Multiple-criteria Decision-support System for Optimising Spatial Distribution in a Forest Classification Process

抄録

We propose a new multiple-criteria decision-support (MCDS) system to consider the optimum area distribution and spatial layouts of forest types in forest zoning. We formulated a new index (W') that considers social demand for forests, potential capacities of forests and functional diversity of forests. Area distribution of each forest type (e.g. timber production, ecosystem preservation) was considered by maximising the index (W') using the Lagrange multiplier method. We dealt with the spatial layouts of the forest types by applying 0-1 integer programming. The applicability of the new MCDS system was validated through a case study at a national forest in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The following forest types were considered in the case study: timber production, water conservation, soil conservation, recreational land use and ecosystem preservation. The social demand for each forest type was quantitatively evaluated by an opinion poll. Potential capacities were assessed for each subcompartment using an existing index, regression analysis and valuation standards. We compared results derived from the index W' with results from six other methods. These methods were derived from combinations of the terms included in W'. The results from the new index were the most balanced and had relatively high scores for each item (social demand, potential capacity, functional diversity). The sum total of the scores was highest for the new index amongst all the methods. Each forest type was allocated adequately by integer programming. Thus, we concluded that the new MCDS system provides the most suitable area distribution and spatial layouts of the different forest types, taking account of both aspects of social demand and potential capacity of forest stands.