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V. Caboun 2010. New classification and utilization of forest functions in landscape
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New classification and utilization of forest functions in landscape
Vladimir Caboun *
National Forest Centre – Forest Research Institute in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 22,
960 92 Zvolen, Slovak Republic
Abstract
Main aim of the research task is scientific assessment of acquired knowledge on functional
effects of forests under real ecological, forest management and socio-economic conditions of
the regions of Slovakia. Constructed is new classification system in which we divided strictly
tree species functions understanding how influences or effects on particular compounds of
environment (- ecological sphere) and their utilization by a human society in economic and
social sphere. In this way can be offered integrated functions of tree species and their
communities how goods or service.
To the forest function (tree species function) and its classification we access individual. Here
are important indicators structure and ecological stability of tree species community. To the
possibilities of utilization of forest functions we use integration of forest functions and
economic access.
Current ecological or ecosystem approach to the forest functions and possibilities of their
utilization changed actual access to forest functions.
Key words: Forest functions, classification of forest functions, utilization of the functions of
forest tree species
1. Introduction
Forests and other communities of tree species play irreplaceable functions in the landscape from
the viewpoint of the ecological stability of the landscape, its rational utilization and sustainable
development. Forests represent a basic landscape forming and ecological and stabilizing
element of the landscape. They are the most important source of renewable resources and thanks
to their functions they play an important role also in the formation and protection of individual
components of natural environment as well as the environment changed by anthropogenic
activities and anthropic (artificial environment created by a man).
1. 1 Aim of scientific-research activities
Main aim of the research task is to assess recent knowledge on functional effects of forests in
real ecological, forest management and socio-economic conditions of individual regions of
Slovakia with the utilization of the latest knowledge of present ecology and economics of
natural resources. On the basis of that was created new classification, a classification system,
methodology of the valuation of forest functions and it will be proposed the methodology of
determining the rate of ecological-stabilization effect of forests in the landscape.
Main objectives of research task dealing with forest functionsare dissemination of scientific
knowledge on forest functions and possibilities of their utilization in the landscape, construction
of classification system of forest functions, construction of a system of assessment and
valuation of forest functions and tree species communities from the viewpoint of their
multifunctional utilization.
* Email address: caboun@nlcsk.org
Forest Landscapes and Global Change - New Frontiers in Management, Conservation and Restoration. Proceedings of the IUFRO Landscape
Ecology International Conference, September 21-27, 2010, Bragança, Portugal. J.C. Azevedo, M. Feliciano, J. Castro & M.A. Pinto (eds.) 2010,
Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Portugal.