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Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

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Project • ARCP2015-10CMY(B&ES)-Liang, ARCP2014-19NMY(B&ES)-Liang

Coastal forest management in the face of global change based on case studies in Japan, Myanmar and the Philippines

Coastal forests, such as mangroves, beach forests and plantations, should be included as part of the integrated approach to mitigate tsunami-induced disasters and climate change impacts in the coasts. Nevertheless, there is little understanding how the natural sub-system and the human sub-system interact and can be better integrated to adapt to climate change impact, in particular, from a cross-country comparative perspective. The project examined policy impact on coastal forest management and community-based forest management, including local knowledge to recommend best practices of coastal forest management, integration with human settlement planning and facilities to strengthen community resilience to climate change impacts. It also assessed potential benefits of coastal forests in adaptation to and mitigation of climate change in addition to local livelihoods in food, medicines, construction and spiritual needs. The comparative perspective addressed how different countries and local communities facing a common challenge manage coastal forests and harness the regulating service of forests in adapting to climate change impacts under similar biophysical conditions, but different socio-economic contexts. The project conducted policy reviews and case studies research in vulnerable coastal communities of three countries, namely the Philippines (Bohol and Palawan Province), Myanmar (Ayeyawady Delta) and Japan (Okinawa), assessed the effectiveness of bottom-up approaches, extracted lessons and identified needs of relevant policies for coastal forest management. The results of three country studies are compared and synthesized as a solid basis for policy recommendations and developing a wider network of coastal forest management beyond participating countries.

Project publications

Peer-reviewed publication • 2019

Dimensions and Conservation of Remnant Homestead Windbreaks on a Small Island–A Case Study of Taketomi Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Peer-reviewed publication • 2019

Old-growth trees in homesteads on the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan: uses, management, and conservation

Peer-reviewed publication • 2018

Conserving Mangroves for Their Blue Carbon: Insights and Prospects for Community-Based Mangrove Management in Southeast Asia

Peer-reviewed publication • 2018

Dimensions and Spatial Distribution of Remnant Garcinia subelliptica Tree Belts Surrounding Homesteads in a Coastal Village: A Case Study of Shiraho Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Peer-reviewed publication • 2017

Stand density management and blue carbon stock of monospecific mangrove plantation in Bohol, Philippines

Peer-reviewed publication • 2017

Coastal forest management in the face of global change: Experience of four Asian countries

Report • 2017

Project Final Report: ARCP2015-10CMY(B&ES)-Liang

Peer-reviewed publication • 2017

Traditional village forest landscapes: Tourists’ attitudes and preferences for conservation

Peer-reviewed publication • 2016

The state of conservation and management of old Garcinia subelliptica trees: a case study in Aguni Island, Okinawa Prefecture

Peer-reviewed publication • 2016

Dimensions and management of remnant Garcinia subelliptica tree belts surrounding homesteads- a case study from two villages in the Sakishima Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Peer-reviewed publication • 2015

Assessing different land use pattern and livelihood of the local people in the mangrove area (Case study in Pyapon Township)

Peer-reviewed publication • 2015

Residents’ preference and willingness to conserve homestead woodlands: Coastal villages in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan