Applied Ecology Program

The mission of the Applied Ecology program is to develop socially, economically, and ecologically viable strategies for managing natural forest and restoring native forest cover in degraded tropical landscapes. Toward this end, the program works with scientists, economists, foresters, and social scientists across the network to design and implement interdisciplinary investigations of

• ecosystem services
• secondary forest dynamics and management
• reforestation and land restoration
• forest management

Experimental studies in these critical areas allows for management-oriented comparisons that are essential to the development of conservation strategies in an era of rapid global change.

To manage forests appropriately, we must understand the forces that maintain their diversity and drive their dynamics. Likewise, we must also understand the social and economic forces that today are exerting unprecedented pressure on forests if we are to manage them appropriately. The CTFS Applied Ecology program bridges the gap between ecological theory and management practice. Applied research with strong ecological, economic, social-science, and policy components is the best way to ensure effective management and conservation of tropical forests.