Adaptive Forest Management in a Changing World: Insights from the Anthropocene Epoch
Keywords:
Forest Management, Anthropocene, Adaptive Policy, Community-Based Governance, Ecological Resilience, Remote Sensing, Sustainable ForestryAbstract
The Anthropocene epoch has dramatically reshaped forest ecosystems, necessitating a rethinking of traditional forest governance frameworks. This study presents a narrative review of recent literature examining policy shifts and adaptive strategies in forest management within this new ecological context. Using a structured search across Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, relevant studies from 2010 to 2025 were selected based on thematic relevance to forest policy, adaptive management, and socio-ecological resilience. The synthesis identifies three major themes: regulatory and policy transformation, the influence of socioeconomic factors, and the integration of technology in forest governance. Results demonstrate that inclusive policies, local community engagement, and the use of remote sensing and machine learning significantly improve ecosystem resilience and conservation outcomes. Conversely, rigid institutional structures, outdated legal systems, and insufficient local participation persist as barriers to sustainability. The discussion highlights the need for interdisciplinary, context-sensitive, and evidence-based approaches that incorporate local knowledge and promote collaboration across sectors. Recommendations include the development of adaptive and inclusive policies, cross-sector partnerships, and restoration-focused landscape management. These findings reaffirm the urgency of systemic reform and offer a roadmap for resilient forest governance in an era of unprecedented ecological change.
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