SEED TREES METHOD” SYSTEM OF SILVICULTURE FOR HARVESTING AND MANAGING MANGROVE FOREST RESOURCES IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Mangrove forest is unique ecosystem and its habitat is specific only for the tropical region. This unique ecosystem has a special silvicultural system and probably works only in Indonesia. This paper describes a system of silviculture used for harvesting and managing mangrove forest resources in Bintuni Bay, West Papua, Indonesia, called as Seed Tree method. This silvicultural system has been using to harvest and manage mangrove forest in Bintuni Bay more than 24 years. Various papers, articles, and reports on mangrove forest resources and assessments on seed trees method practices are reviewed and analyzed. Further field studies were conducted to gather the complementary data required. On this paper, general philosophy of seed trees method is briefly described, and practices of the seed trees method to manage and harvest mangrove forest resources at Bintuni bay are highlighted. In addition, several reports on assessments of the seed trees method practices at Bintuni bay are presented. The results indicate that mangrove silvicultural system of seed trees method is clearly be able to produce natural regeneration of seedling and sapling in notable population. These seedling and sapling are produced by the seed trees, which were designed in order to establish standing stocks of mangrove forest resources for the next cutting cycle. It is also highlighted that population of seedling and sapling at any logged over areas are exceed or even double the minimum population recommended by this silvicultural system. Importantly, using this silvicultural system, the impacts of wood extraction on the forest ecosystem and environment, mainly seedling, sapling, remaining trees and the seed trees, can be eliminated. With respect to activities of the whole forest operations, general philosophy of reduced impact logging on mangrove forest wood extraction can be achieved. Also, it is obviously shown that population of seed trees at any logged over areas are higher than that recommended by the mangrove silvicultural system, and they are in good state or healthy. Under their own crown, remarkable numbers of seedling and sapling are produced. In summary, it is highlighted that Seed trees method could be used continuously for harvesting and managing mangrove forest resources in Indonesia, as it has been used successfully at Bintuni bay for more than 24 years toward for sustainable.