Year 2022, Volume 7, Issue 1
| Year : | 2022 |
| Volume : | 7 |
| Issue : | 1 |
| Authors : | Ignacio J. DIAZ-MAROTO |
| Title : | CERTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT OF CORK TREE (QUERCUS SUBER L.) FORESTS |
| Abstract : | Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) seeks to make sure a performance of forest ecosystems environmental and socioeconomically just. The cork oak forest management presents a complex problem because silvicultural peculiarities. The aim of the SFM, to guarantee a functioning of forest ecosystems environmental and socioeconomically adequate, is difficult to achieve in the Mediterranean forests, because they have a limited capacity to reply to the systematic changes, human impacts, wide climatic, edaphic, and biological variability, and a complicated socioeconomic environment. Given its heterogeneity, the management of these ecosystems represents a multifaceted problem, being particularly significant in the cork oaks because of their silvicultural features. The key aspect of the cork oak silviculture is the production of cork, which is separated regularly without cutting down the trees. Cork oak stands need a SFM to resolve their major problems: scarce natural regeneration, ageing of stands, quality loss, severe pruning, and cork oak decline (“seca”). Cork is the outer bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber L.), an evergreen tree species belonging to the Fagaceae family. Its chemical composition is different from other lignocellulosic raw materials. It is light, squeezable, and impermeable; it has low thermal conductivity, energy-absorbing capacity, and high friction resistance. The best sheets are used for manufacturing natural stoppers, vital in the aging process of “great” wines. The cork oak is a Mediterranean species covering a global area of about 2,2 million hectares; Portugal and Spain being the countries where it occupies a larger area. Our goal was to consider possible options for carrying out a forest certification system in small stands of cork oak with a lower area of 25 hectares. These forests are essential agents of sustainability and a driving force for sustainable rural development. They play a crucial role in the world’s ecological balance, fighting climate change and desertification and maintaining biodiversity. |
| For citation : | Diaz-Maroto, I. J. (2022). Certification system for sustainable forest management of cork tree (Quercus Suber L.) forests. AGROFOR International Journal, Volume 7. Issue No. 1. pp. 65-71. DOI:10.7251/AGRENG2201065D |
| Keywords : | Mediterranean western, Quercus suber L., Cork oak stands, Properties. |
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ISSN 2490-3434 (Printed)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
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