Researches in this programmes focus on the strengthening of biodiversity, watershed management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and soil conservation in the natural forests in the country.
Research Activities
The research activities to be carried out in a period of five years under this research programme include:
- Conduct biodiversity surveys and monitor biodiversity and ecological processes in various natural forest types, for effective management;
- Identify and list endemic and or threatened species which need conservation, including characterizing them in terms of uses, and or services;
- Identify and analyse impacts/effects of potential invasive species, pathogens, pests, diseases and vermin in various natural forest types, including identification and assessment of potential deployment of natural plant pest enemies;
- Evaluate suitable ex-situ/in-situ conservation methods including gene banks of threatened species;
- Monitor regeneration and factors influencing it and evaluate different propagation techniques;
- Undertake phenological observations and ecological niches of selected indigenous tree species in various ecosystems;
- Monitor the effects of fire, pathogens, pests, grazing, logging, shifting cultivation, and wildlife to seedling recruitment, species diversity, and soil properties;
- Monitor hydrological processes and the impact of human activities on the hydrological cycle, including water use by different tree species and their respective implications to climate change;
- Identify, and improve growth characteristics of fast growing indigenous tree species for enrichment and restoration of degraded forests;
- Conduct studies on carbon sequestration potential (above and below ground) for different tree species and stands, soil carbon monitoring, and implications to the tapping of carbon trade; and
- Conduct studies on the effect of deforestation on the release of GHGs to the atmosphere.