New study reveals how forests can balance multiple functions effectively.
The study divided forest functions into 7 categories and analyzed their relationships on different spatial and temporal scales. The functions were found to be independent, complementary, or competitive with each other. Conflicts between functions were identified, with some being resolvable and others unavoidable. The spatial scales for forest multi-function were national, regional, management unit, and forest stand, while the temporal scales were short-term, medium-term, and long-term. The idea proposed was to address conflicts on a small scale to manage forest functions effectively.