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This thesis examines the extent to which sugar bush management in Eastern Ontario might contribute to biodiversity maintenance and conservation and therefore be promoted as a form of rural sustainable development. Ontario government policy seeks to actively promote actions that strengthen the province’s rural communities and protect biodiversity. Therefore sustainable development is an important concept to encourage in rural areas. The production of maple syrup on sugar bushes has already been demonstrated to be economically, socially, and in some aspects ecologically sustainable. This study seeks to determine how the operation of sugar bushes might also contribute to ecological sustainability through the maintenance and conservation of forest biodiversity. I identified three documents published by the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF): a set of management principles for conserving biodiversity on private woodlots, a list of biodiversity indicators, and a manual for monitoring them. I monitored three of the biodiversity indicators (spring ephemerals, birds, and frogs) on three of the larger sugar bushes in the Eastern Ontario and established that the EOMF biodiversity monitoring practices and guidelines were suitable for working sugar bushes. Using the management principles for biodiversity conservation developed by the EOMF, I interviewed 22 sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario. With these interviews I addressed two objectives: 1. To generate empirical information regarding the management practices of maple sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario and to compare these with established management principles for forest biodiversity conservation in the region 2. To generate suggestions for woodlot operators and government policymakers alike about future opportunities for research and management decision-making. The results of the study show that although most operators do not have a formal management plan for their sugar bush, many of their management practices are consistent with prescribed biodiversity conservation principles. Sugar bush operators are receptive to conserving biodiversity on their properties. The findings suggest that through sound management and planning, small-scale commercial sugar bush operations generally can be made environmentally sustainable, and become important components in broader rural development strategies. This study provides new insights into how small-scale sugar bush management, when practiced well, is consistent with conservation principles and with sustainable development principles more generally. It shows how sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario can help the province reach its goals of biodiversity conservation and rural development set out in Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy (2005) and Ontario’s Rural Plan (2004).

This thesis examines the extent to which sugar bush management in Eastern Ontario might contribute to biodiversity maintenance and conservation and therefore be promoted as a form of rural sustainable development. Ontario government policy seeks to actively promote actions that strengthen the province’s rural communities and protect biodiversity. Therefore sustainable development is an important concept to encourage in rural areas. The production of maple syrup on sugar bushes has already been demonstrated to be economically, socially, and in some aspects ecologically sustainable. This study seeks to determine how the operation of sugar bushes might also contribute to ecological sustainability through the maintenance and conservation of forest biodiversity. I identified three documents published by the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF): a set of management principles for conserving biodiversity on private woodlots, a list of biodiversity indicators, and a manual for monitoring them. I monitored three of the biodiversity indicators (spring ephemerals, birds, and frogs) on three of the larger sugar bushes in the Eastern Ontario and established that the EOMF biodiversity monitoring practices and guidelines were suitable for working sugar bushes. Using the management principles for biodiversity conservation developed by the EOMF, I interviewed 22 sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario. With these interviews I addressed two objectives: 1. To generate empirical information regarding the management practices of maple sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario and to compare these with established management principles for forest biodiversity conservation in the region 2. To generate suggestions for woodlot operators and government policymakers alike about future opportunities for research and management decision-making. The results of the study show that although most operators do not have a formal management plan for their sugar bush, many of their management practices are consistent with prescribed biodiversity conservation principles. Sugar bush operators are receptive to conserving biodiversity on their properties. The findings suggest that through sound management and planning, small-scale commercial sugar bush operations generally can be made environmentally sustainable, and become important components in broader rural development strategies. This study provides new insights into how small-scale sugar bush management, when practiced well, is consistent with conservation principles and with sustainable development principles more generally. It shows how sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario can help the province reach its goals of biodiversity conservation and rural development set out in Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy (2005) and Ontario’s Rural Plan (2004).

This thesis examines the extent to which sugar bush management in Eastern Ontario might contribute to biodiversity maintenance and conservation and therefore be promoted as a form of rural sustainable development. Ontario government policy seeks to actively promote actions that strengthen the province’s rural communities and protect biodiversity. Therefore sustainable development is an important concept to encourage in rural areas. The production of maple syrup on sugar bushes has already been demonstrated to be economically, socially, and in some aspects ecologically sustainable. This study seeks to determine how the operation of sugar bushes might also contribute to ecological sustainability through the maintenance and conservation of forest biodiversity. I identified three documents published by the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF): a set of management principles for conserving biodiversity on private woodlots, a list of biodiversity indicators, and a manual for monitoring them. I monitored three of the biodiversity indicators (spring ephemerals, birds, and frogs) on three of the larger sugar bushes in the Eastern Ontario and established that the EOMF biodiversity monitoring practices and guidelines were suitable for working sugar bushes. Using the management principles for biodiversity conservation developed by the EOMF, I interviewed 22 sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario. With these interviews I addressed two objectives: 1. To generate empirical information regarding the management practices of maple sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario and to compare these with established management principles for forest biodiversity conservation in the region 2. To generate suggestions for woodlot operators and government policymakers alike about future opportunities for research and management decision-making. The results of the study show that although most operators do not have a formal management plan for their sugar bush, many of their management practices are consistent with prescribed biodiversity conservation principles. Sugar bush operators are receptive to conserving biodiversity on their properties. The findings suggest that through sound management and planning, small-scale commercial sugar bush operations generally can be made environmentally sustainable, and become important components in broader rural development strategies. This study provides new insights into how small-scale sugar bush management, when practiced well, is consistent with conservation principles and with sustainable development principles more generally. It shows how sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario can help the province reach its goals of biodiversity conservation and rural development set out in Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy (2005) and Ontario’s Rural Plan (2004).

