Aland’s research focuses on studying forest growth and succession on degraded landscapes. In particular, he hopes to identify the factors affecting the resilience of these systems against landslides and tropical cyclones. Remote sensing and field data will be gathered from Hong Kong, where forests gradually recovered from deforestation after the second world war. By comparing the collected data with topographical, meteorological, and local records of disturbances, the project will reveal how different environmental factors work together to shape the dynamics of restored tropical and subtropical forests.

Fieldwork Hongkong 2020