Authors:
Bongers, F., A. Wassie, F.J. Sterck, T. Bekele and D. Teketay
Publication Date:
2009
Abstract/Summary:
For the church forests studied we may conclude that (a) diversity and forest area protected are important, (b) each church forest fragment has its own unique species composition, (c) they harbour good wood stock compared to some of the natural state forests, (d) population structures suggest at least two major types of plants: species able to regenerate in the forest understory and species with difficulties to reproduce, (e) church traditions to conserve forest resources: tree seeds collection, traditional medicine and contemplation are permitted, while collection of fuel wood, construction wood and fodder are forbidden for the community, and (f) there is a high respect and trust of the local community with respect to the church organisation and their activities and rules. These results can be used as points of departure for restoration of the church forests themselves as well as for restoration of areas surrounding these forests.
Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article
Source:
Journal of the Drylands