Algerian Argan: Biodiversity, ecological services, and landscapes: A review

The Argan is a multipurpose tree, endemic of South-west of Morocco and Algeria. It populates the Sahara and gives it a very particular physiognomy which is that of the sparse forest. The argan forest is a patchwork of species occupying distinct environmental niches across the Hamada of the South-west region of Algeria. It covers a region characterized by the aridity of the climate and extreme xericity with geological and pedological diversity that are the source of the broad range of magnificent landscapes (Hamada, wet-lands, escarpments, wadis, Regs, mountains). The association of plants with landscapes, reveals an environmental heterogeneity influencing the richness in species and allowing a dynamic and development of a diversified floristic cover mainly xerophilic and thermophilic. The originality of its flora is as-cribed to the presence of Saharo-sindian elements, Mediterranean and en-demic. This particular diversity is due to its biological characterization, sys-tematic and phytogeographic. Unfortunately, this ecosystem and its poten-tial for biological resources are today highly threatened and face degradation from disturbances and uncontrolled exploitation of the plant environment by anthropogenic activities, that requires the development of a preservation strategy. Our work emphasizes the importance of this genetic heritage and its original ecosystem, where the preservation must be secured through the establishment of a strict protection system of species throughout their natu-ral range.

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Non-Timber Forest Products and Climate Change Adaptation / Forest Dependent Communities in Bamboko Forest Reserve, South West Region of Cameroon

10.21203/rs.3.rs-61744/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tieminie Robinson Nghogekeh ◽

Chia Eugene Loh ◽

Tieguhong Julius Chupezi ◽

Nghobuoche Frankline Mayiadieh ◽

Piabuo Serge Mandiefe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Forest Products ◽

Safety Net ◽

Crop Failure ◽

Forest Reserve ◽

West Region ◽

South West ◽

Non Timber Forest Products ◽

South West Region

Abstract Background: Forests are tremendously endowed to combat climate change by protecting people and livelihoods, and creating a base for more sustainable economic and social development. But this natural mechanism is often hampered by anthropogenic activities. It is therefore imperative to take measures that are environmentally sustainable not only for mitigation but also for its adaptation. This study was carried out to assess the role of Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) was conducted among forest-dependent communities around the Bamkoko Forest Reserve in the South West Region of Cameroon as a strategy to cope with the impacts of climate change. Data were collected through household questionnaires, participatory rural appraisal techniques, transect walks, and direct field observations.Results: A total of 18 plant species were identified to be harvested by residents around Bamkoko Forest Reserve as Non-Timber Forest Products. The majority of the respondents (88%) perceived that there has been a change in climate patterns due to increased temperatures and unpredictable rainfalls. Eru was found to be the most affected livelihood activity (55%) by climate change around Bamboko Forest Reserve. Communities living around Bamboko Forest Reserve were found to use more than one strategy to cope with the adverse effects of climate change. Conclusions: The study concluded that non-timber forest products still play a safety net role to assist communities in an adverse situation such as crop failure under the current change in the climate. The need to emphasize sustainable harvesting, improve processing, and access to non-timber forest products markets is crucial.

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