Tropical montane forests in Africa: carbon, water and rural livelihoods

Tropical montane forests, those found above 800m elevation, are unique socio-ecological systems. Lower temperatures, cloudiness, wind and waterlogged soils affect tree composition, forest structure and carbon stocks. Notably, those in Africa have higher carbon than previously expected- I will discuss potential drivers. I will also provide a quick overview of the importance of occult precipitation on ecosystem functioning, and discuss the ecosystem services they provide to local peoples, considering instrumental, relational and intrinsic values of Nature.