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.

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.

Asian Journal of Forestry

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

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