Samenvatting

Forests, both natural and planted, can provide multiple benefits to human society. The loss of these ecosystem services due to deforestation and forest degradation is of global concern and of particular importance to rural populations that rely on natural resources for their livelihoods. One of the (international) organizations in Bolivia with the aim of increasing revenue for small landholders, reducing pressure on natural forests, and restoring degraded lands rather than commercial forestry operations is SICIREC Bolivia Ltda. This study aims to gain a better understanding on the effect the three most planted native tree species used for forestry plantations by the ArBolivia project have on their environment. These species are tejeyeque (Centrolobium tomentosum), palo maría (Calophyllum brasiliense) and palo román (Brosimum alicastrum). Since the tree species of tejeyeque, palo maría, and palo román are native to the region and are not internationally cultivated on a large scale, there is less research done on optimal growing conditions and what impact they have on ecosystem goods and services.