanisms, are needed to enhance public awareness and participation in the FPES market. The integration of poverty alleviation and (forest) environmental protection in Vietnam is a collective responsibility, and this study aims to engage the audience in this crucial task.

Traditional medicinal plants used by To Bungku Ethnic in Morowali District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

RAMADANIL PITOPANG — 2025-02-20

Abstract. Pitopang R, Asrun, Banilai PAS, Sangadji MN, Mertosono S. 2025. Traditional medicinal plants used by To Bungku Ethnic in Morowali District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Asian J For 9: 45-52. Plants play an imperative role in the well-being of human being as they deliver the fundamental needs of mankind, that is, food, shelter, clothing, and medicines. They also provide the basis for centuries-old traditional medicinal systems. The objective was to explore species of medicinal plants used in Sakita Village, Bungku Tengah, Central Sulawesi including information about the parts used, method of use, and habitus. Data were collected through direct observation, participatory observation, interview, and literature review. A snowball method was used to obtain appropriate respondents, including village, custom (adat), traditional (sando), and religious leaders, rattan and dammar collectors, as well as farmers. The collection and photography of all samples of medicinal plants were conducted, followed by their identification at the Laboratory of Plant Biosystematics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and the Herbarium Celebense (CEB), Tadulako University. The results showed that there were 37 species of plants, consisting of 26 families used as traditional medicine by To Bungku ethnic. The family widely used is Zingiberaceae (4 species) then followed by Euphorbiaceae (3 species), Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Asteraceae, and Myrtaceae with 2 species. Furthermore, methods of use included boiling, pounding, consuming directly, squeezing, spreading, and chewing. The organs mostly used were leaves, stems, bark, fruit, and rhizomes, with the highest percentage being leaves at 51%. The percentage of plants with the highest use was tofu-tofu (Cheilocostus speciosus (J.Koenig) C.D. Specht) at 100% and the lowest was benalu (Macrosolen cochinchinensis (Lour) Van Tieng) at only 16%.

Diversity, structure, and carbon storage of Rau catchment forest reserve in Moshi District, Tanzania

EZEKIEL EDWARD MWAKALUKWA — 2024-12-24

Abstract. Mwakalukwa EE, Masisi B. 2024. Diversity, structure, and carbon storage of Rau catchment forest reserve in Moshi District, Tanzania. Asian J For 9: 1-11. The effects of anthropogenic activities and the dominance of exotic tree species on the Rau Catchment Forest Reserve (RCFR) in Moshi District, northern Tanzania, have been poorly documented. This study assessed (i) the current status of species composition, stand structure, and diversity, (ii) threats to biodiversity posed by anthropogenic activities and exotic tree species, and (iii) the carbon stock of RCFR. Data were gathered from 45 circular sample plots, identifying 29 woody plant species. The forest exhibited high woody species diversity (H’=2.91), with a density of 185±81 stems ha^-1, a standing volume of 405.75±227.16 m³ha^-1, and a basal area of 23.05±12.37 m² ha^-1. Evidence of human activities, particularly tree cutting and the dominance of exotic species, was prevalent, with illegal harvesting affecting 23 species. The mean above-ground and below-ground carbon stocks were estimated at 107.48±61.28 Mg C ha^-1 and 21.50±12.26 Mg C ha^-1, respectively. The high diversity of woody species suggests that the forest may be recovering from past illegal logging. However, the increasing dominance of exotic species highlights the urgent need for measures to control their spread.

Diversity and biomass of understory vegetation which might increase fire risk in Mount Rinjani National Park, Lombok Island, Indonesia

ARYA ARISMAYA METANANDA — 2025-02-20

Abstract. Metananda AA, Suhubdy, Mertha IG, Soekardono, Afrianto WF, Ar NH. 2025. Diversity and biomass of understory vegetation which might increase fire risk in Mount Rinjani National Park, Lombok Island, Indonesia. Asian J For 9: 68-75. Human activities in the grassland surrounding Mount Rinjani National Park (MRNP), Lombok Island, Indonesia are prevalent, increasing the susceptibility to fires during the dry season. This study assessed the diversity and biomass of understory species which might enhance the risk of fires in the MRNP. Data collection on species diversity was carried out through exploration (non-plot) and creation of 120 sampling plots in Sikur and Sembalun Sub-district In total, there were 263 species of the understory plants were identified, comprising 71% herbs, 26% shrubs, and 3% lianas. Poaceae and Asteraceae had the largest number of genus and species with the dominance of pioneer species Themeda triandra, suggesting that the grasslands in MRNP have not yet reached climax. This species was among the most preferred natural grasses for grazing cows at the study location, indicating intricate relationship between local communities and grassland ecosystem in the MRNP. Over a span of two years, the dry biomass in the area can reach a thickness of 10 cm, with an estimated weight of 5.7 Mg ha^-1. The accumulation of high amount of dry biomass poses high risk of fires. The findings of this study offer a substantial foundation for comprehensive interventions in ecosystem management and forest fire risk mitigation, as well as supporting more planned and sustainable conservation efforts.

Analysis of the potential bamboo and bamboo processing industry in Sumedang District, West Java, Indonesia

JAENAB ATHIAH AL’AFIFAH — 2025-02-09

Abstract. Al’afifah JA, Sumardi I, Darwis A. 2025. Analysis of the potential bamboo and bamboo processing industry in Sumedang District, West Java, Indonesia. Asian J For 9: 24-33. Bamboo production in Sumedang District in 2016 reached 1,599,056 culms. This relatively high production does not align with the popularity of its bamboo processing industry. In contrast, Tasikmalaya District, which has a similar level of bamboo productivity, has become one of the centers of the bamboo industry in West Java. Therefore, this research aims to identify the current potential of bamboo, identify the potential of the bamboo industry, and determine strategies for developing the bamboo industry in Sumedang District. The identification of the potential and availability of bamboo is conducted through mixed quantitative-qualitative method analysis obtained from interviews with Forestry Department Branch IX West Java, Indonesia. In contrast, the identification of the potential of the bamboo industry is done through qualitative descriptive analysis and value added analysis using the Hayami method based on data from interviews with bamboo industry players. Industry development strategies are determined using SWOT analysis. Findings indicate Sumedang has 126,210 bamboo culms, with 3,505 available for monthly harvest. Only 73% of the harvestable bamboo, or 2,565 culms monthly, is utilized. The local bamboo industry is predominantly home-based with minimal production capacity, using basic tools to create low-priced products. The added value ranges from 0-97%, with low profit margins, and competition from substitute products hinders market competitiveness. To develop the industry, intensive strategies are needed, including product diversification and innovation, market penetration, and accessing global markets.