WP 1 - Objectives

Compare the biodiversity and dynamics in forests exposed to different drivers of ecosystem change, applying palm-communities and the products they provide for use and trade as indicators of the impacts on biodiversity.
Specific objectives: 1. Document the diversity, composition and dynamics of palm communities in forests exposed to different intensities of use and trade of forest products. 2. Estimate the amounts of useful and tradable products (fruits, materials, fibers, etc.). that the palms may provide locally, at extrapolate results to the regional level. 3. Apply palm-communities as indicators of the state of the overall forests biodiversity 4. Model responses to scenarios of future anthropogenic impacts at forests.