Decision Support Models in Natural Resources

Silviculture and dynamics of forest ecosystems

Collection and analysis of data on forest resources

Geomatics

Two types of classes will be used: 1) Theoretical-practical classes
where the concepts and assumptions of the different models will be presented, followed by small illustrative practical applications; 2) case studies. Presentation, study and discussion of examples
of application of models to decision making in forest resources. It will also be used a set of tutorials that are intended, among other things, to standardize the knowledge of students students with different backgrounds.

As learning outcomes the student:

1 Is able to integrate disciplinary subjects or knowledge in the design of development alternatives for the multiplicity of forest spaces.
2. Knows and applies models in the search for the best management plan or alternative
1. Uses complexity management techniques to support decision making
2. Demonstrates capacity for listening and integrating subjectivity and plurality of opinions in supporting decision making

Part I: Development of the information bases for forest management
2.1 Territorial classification at forest level and spatially explicit planning systems.
2.2 Characterization and valorization of forest resources. Structural assessment of natural resources. Evaluation
economic, social and environmental valuation of natural resources. Standardization and organization of relevant information
for management.
2.3 Construction of management alternatives at stand and forest level. Estimating and
projection of forest and stand evolution under different management objectives.
2.4 Construction and use of indicators to represent the consequences of management alternatives at the
forest level.

2.5  Linear programming and simplex algorithm to solve problems of forest planning and management.
Application examples. Use of software to solve the problems. Interpretation of the results
of PL. Integer programming
2.6  Construction and evaluation of alternative forest management scenarios using optimization models.
Optimization models.

Part II: Structuring models and multicriteria analysis
2.1  The need to structure decisions in natural resources management.
2.2  The decision support process in forest resources management
2.3 Components of the problems in forest resource management
2.4 Introduction to multi-criteria decision analysis.
2.5  Concepts and theoretical foundations of multi-criteria decision analysis.

NAO

**Bettinger, P., Boston, K., Siry, J. P., & Grebner, D. L. (2016). Forest Management and Planning (Second edition).

Conroy, M. J. (Michael J., & Peterson, J. T. (2013). Decision making in natural resource management: a structured, adaptive approach. Wiley.

**Gregory, R., zFailing, L., Harstone, M., McDaniels, G. L. T., & Ohlson, D. (n.d.). Structured Decision Making. A pratical guide to Environmental Management Choices (Wiley_Blackwell). www.wiley.com/go/gregory/sdm

**Kangas, A., Kurttila, M., Hujala, T., Eyvindson, K., & Kangas, J. (2015). Managing Forest Ecosystems Decision Support for Forest Management (second edition). Springer International Publishing. http://www.springer.com/series/6247

Pereira, L. M., Davies, K. K., den Belder, E., Ferrier, S., Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen, S., Kim, H. J., Kuiper, J. J., Okayasu, S., Palomo, M. G., Pereira, H. M., Peterson, G., Sathyapalan, J., Schoolenberg, M., Alkemade, R., Carvalho Ribeiro, S.,

Greenaway, A., Hauck, J., King, N., Lazarova, T., … Lundquist, C. J. (2020). Developing multiscale and integrative nature–people scenarios using the Nature Futures Framework. People and Nature, 2(4), 1172–1195. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.1014

Runge, M., Converse, S., Lyons, J., & Smith, D. (2020). Structured Decision Making. Case studies in natural resources management. In Structured Decision Making. Johns Hopkins University Press. https://doi.org/10.1353/book.74951

** Essential bibliography