EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - UNESCO World Heritage

Work package 3:
Modeling and testing of a controlled application of additional new natural dynamics components
Description of work:
Controlled application of primeval forests dynamics in managed forests must be preceded by modeling with the help of advanced forest and
trees growth models, such as Sibyla, and screening of forest functions in permanent research plots subject subject to past low-intensity management
(for various reasons), but in particular in the buffer zones of nature preserves, where there has been a constant interaction between
natural processes and human intervention. Thus the overall picture will be compiled from the results of modeling and forest functions screening
performed at different times and in forests at various localities in various developmental stages.
Action 3.1:
Identification and screening of past research plots
Description of work: Past permanent research plots, either abandoned or still being subject subject to a low intensity management will
be identified, tracked and their forest stands screened for the provision of various forest functions, biodiversity and environmental
effects. Equally valuable will be similar observations in forests located in the buffer zones of primeval forest preserves, where a mix of
natural dynamics and forestry intervention for various management purposes has led to development of patterns that may come close
to patterns providing the desired forest functions. Results will be compared with the action 3.2 outputs.
Indicators: • set of recovers past research plots
• inventory of forest functions
Milestones: • list and a map of suitable plots 30. June 2007
• report on the plots inventories 31.December 2008
Action 3.2:
Modeling of the controlled incorporation of natural dynamics components into the forest management
Description of work: Advanced models, such as the Sibyla tree growth model (Fabrika, ëursk˘ 2005), Hydrus (Simunek et al. 2004) – a
tool form modeling water and solutes transport in soils, as well as BIOME BGC (Thornton et al. 2002) model for studying biogeochemical
cycles of carbon and nitrogen, leaning on data acquired in actions 2.1–2.3 as the model input. Results will be compared with the
action 3.1 outputs.
Indicators: • functional assessment of natural processes
Milestones: • modeling reports 30. June 2009
• two-peer reviewed papers published 31.December 2009
LIST OF PROJECT WORK PACKAGES
AND ACTIONS
Action 3.3:
Cost/benefit analysis of the controlled incorporation of natural dynamics components into the forest management
Description of work: Based on the results of actions 2.1–2.3 a 3.1. a 3.2, potential savings from the reliance on natural processes instead
of the material, energy or work input will be modeled and calculated. Those concern mainly costs incurred during silvicultural operations,
afforestations, which can be offset through the introduction value increment management, lowering the risk of forest stand
destruction, as well as potential income from the increased volume and quality of provided forest ecological and environmental functions,
mainly quality water production and carbon accumulation. The importance of this action also consists in the potential additional
incomes being generated in less favoured regions. Advanced modeling techniques applied for calculating insurance premiums for
forest properties will be used in this action.
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