Exploitation and destruction of forest and fenland ecosystems

Ecosystems

Exploitation

Forests have long been exploited. They are harvested for their timber, or cleared for agricultural land, both activities being entirely destructive to the ecosystem. The fen exists typically within the forest, and is not usually subject to exploitation until the forest itself is, because the forest acts as a natural barrier for the fen. The destruction of forests for timber is arguably the lesser of the two forms of exploitation, at least in countries with active silviculture programs, as the forests will have the potential to regenerate. However the destruction of forest ecosystems is associated with several negative outcomes. The biodiversity of the forest system is reduced, and this effect is stronger the more forest is cleared. Destruction for agriculture is permanent, which means that the loss of biodiversity is permanent. Endemic and endangered species are rendered extinct, or their numbers reduced (Chediack, 2008).

Fenland is often exploited via draining. Sometimes, the water source is affected by deforestation of the surrounding forest, as might occur after logging. But where a forest has been removed for agriculture, the fenland is frequently drained as well, resulting in the destruction of the ecosystem. In some cases, fenland has been used as a dumping ground for hazardous wastes, for instance when the fen is filled in. Even when this has been done to facilitate agriculture, it ultimately ruins the soil, as an example in England where the filled-in fen was contaminated with heavy metals shows (Breward, 2003).

The benefits of the exploitation of forests and fens is usually economic, and in many cases short-lived. Timber extraction provides a short-run boost in economic activity. This can be sustainable over the long run if the forest is replanted, but old growth forest is not easily replaceable. The forest undergoes a change in composition upon exploitation, from a vibrant old growth forest ecosystem to a more limited second-growth system that exists mainly to service future logging interests. When the forest is destroyed for agriculture, this mainly serves to increase food production, though not always in the long run. The increase in food production does have some value, but forests act as carbon sinks, among other benefits. Replacing a carbon sink with, say, meat production is doubly-negative with respect to climate change. It is worth noting as well that a tree plantation of second-growth tree cover, does not have nearly the same level of carbon benefits as an old growth forest ecosystem, so replanting does little to mitigate the negative impacts of deforestation on climate change (Sasaki & Putz, 2009).

There are also negative impacts on food supply, which is ironic where forest is being cleared to support agricultural production. Forests host such diversity of life that they contain leaves, fruits, nuts and roots, all of which have significant untapped nutritional value. Clearing for timber or inefficient agriculture such as meat production actually reduces the amount of global food production capability, according to a UN report (UN, 2011).

Fenland exploitation offers fewer tangible benefits. Such land is often drained to foster agriculture, but the value of wetlands is substantial. Wetlands are critical for drainage of land, and for biodiversity. The exploitation of fenland is destructive with little upside, but the fenland itself is affected when the forest around it is cleared. Nevertheless, there is not much case to be made for draining fens.

Management Plans

The biggest issue with managing fens is that the cessation of exploitation is the only reasonable course of action. Fens are not usually "exploited" -- they are destroyed. Their best use is as parkland, and to remain as wetland to manage water levels and drainage, and to maintain some semblance of biodiversity even if the surrounding forest is cut. Maintaining fenland as an essential component of an agricultural ecosystem is an option in some cases.

Forest management is a more nuanced issue. Silviculture is one form of management used. While the nature of the forest is changed, and the climate sink benefits are diminished substantially, a regrowth forest is still better than outright destruction. In many cases, replanting of forests has resulted in rich second growth forests and sustainable timber production. This is imperfect, but it is also worth noting that when forests are replanted, that will eventually diminish the need to harvest other forests.

Another means of managing forests are to view their assets differently. The UN study on forests showed that they contain many useful things that are destroyed when the exploitation is total. The UN paper talked mostly about food, but forests are known to be an important source of medicine as well. Exploiting forests differently, by harvesting products from within the forest instead of destroying forests to produce agricultural products, is an alternative plan for managing forest ecosystems while still extracting value from them.

Prioritization

One of the critical issues for both forests and fens is that they support biodiversity, and much of that biodiversity has not yet been fully explored. There needs to be priority placed on preserving biodiversity as some of those species could ultimately prove useful for humans, but not if they are wiped out. The maintenance of forests in particular needs to ensure that sufficient forest size remains to support larger, roaming animals, as they are an important part of the ecosystem. Fenland should be maintained within the context of the forest -- it is changed when the surrounding forest is removed. The other major priority has to be to mitigate climate change and water resource degradation. Forests defend against climate change, and fens are an integral part of the hydrologic system. Politicians should take steps to end the exploitation of these resources and the destruction of these habitats. Reforestation is useful, but second-growth forests are not nearly as good for the environment, so preservation of existing old growth stands is important to this resources. Ending exploitation is the most valuable step that politicians can undertake for these ecosystems, which are valuable for our survival. By preserving these critical ecosystems, biodiversity can be maintained and the remaining untouched areas of forest and fen can be conserved.