Forest degradation assessments grounded in measurable structural indicators provide a more reproducible basis for management decisions than qualitative field classifications alone, particularly in ecologically diverse forest systems. Based on data from the first National Forest Inventory of Georgia (2019–2021), we clustered samples into eight forest formations using a phylogenetically informed approach and compared stand struc...

Despite recent advances in modeling forest–rainfall relationships, the current understanding of changes in observed rainfall patterns resulting from historical deforestation remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed how 40 years of deforestation has altered rainfall patterns in South America as well as how current Amazonian forest cover sustains rainfall. First, we develop a spatiotemporal neural network mode...

Several million hectares of Indonesian peatlands have been converted to plantations, with oil palm being the most important plantation crop. This has contributed to the economic development of Indonesia. At the same time, it poses environmental challenges. An as yet insufficiently understood concern is that the drainage required for cultivation of peatlands causes soil subsidence. Subsidence progressively increases flood risks...

The current drainage-based peatland management systems in Indonesia result in high fire risks, soil subsidence and CO 2 emissions. This study aims to assess different alternatives of peatland crops in order to help prevent further degradation of peatlands in Indonesia. We focus on tropical peatland crops that provide food and that are of particular interest to smallholders. We compare various peatland food crops that are commo...