Ecosystem multifunctionality of forest patches in the tropics: A systematic literature review

The ability of forests to provide multiple ecosystem functions and services including Nature’s Contributions to People is a key concern for achieving their sustainability. The multifunctionality of an ecosystem is its ability to maintain multiple functions simultaneously. The concept of ecosystem multifunctionality has been defined broadly in various studies to measure the abiotic and biotic functions of ecosystems including their contributions to ecosystems services. However, applications of multifunctionality to fragmented forests remain limited, particularly in the case of tropical forest patches. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on ecosystem multifunctionality of forest patches in the tropics. Moreover, it explores the key factors that affect the multifunctionality of forest patches and the trade-offs to consider. The presented analysis and results will highlight the multiple functions of tropical forest patches, and will explore particular contexts such as forest patches in agricultural landscapes in West Africa and contrast with other tropical regions. The findings can inform stakeholders on the valuation of ecosystems multifunctionality related to tropical forest patches and their contributions to human wellbeing.

KEYWORDS: Ecosystem multifunctionality, Ecosystems services, Nature’s Contributions to People, Multifunctional landscape, Forests patches, Tropics, West Africa.