Yevgeniya Korol

E-Mail: yevgeniya.korol@stud.uni-goettingen.de

I am a PhD student in Tropical Silviculture and Forest Ecology, focusing on the distribution patterns and ecology of Ravenala spp., an emblematic endemic plant genus of Madagascar. In parallel with my species-focused research, I am closely involved in the SAVA Biodiversity Enrichment Experiment (SAVA-BEE). SAVA-BEE is a long-term field experiment designed to investigate how tree species diversity and planting spacing influence biodiversity, ecosystem functions and yields on degraded land undergoing agroforestry-based ecosystem restoration. Together with our local partner, the University of SAVA, we established the experiment on formerly forested land in north-eastern Madagascar. By combining data from the experimental plots with landscape-level information from the surrounding region, our research aims to develop effective and context-specific restoration strategies. Ultimately, these approaches seek to create win–win solutions that conserve the region’s highly endemic and fragile biodiversity while supporting the well-being and livelihoods of local communities.



Figure 1. UAV image of the SAVA-Biodiversity Enrichment Experiment. The experimental area covers approximately 8 ha and comprises 45 plots. Across the plots, a total of 5,775 native Malagasy tree individuals were planted in different combinations of species diversity and planting spacing. Three diversity levels (1, 3 and 6 species) were crossed with three spacing levels (2 m × 2 m, 4 m × 4 m and 8 m × 8 m), resulting in an orthogonal experimental design. Twenty-seven plots are managed as agroforestry systems, while 18 plots serve as controls representing land-use types typical of the surrounding landscape, including forest, agriculture and fallow land undergoing natural succession. Within each plot, five 3 m × 3 m subplots allow for monitoring of naturally recruited tree species.