This thesis examines the extent to which sugar bush management in Eastern Ontario might contribute to biodiversity maintenance and conservation and therefore be promoted as a form of rural sustainable development. Ontario government policy seeks to actively promote actions that strengthen the province’s rural communities and protect biodiversity. Therefore sustainable development is an important concept to encourage in rural areas. The production of maple syrup on sugar bushes has already been demonstrated to be economically, socially, and in some aspects ecologically sustainable. This study seeks to determine how the operation of sugar bushes might also contribute to ecological sustainability through the maintenance and conservation of forest biodiversity. I identified three documents published by the Eastern Ontario Model Forest (EOMF): a set of management principles for conserving biodiversity on private woodlots, a list of biodiversity indicators, and a manual for monitoring them. I monitored three of the biodiversity indicators (spring ephemerals, birds, and frogs) on three of the larger sugar bushes in the Eastern Ontario and established that the EOMF biodiversity monitoring practices and guidelines were suitable for working sugar bushes. Using the management principles for biodiversity conservation developed by the EOMF, I interviewed 22 sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario. With these interviews I addressed two objectives: 1. To generate empirical information regarding the management practices of maple sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario and to compare these with established management principles for forest biodiversity conservation in the region 2. To generate suggestions for woodlot operators and government policymakers alike about future opportunities for research and management decision-making. The results of the study show that although most operators do not have a formal management plan for their sugar bush, many of their management practices are consistent with prescribed biodiversity conservation principles. Sugar bush operators are receptive to conserving biodiversity on their properties. The findings suggest that through sound management and planning, small-scale commercial sugar bush operations generally can be made environmentally sustainable, and become important components in broader rural development strategies. This study provides new insights into how small-scale sugar bush management, when practiced well, is consistent with conservation principles and with sustainable development principles more generally. It shows how sugar bush operators in Eastern Ontario can help the province reach its goals of biodiversity conservation and rural development set out in Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy (2005) and Ontario’s Rural Plan (2004).

Woodlots have become the most important investment opportunity among smallholders of Mufindi district in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Smallholder woodlots are also a major source of wood supply contributing to narrow the supply gap which in 2015 was reported to be 19.5 million m3 per year, where the main wood consumption sectors being construction and domestic heating energy. However, inadequate information about smallholder woodlots, supporting organizations, their linkages and impacts on woodlots performance derail its sustainable development and potential contribution for wood supply and poverty alleviation. The present study therefore specifically explored the tree grower’s motivations, knowledge base and challenges to woodlots farming; assessed woodlot tree species, products, and performance; analyzed the linkages of tree growers with support organizations and evaluated their impacts on the performance of woodlots. Both survey and case study approaches were used to collect data in the three villages namely: Igowole, Mninga, and Nundwe, both in Mufindi district, Tanzania. Mufindi district was purposively selected because of advanced smallholder tree growing. In all the three villages, a total of 93 actors were approached, including 72 tree grower households, 24 from each village, 14 nursery operators and 9 support organizations by snowball sampling. Then, an in-depth interview was conducted to all 72 sampled households. Of which 48 woodlots, 12 - from organized and the other 12 from unorganized tree growers in each village for Igowole and Nundwe, were assessed by rapid appraisal (RA) approach and their performance compared. While 24 woodlots were assessed from Mninga village, and all were from unorganized tree growers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and the results summarized in tables and graphs in excel. Woodlots performance and social network data were analyzed using R – software. Based on the study respondents, the results revealed that tree growers were motivated to plant and manage trees mainly for economic reasons (48%, 45%, and 51%) and land security reasons (37%, 30% and 31%) for Igowole, Mninga and Nundwe respectively. About the knowledge base, most tree growers (75% – 100%) in all the three villages had the knowledge on land preparation, nursery management, planting, weeding, pruning, and fire protection. But in all the villages, respondents did not have knowledge on forest growth principles and dynamics, on objectives for the product of the plantations and influence of tree spacing on such desired products. Again, other analyses revealed that; fire, inadequate knowledge, inadequate capital, lack of improved seeds and low timber/tree prices were the main challenges constraining farmers to plant and manage trees in woodlots in the three study villages. And, the main tree species in the study area were Pinus patula and Eucalyptus sp. Organized tree growers where much more supported by organizations than the non-organized ones. Logistic regression analysis performed in R (P = 0.05) revealed significant difference in woodlots performance among organized farmers based on gaps (P = 0.00216), growth condition (P = 0.04478) and planting space (P = 0.02013) criteria. That means, woodlots from organized farmers were generally performing better than those from unorganized farmers. The better performing woodlots of organized tree growers were contributed by social capital through networks and the role of collective action of the farmers in TGAs. Nursery operator farmers were the main source of tree seedlings for unorganized tree growers, while organized tree growers obtained most of the resources including knowledge, seeds and planting materials as well as funds from tree grower associations (TGAs), which were supported by organizations. Thus, for future planning, nursery operator farmers should be supported for improved seeds and planting materials to benefit the nonorganized farmers. Nursery operator farmers should be encouraged to join TGAs, and TGAs should generally be adopted as an effective smallholder tree grower’s support platform in the study area.

