Scientists in Ghana are studying how extreme heat impacts the Bobiri forest ecosystem using thermal imaging. This research helps identify temperature differences among tree species, which affects their health and the ecosystem’s functioning. The project’s goals include influencing tree-planting initiatives and fostering local scientific capacity. Insights gained could inform policies on reforestation and biodiversity conservation, addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
A research team is investigating the impact of extreme heat on the Bobiri forest reserve in southern Ghana. They utilize thermal cameras to observe temperature variations among different tree species and study their health implications. The images are promptly analyzed by British and Ghanaian researchers at Plymouth University, with the aim of aiding species selection for Ghana’s tree-planting initiative and enhancing local scientific capacity. The team’s vision includes extending the research to other regions in Ghana and contributing to global databases pertaining to tree growth and health.
The Bobiri Forest spans 55 square kilometers and hosts numerous native tree species, including African mahogany and numerous others, along with a rich diversity of butterflies and moths. A metal tower equipped with cameras and a weather station has been established within the forest. This tower captures images every ten minutes, powered by a solar panel, contributing vital data to the project’s goals.
Globally, forests represent approximately one-third of terrestrial land, harboring over 80 percent of terrestrial species and significantly aiding in carbon dioxide absorption. Protecting forest ecosystems is crucial for controlling global temperature rise according to the UN Environment Programme. The Bobiri project aims to gather crucial data on how climate change affects tropical forest temperatures and their ecological functions, highlighting the urgency of addressing deforestation and promoting reforestation.
Key insights from this study include the critical role of leaf temperatures in photosynthesis. Leaf temperatures exceeding optimal levels can hinder photosynthesis efficiency. Specifically, Ghanaian research has shown that canopy and emergent trees often possess warmer leaves than the surrounding air, largely due to direct sunlight exposure. Such temperature increases might threaten forests’ ability to act as carbon sinks, as noted by researcher William Hagan Brown.
The research findings have significant policy implications. Current climate policies often rely on broad data from global sources, which may not accurately reflect local conditions. Shalom Addo-Danso, a prominent scientist at Ghana’s Forest Research Institute, emphasizes the significance of country-specific data in formulating effective conservation and reforestation strategies. Ghana has faced substantial tree cover loss; hence, understanding species tolerance to climatic challenges is paramount for effective restoration efforts.
Despite the government’s commitment to restoring two million hectares of forest cover by 2030, concerns remain about prioritizing non-native tree species, risking local biodiversity. Researchers like Addo-Danso aim to influence policy revisions by utilizing findings from the Bobiri study. Currently, another study is examining forest productivity and respiration, essential for assessing the health of forest ecosystems.
Globally, researchers from various countries, including Brazil and China, are collaborating on a project to analyze leaf temperatures, enhancing the reliability of data. Samuel Gyekyi, a local trainee, values gaining practical experience through this initiative, which bridges academic knowledge with real-world application.
The team aspires to broaden their research into other regions of Ghana and potentially the Congo Basin, offering valuable comparative insights. The infrastructure established in Bobiri benefits not only local scientists but also various collaborative research projects focused on climate-related studies, as noted by Addo-Danso.
In conclusion, the ongoing research in Ghana’s Bobiri forest underscores the critical relationship between climate change and forest health. By utilizing innovative techniques such as thermal imaging, scientists aim to provide essential data that can guide tree species selection and inform national reforestation strategies. The collaborative efforts between local and international researchers pave the way for a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate changes on tropical ecosystems, ultimately striving for effective conservation and restoration practices.
Original Source: dialogue.earth
