Thumbnail Image

Forests and landslides

The role of trees and forests in the prevention of landslides and rehabilitation of landslides-affected areas in Asia. Second edition

Year of publication 2013

Pages 74 p.

Author Forbes, K.; Broadhead, J.;Forestry Group

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series title RAP Publication

Series number 1020-6221|1014-2789|18194591|0428-9560

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) In recent years, a number of devastating landslides in Asia have resulted in major tragedies and enormous destruction. Considerable economic losses have also been sustained due to the profusion of smaller landslide events throughout the region. Current rural development trends and predictions of more extreme weather events will increase the probability of such disasters in the future if efforts to prevent landslides are not stepped up. Better understanding of the roles that trees and forests pla y in preventing landslides and rehabilitating landslide-affected areas will be critical for a safer, greener and more prosperous future. This publication outlines the extent to which sound management of forests and tree planting can reduce the incidence of landslides and how forestation can assist in land rehabilitation and stabilization after landslides have occurred. It aims to bridge the gap between science and policy-making to improve management of sloping land both in Asia and elsewhere in the world.

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Forests and landslides
    The role of trees and forests in the prevention of landslides and rehabilitation of landslide-affected areas in Asia
    2011
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Steep terrain, vulnerable soils, heavy rainfall and earthquake activity make large parts of Asia highly susceptible to landslides. The significance of landslides is set to increase in the coming years as a result of population growth, expansion of infrastructure, and increased forestry and agricultural activity in the region. In temperate and tropical Asia, projected climate change related impacts are likely to result in compound effects of landslide incidences. Landslides cause environmental da mage to forests and agricultural resources by removing topsoil, blocking rivers and increasing downstream sedimentation. Scientific studies confirm the crucial role of trees and forests in preventing landslides not only by reinforcing and drying soils, but also in directly obstructing smaller slides and rock falls. However, the role of trees and forests in the case of deep-seated landslides or in extreme events is unlikely to have any effect. Landslides are a growing hazard in Asia and it is imp ortant for policy-makers to understand when, where and how trees and forests are useful in reducing landslides, and what they can and cannot do, based on sound science. This publication describes, from a technical standpoint, the extent to which the preservation or planting of forests can reduce the incidence of landslides, and where forestation projects are valuable in land rehabilitation and stabilization after landslides occur. Key findings and recommendations for policy-makers are provided, as well as an extensive list of reference materials.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Document
    Community based landslide treatment in Nepal 2013
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Community-based integrated methods for landslide treatment to reduce the impacts of landslides on settlements and agricultural lands.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Project
    Landslide Prevention and Stabilization of Slopes in the Most Earthquake-Affected Districts of Nepal - TCP/NEP/3601 2020
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    On 25 April 2015, a devastating earthquake hit Nepal, withthe epicentre in Gorkha District. This was followed byhundreds of aftershocks of differing magnitude, includingthat of 12 May 2015, with its epicentre in Dolakha District,which shook the hills, triggering a number of landslidesand creating cracks that affected agricultural land andlivelihood infrastructures, in particular irrigation, watersupply schemes, roads, trails and buildings. This, in turn,affected the food security of the earthquake-affectedfamilies. The monsoon that followed the earthquakeexacerbated the problem of slope instability in theseshaken hills, further worsening the situation.The project worked towards the rehabilitation oflivelihood infrastructure in order to support thelivelihoods of earthquake-affected households. This wasthe most urgent need for the communities most seriouslyaffected by the earthquake.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.