Preservation of large tracts of habitat is often recommended for long-term population viability of area-sensitive species. Large tracts may not always be available. Smaller patches, though not able to contain a viable population individually, may contribute to overall regional population viability if within the small patches pairs could successfully reproduce. By definition, area-sensitive species should have a minimum patch size threshold of habitat below which they will not likely reproduce. Two potential causes for positive relationships between patch size and production are inverse relationships between patch size and brood parasitism and patch size and food availability. My objectives were (1) to determine the minimum patch size thresholds of reproductive success for golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia), black-and-white warblers (Mniotilta varia), and white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus); (2) to determine whether thresholds for occupancy, territory establishment by males, or pairing success were indicative of thresholds of reproduction; (3) to determine whether the proportion of pairs fledging brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) young was related to patch size, and (4) to determine the affects of patch size on food availability (i.e., arthropod abundance). The Vickery index of reproductive activity was used to determine reproductive activity of each male or pair and to quantify parasitism occurrences. I collected arthropods using branch clipping to assess the relationship between patch size and arthropod abundance. I found minimum patch size thresholds of reproductive success for golden-cheeked and black-and-white warblers, but not for white-eyed vireos. Minimum patch size of reproductive success was between 15 and 20.1 ha. Minimum patch size thresholds for occupancy, territory establishment by males, and pair formation were not consistent with thresholds for reproductive success. I found no relationships between patch size and cowbird parasitism or patch size and arthropod biomass. Conservation practices for target species based on thresholds of occupancy, territory establishment, or pair formation may not address issues of reproduction. The ability to identify thresholds of reproductive success for target species could be useful in conservation and management in multiple ways including setting goals for retention and restoration of a target species’ habitat patch size.

Preservation of large tracts of habitat is often recommended for long-term population viability of area-sensitive species. Large tracts may not always be available. Smaller patches, though not able to contain a viable population individually, may contribute to overall regional population viability if within the small patches pairs could successfully reproduce. By definition, area-sensitive species should have a minimum patch size threshold of habitat below which they will not likely reproduce. Two potential causes for positive relationships between patch size and production are inverse relationships between patch size and brood parasitism and patch size and food availability. My objectives were (1) to determine the minimum patch size thresholds of reproductive success for golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia), black-and-white warblers (Mniotilta varia), and white-eyed vireos (Vireo griseus); (2) to determine whether thresholds for occupancy, territory establishment by males, or pairing success were indicative of thresholds of reproduction; (3) to determine whether the proportion of pairs fledging brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) young was related to patch size, and (4) to determine the affects of patch size on food availability (i.e., arthropod abundance). The Vickery index of reproductive activity was used to determine reproductive activity of each male or pair and to quantify parasitism occurrences. I collected arthropods using branch clipping to assess the relationship between patch size and arthropod abundance. I found minimum patch size thresholds of reproductive success for golden-cheeked and black-and-white warblers, but not for white-eyed vireos. Minimum patch size of reproductive success was between 15 and 20.1 ha. Minimum patch size thresholds for occupancy, territory establishment by males, and pair formation were not consistent with thresholds for reproductive success. I found no relationships between patch size and cowbird parasitism or patch size and arthropod biomass. Conservation practices for target species based on thresholds of occupancy, territory establishment, or pair formation may not address issues of reproduction. The ability to identify thresholds of reproductive success for target species could be useful in conservation and management in multiple ways including setting goals for retention and restoration of a target species’ habitat patch size.

