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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
05:58
An Integrated Micro-Device System for Coral Growth and Monitoring
Published on: July 21, 2023
Poverty and corruption compromise tropical forest reserves.
S Joseph Wright1, G Arturo Sanchez-Azofeifa, Carlos Portillo-Quintero
1Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama. wrightj@si.edu
Summary
Tropical forest reserves show varied effectiveness in reducing fires, with success linked to economic factors and governance. Data from satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aids in assessing fire management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Tropical and subtropical moist forests are vital ecosystems facing significant threats from fires.
- Effective conservation strategies are crucial for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services in these regions.
- Satellite remote sensing offers a powerful tool for monitoring environmental changes, including fire occurrences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of tropical and subtropical moist forest reserves in mitigating fire incidence.
- To identify factors influencing the success or failure of these reserves in fire management.
- To provide a comprehensive dataset for future research and improved conservation planning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) global fire detection record.
- Analyzed fire detection densities within 823 forest reserves and adjacent buffer zones (5, 10, 15 km).
- Calculated a reserve effectiveness index based on the ratio of fire detection densities inside reserves to buffer areas.
Main Results:
- Fire detection density was significantly lower within reserves compared to buffer areas, indicating some level of protection.
- Reserve effectiveness varied dramatically, with differences up to five orders of magnitude among reserves.
- Reserve effectiveness was negatively correlated with lower national income and higher levels of corruption.
- Notable successes were observed in Costa Rica, Jamaica, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Java; challenges were identified in Cambodia, Guatemala, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, and Borneo.
Conclusions:
- Forest reserve effectiveness in fire reduction is highly variable and influenced by socio-economic and governance factors.
- Targeted management strategies are needed, especially in less effective reserves within developing nations.
- The provided dataset of fire densities can support further research for optimizing tropical reserve management and conservation efforts.
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