About the Research

Billions of people around the world rely on trees and forests for food, shelter, fuel, medicines, stable soils, clean air and fresh water. Forests harbour more species than any other terrestrial habitat, safeguarding the world’s biological heritage. Forests are integral components of many landscapes, and play a central role in the cultural fabric of diverse societies creating livelihoods for forest dependent communities.

In recent years, the role of forests in capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions from human activities has come to the fore. Carbon emissions from destruction and degradation of forests, is estimated to contribute to about 20% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Forests also provide a large opportunity to mitigate climate change by halting deforestation and sequestering carbon.

By analysing the influence of climate on plant population in different forest types, we will begin to understand which attributes of a forest are important in maintaining populations in the face of climatic variability and change.

Volunteer Activities

The field research entails a methodical effort that requires intense labour to collect data needed for scientific analysis. Volunteers will help establish and study experimental plots in the forest. Activities include marking and locating plots, tagging and identifying trees, measuring their diameters, helping with scientific equipment, installing woody debris collectors, and gathering and classifying samples. Volunteers will be responsible for filling out data forms accurately, according to instructions.

Meals and Accommodation

Volunteers will stay at the Reserve’s Gutianshan Lodge in double en-suite rooms according to gender. Each room is basic but comfortable, with bed linen and towels provided. A washer/dryer is available for use at the lodge. Research sites, depending on their location, will be accessed on foot or by vehicle from the lodge.

Meals are provided by the lodge restaurant, with breakfast and dinner served in the restaurant itself. Depending upon the distance to the research plot on a given day, lunch will either be eaten at the lodge or in the field, provided in the form of a packed lunch.