Afforestation and ecosystem services in the Hawke’s Bay region

Authors: Richard Yao, David Palmer
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2020, Issue N.Z.J.For. 65(1) 2020, pp 16-21, May 2020
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Plantation forests provide benefits beyond timber. However, these non-timber benefits (avoided erosion, avoided nutrient leaching) do not have market values and are often overlooked in decision-making. This study describes a spatial economic assessment of the timber and non-timber values of potential plantation forest areas in the Hawke’s Bay. The assessment tool – the Forest Investment Framework (FIF) – was used to spatially quantify the value of timber, carbon sequestration, avoided erosion and avoided nitrogen leaching provided by a 28-year rotation of radiata pine grown on identified highly erodible sites in the region. Spatially explicit estimates of timber and non-timber values can support targeted forestry investment decisions, and thus address the issue of limited resources. If the purpose of a potential forestry programme was to improve the environment, areas that provide the highest non-timber values can be identified and prioritised. Spatial estimates of values can also be used to prioritise areas with high timber values.

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