FAO’s most recent global synthesis on planted forests was released in 2009 and the last Unasylva on planted forests was published in 2005. Developed together with a coalition of external partners, including the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) task force on planted forests and the TreeDivNet network, Issue 254 hereby responds to the need for wider information-sharing on data, tools and approaches available for leveraging the contributions of planted forests to meet the target of increasing the global forest area of 3 percent by 2030, which Global Forest Goal 1 provides for. Unasylva issue 254 was launched in November 2023 at the International Congress on Planted Forests 2023 (ICPF2023) – the first edition of this global forum to be held in Africa (Nairobi, Kenya).

Fresh concepts in the study of seed dispersal are spurring a host of exciting new questions, new answers to old questions, new methods and approaches, and a reinvigoration of the field.Seed Dispersal: Theory and its Application in a Changing World presents both recent advances and reviews of current knowledge demonstrating the vigour and vibrancy of the field. It provides new perspectives and directions at a time when efforts to meet growing environmental challenges threatening natural systems are of utmost importance.

This edited work presents a multi-faceted view on the causes and consequences of disturbance in ecosystems. Vegetation can be affected by a variety of different disturbances such as wind, floods, fire, and insect attack, leading to an abrupt change in live biomass. Disturbance is a motor of vegetation dynamics, but also sensitive to climate change and poses a challenge for ecosystem management. Readers will discover the global distribution of disturbance regimes and learn about the importance of disturbances for biodiversity and the evolution of plant and animal life. The book provides a Central European perspective on disturbance ecology, and addresses important disturbance agents such as fire, wind, avalanches, tree diseases, insect defoliators, bark beetles and large herbivores in dedicated chapters. It furthermore includes chapters on anthropogenic disturbances in forests and grasslands. The impact of climate change on disturbance regimes and approaches to address disturbance risks in ecosystem management are discussed in concluding chapters. Within the 18 chapters 14 textboxes highlight current topics of disturbance ecology and provide deeper methodological insights into the field. Disturbances strongly shape our landscapes and maintain our biodiversity. A better understanding of their ecology is thus fundamental for contextualizing the dynamic changes in our environment. This book is a valuable resource for students and practitioners interested in disturbances and their management.

## Beyond Four Walls The Ultimate Guide to Forest Gardening Unlock the secret to transforming any landscape into a thriving, sustainable forest garden with "Beyond Four Walls." This comprehensive eBook takes you on an inspiring journey from the fundamentals to advanced techniques, equipping you with all the knowledge you need to create your own self-sustaining paradise. ### Introduction to Forest Gardening Dive into the core concepts of forest gardening and understand its historical significance and benefits. Discover how this ancient practice outshines traditional gardening methods by promoting biodiversity, improving soil health, and yielding abundant, organic produce. ### Planning Your Forest Garden Learn to assess your land and resources meticulously. From designing a permaculture landscape to creating a detailed planting plan, this section ensures you are well-prepared to embark on your forest gardening adventure. ### Soil Health and Preparation Unlock the mysteries of soil composition and fertility. Master soil testing and amendments to build a foundation that promises a flourishing garden. ### Choosing Plant Species Delve into the world of native and non-native plants. Explore effective companion planting strategies to ensure your garden is diverse and resilient. ### Planting Your Forest Garden Acquire practical knowledge of timing and techniques for various planting layers. Master water management and irrigation to support your garden through all seasons. ### Early Maintenance From mulching and weed control to pruning and pest management, learn essential early maintenance practices that set your garden up for long-term success. ### Harvesting Methods Efficiently harvest edible and non-edible products while learning storage and preservation techniques to make the most of your produce. ### Integrating Wildlife Habitats Create a thriving ecosystem by encouraging beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals. Learn to integrate water features that attract and sustain wildlife. ### Advanced Forest Gardening Techniques Explore agroforestry practices, silvopasture integration, and forest garden expansion strategies. Push the boundaries of your garden to new heights. ### Seasonal Management and Activities Navigate the seasons like a pro. From spring preparations to winter maintenance, gain year-round insights to keep your garden vibrant. ### Community and Education Share your newfound knowledge with your community. Host workshops, document your journey, and inspire others to join the forest gardening movement. ### Long-Term Sustainability and Economic Opportunities Commit to continuous improvement and resilience against climate change. Learn to monetize your forest garden through eco-tourism, selling produce, and securing grants for sustainable projects. Embark on an enriching journey with "Beyond Four Walls." Elevate your gardening experience and cultivate a legacy that thrives for generations to come.