Conserving Forest Biological Diversity – from The Wildlife Professional – The Wildlife Society

Report on the Role of the Montreal Process in Achieving Sustainable Forest Management Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Forests are vital to maintaining biological diversity, encompassing ecosystems, species, and genetic variation. These elements provide essential ecosystem services that contribute to human welfare, including provisioning (food, medicine, fiber), regulating (pest control, water flow), cultural (recreation, spiritual fulfillment), and supporting services (soil and nutrient cycling). Recognizing these contributions aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

However, human population growth and increased consumption threaten forest habitats, compromising their ability to sustainably provide these services. This report examines the Montreal Process (MP), an international framework designed to monitor and promote sustainable forest management, emphasizing its contribution to achieving SDGs.

The Montreal Process Framework and Sustainable Development Goals

Established in 1994 by twelve countries, the Montreal Process provides a standardized yet flexible set of criteria and indicators to assess forest sustainability across ecological, social, and economic dimensions. The MP supports SDG 15 by focusing on conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

The MP framework is organized under seven criteria, with Criterion 1 dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity. This criterion addresses ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity, directly contributing to SDG 15 targets on biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management.

Montreal Process Criterion 1: Conservation of Biological Diversity

1. Ecosystem Diversity
   • Area and percentage of forest by type
   • Area and percentage of forest in protected areas
   • Forest fragmentation
2. Species Diversity
   • Number of native forest-associated species
   • Number and status of native forest-associated species at risk
   • Status of conservation efforts for species diversity
3. Genetic Diversity
   • Number of forest-associated species at risk of losing genetic variation
   • Population levels of representative species to describe genetic diversity
   • Status of conservation efforts for genetic diversity

Country Examples Demonstrating Montreal Process Implementation

Australia

• Reports forest area covering 16% of land, with 98% native forests, supporting SDG 15.2 on sustainable forest management.
• Uses National Forest Inventory (NFI) data to monitor ecosystem diversity and species diversity.
• Conservation of genetic diversity exemplified by protection of subspecies such as the red-tailed black-cockatoo.

China

• Increased forest area in protected zones from 5.99 million hectares (1994-1998) to 14.37 million hectares (2004-2008), advancing SDG 15.1 on conservation of ecosystems.
• Focuses on species conservation with detailed case studies, notably the giant panda, supporting SDG 15.5 on halting biodiversity loss.

United States

• Employs the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program (FIA) combining field data and remote sensing to monitor forest cover and fragmentation.
• Reports trends in species diversity using data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey and NatureServe Explorer.
• Engages in genetic conservation through seed banks and breeding programs, such as for ash trees threatened by invasive species, supporting SDG 15.6 on genetic diversity.

Indicators and Monitoring Approaches

The MP’s indicators provide essential data for assessing progress towards SDG 15 and related goals:

1. Ecosystem Diversity Monitoring
   • National forest inventories assess forest composition, structure, and spatial patterns.
   • Protected area expansion reflects commitment to SDG 15.1.
   • Remote sensing enhances detection of forest fragmentation and habitat changes.
2. Species Diversity Monitoring
   • Biological sampling and surveys track native species numbers and status.
   • Data gaps highlight the need for improved monitoring to meet SDG 15.5.
   • Regional and ecoregion analyses provide nuanced understanding of species trends.
3. Genetic Diversity Monitoring
   • Range contractions serve as proxies for genetic variation loss.
   • Conservation of subspecies and populations supports genetic diversity goals under SDG 15.6.
   • Ex situ conservation efforts, including seed banks and captive breeding, complement in situ measures.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

• Consistency and comparability of data across countries remain challenging due to methodological differences.
• Monitoring intensity and techniques evolve, requiring careful interpretation of trends.
• National priorities and capacities influence reporting styles and focus areas.
• Despite challenges, the Montreal Process provides a vital common framework facilitating international cooperation and progress towards SDG 15.

Conclusion

The Montreal Process exemplifies a collaborative international effort to monitor and promote sustainable forest management, directly supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15 on life on land. Through standardized criteria and indicators, it enables countries to assess ecosystem health, species conservation, and genetic diversity, fostering informed decision-making and coordinated conservation actions. Continued refinement and harmonization of monitoring approaches will enhance the effectiveness of this framework in achieving global sustainability targets.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses extensively on forest ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management, which directly relate to SDG 15.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • References to sustainable management of forest resources and monitoring impacts of human consumption align with SDG 12.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • While not explicitly stated, forest conservation contributes to climate mitigation by preserving carbon sinks.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The Montreal Process is an international cooperative effort involving multiple countries, reflecting SDG 17’s emphasis on partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Montreal Process Criteria and Indicators
   • Criterion 1: Conservation of Biological Diversity with indicators grouped into three categories:
     1. Ecosystem Diversity
        • 1.1a Area and percent of forest by type
        • 1.1b Area and percent of forest in protected areas
        • 1.1c Fragmentation of forests
     2. Species Diversity
        • 1.2a Number of native forest-associated species
        • 1.2b Number and status of native forest-associated species at risk
        • 1.2c Status of onsite and offsite efforts focused on conservation of species diversity
     3. Genetic Diversity
        • 1.3a Number of forest-associated species at risk of losing genetic variation
        • 1.3b Population levels of selected representative forest-associated species
        • 1.3c Status of onsite and offsite efforts focused on conservation of genetic diversity
2. National Forest Inventories (NFIs) and Monitoring Programs
   • Examples include Australia’s NFI reporting forest area and type, China’s forest area in protected zones, and the U.S. Forest Inventory and Analysis Program assessing forest cover and fragmentation.
   • Species monitoring through surveys such as the North American Breeding Bird Survey and NatureServe Explorer.
   • Genetic diversity proxies such as geographic range and extirpation rates of species and subspecies.
3. Additional Conservation Efforts
   • Seed banks and captive breeding programs (e.g., ash seed collection, giant panda breeding) as indicators of genetic conservation efforts.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wildlife.org