ALTERNATIVES TO FOREST CUTTING
Yacine Khelladi (yacine@AACR.NET)
Wed, 1 Oct 1997 09:56:01 -0400
The alarming rate of Forest Use and destruction and the responses to
contain it have been ongoing over the past decades. The high value attach
to timber products is one of the prime reasons why economic tools have
dominated forest valuation.
There seems to be light and hope at the end of the tunnel. Sustainable
Forest Mamagement (SFM) has been touted as the alternative in some cases
to forest cutting. The Ecology of Hope by Bernard and Young gives
practical examples of comminities across the United States engaged in
sustainable practices.
The Copopy Walkway in Kakum National Park in Central Ghana is an excellent
example of using the forest without destruction. The Walkway built over
the forest attracts tourists who pay entrance fees to watch the wildlife
and the rich tropical forest.
Other Alternative uses of forest include water management, NonWood proucts
(latex, mashrooms, medical plants, etc.) we believe several practical
examples exist worlwide which can be replicated, thogh in some cases with
modifications to suit local needs.
This is an effort to address this complex issue and also invitation to
provide practical examples of success stories of SFM.
Senanu Afealete
Angela Dobreva