This study addresses the question of people-centred development as a transformative aspect of the new South African development arena. The concept is defined as the involvement and active participation of people in the decision-making, evaluation and implementation of the development processes, It is one of the forms of democratisation which involves the decentralisaton of authority to the lower tiers of government. This study provides an analysis of the efficacy, relevance, advantages and disadvantages of people-centred development in the South African context. The Zikhoya-Ngqinisa Woodlot Trust Project was chosen as a case study, The reason was that through the process of devolution of the Department of Forestry and Water Affairs (DWAF), which involved the handing over of the management and financial resources of the small woodlots to the communities for their own benefit, the two villages, Zikhova and Ngqinisa, were given the Zikhova woodlot. The devolution of DWAF is one of the various forms of decentralisation that has given more autonomy to the lower tiers of government in the sense that the communities now have to satisfy their own needs. The main focus of the study was to identify and analyse constraints on the implementation of people-centred development specific to the Zikhova-Ngqinisa Woodlot Trust Project. Other interrelated aspects of people-centred development such as sustainability, community involvement and benefits of the project were also investigated and analysed. / KMBT_363

Qui du phénomène de résistance (RA) ou de susceptibilité (SA) par association est prépondérant en milieu forestier ? En d’autres termes, la défoliation par les insectes herbivores est-elle moins (RA) ou plus (SA) importante sur des arbres hôtes situés en mélange comparés à des monocultures ? A cause des contraintes méthodologiques, les connaissances sur la relation diversité - résistance en forêts matures restent faibles. Pour répondre à cette question, nous avons utilisé le dispositif exploratoire du projet FunDivEUROPE. Sur un réseau de 209 parcelles forestières sélectionnées le long de deux gradients orthogonaux de richesse spécifique (d’une à cinq essences en mélange) et de latitude (de la forêt méditerranéenne à la boréale), nous avons évalué la défoliation des houppiers des arbres. A l’aide d’un échantillon constitué de onze essences différentes, nous avons démontré pour la première fois un patron global de diminution de l’herbivorie (RA) en forêts matures à travers l’Europe. Nous avons également comparé l’herbivorie des insectes dans des placettes constituées de chênes purs ou mélangés à d’autres espèces, placées en lisière ou à l’intérieur de petits bois présents dans les vallées et coteaux de Gascogne. Nous avons observé moins de dégâts foliaires sur les chênes entourés par des voisins hétérospécifiques, et nous avons montré que la magnitude de cette résistance (RA) était plus importante en lisière qu’à l’intérieur des bois. Enfin, nous avons testé cette hypothèse de RA sur une espèce d’herbivore invasif en Italie, le cynips du châtaignier. Basée sur la même approche méthodologique, notre étude a montré de plus faibles dégâts de galles sur les châtaigniers lorsque la richesse spécifique de la parcelle était élevée. Notre travail fournit donc de nouvelles preuves supportant l’hypothèse de RA à travers trois contributions originales : i) la RA existe en forêt mature, ii) quelle que soit l’espèce d’herbivore, iii) y compris sur des espèces exotiques. Ces résultats devraient avoir d’importantes implications pour la gestion des insectes herbivores en forêt puisque le maintien et l’amélioration de la diversité des essences représentent un outil prometteur pour prévenir les dégâts d’insectes. / Whether increasing forest diversity should result in less insect damage (Associational Resistance, AR) or more damage (Associational Susceptibility, AS) is still debated. Moreover little is known about the diversity - resistance relationships in mature forests due to methodological constraints. To answer this question we used the FundivEUROPE exploratory platform. In this network of 209 mature forest plots sampled along two orthogonal gradients of tree species richness (from one to five species mixtures) and latitude (from the Mediterranean to the boreal forest biomes), we assessed insect defoliation in tree crown. Focusing on eleven broadleaved species, we could for the first time demonstrate a global pattern of reduced defoliation (AR) in mature forests across Europe. We replicated the comparison of insect herbivory in pure vs. mixed plots of oak trees, at the edge or within forest patches of the valleys and hills of Gascony. Here we found significantly less damage on oaks surrounded by heterospecific neighbors, and showed that the magnitude of AR was larger at forest edge than in forest interiors. Last we tested the AR hypothesis with an invasive alien species, the Asian chestnut gall wasp, in Italy. Based on the same methodological approach, our study showed lower gall damage on chestnuts when tree species richness was higher in mixed mature stands. Our work therefore provide new evidences to support the AR hypothesis with three original contributions: i) AR does apply to mature forests, ii) irrespective of the identity of insect herbivores, iii) including exotic species. These findings may have important implications for pest management in forest since the maintenance or improvement of tree species diversity represent a promising tool to prevent insect damage.