A Guidebook for Adapting Sustainable Forest Management to Climate Change

Transcription

1 1 A Guidebook for Adapting Sustainable Forest Management to Climate Change Jason Edwards Natural Resources Canada Canadian Forest Service* *The work presented here is a result of collaboration with many others

2 2 Sustainable forest management (SFM) Management that maintains and enhances the long-term health of forest ecosystems for the benefit of all living things while providing environmental, economic, social, and cultural opportunities for present and future generations (CCFM* 2008). *Canadian Council of Forest Ministers

3 The Case for Adaptation Impacts are already evident Opportunities are present 3 Spruce Beetle Permafrost melting Wind throw / blow down Mountain Pine Beetle Forest fires and smoke Spruce Budworm Spruce budworm Drought impacts on regeneration Aspen dieback Winter harvesting issues Eastern forests (increased growth?) 4

4 The Case for Adaptation Consequences are emerging 4 Affecting industry competitiveness Affecting quality and quantity of ecological goods and services (positively or negatively based on location) Affecting forest-based communities

5 Underlying Challenges in a Changing Climate Increased Uncertainty and Complexity 5 When you get to a fork in the road, take it The future ain't what it used to be -Yogi Berra (Baseball Great and People s Philosopher)

6 6 The Call for Action Jan 2008 Premiers ask their Forest Ministers to collaborate with the federal government on adaptation through the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers CCFM A Vision for Canada s Forests: 2008 and Beyond Consideration of climate change and future climate variability is needed in all aspects of sustainable forest management. The CCFM Climate Change Task Force (CCTF)

7 CCFM Climate Change Task Force Providing a foundation and guidance for adaptation 7 11 reports (available at

8 8 CCFM Climate Change Adaptation Report series Core Reports Innovative, Nationally- applicable Vulnerability Assessment Framework

9 CCFM Climate Change Adaptation Report series Technical summaries 9

10 Vulnerability Assessment Approach 10 of SFM objectives A simplified version of the adaptation policy assessment approach

11 The CCFM Approach to Vulnerability Assessment and Implementing Adaptation 11 Williamson et al

12 The central question of a Sustainable Forest Management vulnerability assessment 12 is whether SFM objectives can be met with current policies and practices, given the current climate and a range of potential future climates.

13 A Guidebook for Adapting Sustainable Forest Management to Climate Change 13 The How-To Manual follow climate change link

14 A Guidebook for Adapting SFM to Climate Change 14 provides practical guidance for applying the CCFM SFM Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Framework. provides a structured decision-making process for acquiring climate change knowledge to help guide SFM adaptation decisions and actions focuses on how to assess the vulnerability of SFM system (objectives) to climate change and identify options for mainstreaming adaptation into decision making

15 15 Target Audience and Scope of Guidebook Audience is defined as: natural resource management professionals working at regional to forest management area scales Scope is on SFM management objectives and overall SFM system What needs to be done today to ensure SFM objectives are met in uncertain future climates?

16 Structure of the Guidebook 16 6 chapters reflecting the 6 framework components + worksheets for each chapter each chapter contains theory and practice for each component of the vulnerability assessment framework provides two approaches to each step: a basic approach and a more comprehensive approach Operational and strategic considerations provided for each step

17 Example Worksheets 17

18 Strong focus on adaptive capacity of human system 18

19 19 Where is the Guidebook being used? Manitoba Government Pinelands Forest Area FMP Early draft used in the development of Ontario Practitioners Guide to Ecosystem Vulnerability Assessment Hearst, ON FMP renewal Currently in discussions with forest industry, Provinces/ Territories, OGDs on additional pilots/applications.

20 20 Keys to Successful Application of the Guidebook Science-management partnerships An existing planning process is in place (i.e.; FMP) Strong champion and leadership Be invested in the process

21 21 Keys to Successful Application of the Guidebook Science-management partnerships An existing planning process is in place (i.e.; FMP) Strong champion and leadership Be invested in the process Accept uncertainty Patience Start small Start with what you know

22 Building and Strengthening Capacity 22 Forestry Adaptation Community of Practice To share information and best practices on current activities in the area of climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessment in Canada's forest sector For information or to join:

23 23 Final message Adaptation is not an end in itself, but a means to an end: Continuing to deliver Sustainable Forest Management in a changing environment!

24 24 Questions and Discussion A huge thank you to all CCTF collaborators!