Scientists in Ghana are studying how extreme heat affects the Bobiri forest’s trees, using thermal cameras for temperature analysis. Data collected will inform reforestation policies and enhance local research capacity. The Bobiri Forest is vital for biodiversity and carbon absorption, and findings could help mitigate the impacts of climate change on tropical forests. The government’s commitment to restoring forest cover remains complex, as the focus has shifted towards non-native species, raising concerns about biodiversity loss.
A team of scientists is investigating the impact of extreme heat on the Bobiri forest reserve in southern Ghana. By utilizing thermal cameras, they are capturing maximum temperatures experienced by various tree species, which in turn influences the health and overall functionality of the forest. This data is communicated in real-time to researchers at Plymouth University in the UK for comprehensive analysis.
The Bobiri Forest spans 55 square kilometers and consists of a rich diversity of native tree species, including African mahogany and ofram, along with numerous butterfly species. A metal tower equipped with thermal and conventional cameras, as well as a weather station, offers continuous monitoring of the forest canopy, capturing imagery every ten minutes. Solar-powered, this setup signifies a modern approach to environmental research.
Forests globally play a critical role, covering about one-third of the planet’s land and housing over 80% of terrestrial species while significantly absorbing CO2. According to the UN Environment Programme, reinforcing this essential function through effective management practices, reforestation, and ending deforestation will be paramount to limit global warming.
Shalom Addo-Danso, a senior scientist at Ghana’s Forest Research Institute, co-leading the Bobiri project, emphasizes the goal of comprehensively understanding climate change effects on regional tropical forest canopy temperatures. This data aligns with similar studies to evaluate how temperature elevations impact the respiration and growth of tree species.
Leaf temperatures are vital as they directly affect photosynthesis. Warmer leaves are generally more efficient in this process; however, temperatures exceeding critical thresholds can hinder photosynthesis. Research indicates that leaves of emergent trees can become drastically warmer than the ambient air, notably due to their exposure to sunlight, highlighting the intricate dynamics affecting photosynthesis efficiency.
Given the potential risks to biodiversity posed by extreme weather, developing targeted policies based on localized data from Ghana’s forests is crucial. Addo-Danso states that many existing policies rely on generalized global values from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which could benefit from specific national data on species resilience to climate stressors.
Ghana has experienced significant tree cover loss, with estimates showing a net decline of 5,730 square kilometers from 2000 to 2020, alongside a commitment to restore two million hectares of forest by 2030 initiated by government strategies. However, the focus on non-native species during reforestation raises concerns over biodiversity loss.
Collaborative studies, spearheaded by researchers like Sophie Fauset from Plymouth University, hope to reshape policies regarding forest restoration. Examination of forest productivity and respiration is vital, as an imbalance could indicate ecological issues.
This research extends beyond Ghana, aiming to harmonize data collection across different countries such as Brazil, China, and the US, ensuring comprehensive environmental comparisons. Samuel Gyekyi, gaining hands-on experience through this initiative, exemplifies the capacity-building goal of the project.
The team aspires to broaden their investigations into other regions of Ghana and the Congo Basin to compare findings from diverse climatic settings. Addo-Danso expresses pride in this study, noting that the established infrastructure can facilitate various future research initiatives within the Bobiri Forest.
The ongoing research in Ghana’s Bobiri Forest seeks to understand the complex interactions between climate change and tropical forest ecosystems. With the goal of enhancing species resilience and informing policy, the collaboration between local and international scientists aims to develop actionable strategies for forest management. The importance of localized data in shaping effective environmental policies cannot be overstated, especially in the context of global climate change.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
