CATIE graduate research demonstrates the recovery capacity of sustainably managed forests

• The analysis of 537 plots in Costa Rica identified signs of degradation and recovery, providing evidence to improve the monitoring and management of tropical forests.

Understanding when a forest is degraded and when it is undergoing recovery is essential for making better decisions about its conservation and management. This was the question that guided the research of Marcella Sarti Arellano, a graduate of the Master’s Program in Management and Conservation of Tropical Forests and Biodiversity at CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), whose findings provide new evidence on the dynamics of Costa Rica’s forests following timber harvesting.

The research, titled “Assessment of Degradation Caused by Timber Harvesting in Costa Rican Forests,” analyzed data from 537 forest plots distributed across different regions of the country, some of which had been measured at different points in time. The objective was to identify characteristics that could help detect signs of forest degradation or recovery.

To conduct the study, the researcher reviewed more than 76 scientific articles, identifying 194 potential indicators related to forest structure, species diversity, and functional traits. These indicators were subsequently evaluated using undisturbed primary forests as a reference.

One of the main findings was that only 11% of the plots analyzed showed signs of possible degradation at some point in their trajectory. However, the analysis also revealed that a sign of degradation at a given point in time does not necessarily mean that the forest remains degraded, as it may be undergoing a recovery process.

A particularly relevant finding was observed in plots subjected to sustainable forest management and monitored by CATIE. These plots showed no signs of persistent degradation over time and demonstrated recovery within a period shorter than the 15 years established in the Sustainability Standards for Natural Forest Management.

“Tropical forests are highly dynamic systems with a significant capacity for recovery. Having long-term information allows us to distinguish between temporary changes, recovery processes, and signs of more persistent degradation,” explained the researcher.

The Guatemalan professional, who graduated from CATIE’s Graduate School in 2024, currently works in CATIE’s Forests and Biodiversity in Productive Landscapes Unit as a researcher specializing in forest ecology and monitoring. In this role, she continues to apply data science tools and ecological analysis to contribute to assessing the condition of ecosystems and agroecosystems.

The findings of her research also demonstrate the value of maintaining forest monitoring systems over long periods. According to the researcher, records accumulated over decades provide an opportunity to generate evidence that can contribute to the development of protocols, technical standards, and public policies related to forest conservation and sustainable management.

Applied science to address forest challenges

This graduate’s experience reflects one of the main contributions of CATIE’s Graduate School: integrating scientific rigor with practical application to address the region’s environmental and production-related challenges.

“Studying at CATIE is an academic and personal experience that is difficult to replicate. Not only because of the academic training, but also because of the opportunity to learn from professors with extensive experience in projects throughout Latin America and to interact with students and professionals from different countries,” said Sarti.

CATIE’s Graduate School offers international programs aimed at training professionals capable of generating knowledge and developing solutions to major challenges related to forests, biodiversity, climate change, agriculture, and sustainable development.

Those interested in continuing their education at CATIE can receive personalized assistance via WhatsApp at https://wa.me/50625582115. International in-person and bimodal master’s programs will begin in March 2027.