International Wood International Wood 2004 | Page 42

RealProgress

CHOOSING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
TEAK • MAHOGANY • IPE • MERANTI • Tropical hardwoods are synonymous with durability , beauty and elegance . The intricate patterns , natural luster and superior physical properties are simply unmatched by other woods .
Tropical woods are suitable for everything from furniture to doors and flooring to boat-building materials – southeast Asian Lauan , African Khaya , or Brazilian Cherry ( Jatoba ) to name a few . The tropical forests hold hundreds of species . As new products and new applications are developed , readily and consistently available beautiful tropical woods will increase their prominence in the U . S . market , and given their durability , provide a sustainable beauty for years to come .
More than Just Wood
When you choose to use a tropical wood , your purchase contributes to maintaining the world ’ s tropical forests .
Although small in volume , international trade in wood products makes a huge difference in the lives of millions of people in developing countries . People in these tropical nations , like people everywhere , want better homes , medical facilities , and education for their children . Tropical forests are an important source of revenue for many developing countries and their populations . Ninety percent of the 1.2 billion people who live in extreme poverty depend on forests to satisfy parts of their livelihoods . 350 million people living in or close to forests obtain the major part of their revenue and food from forest resources , according to the Swiss Organization for Development and Cooperation , The more value we can bring to these developing countries through international trade in wood products , the more they will be interested in sustainably managing their forests .
The Mistake of Bans and Boycotts
Attitudes have changed from the 1980 ’ s and 1990 ’ s notion that the rainforests will be saved only if not used . Although well intentioned , boycotts and bans on wood produce the opposite effects intended . Why ? Without value , local people would have no choice but to clear the rainforest and replace it with other valuable options like farming and ranching . Bans and boycotts only diminish the value of tropical wood , thus diminishing the incentives to sustainably manage the forests .
Trade & Species Protection
The timber industry utilizes only selected trees from the forests . They do not have the need or desire to clear the land . The industry generally leaves behind far more trees than they harvest . This practice is called “ selective logging ,” and it conserves the value of the forests for future harvesting . Younger trees are left to grow so natural tropical forests can retain ecological integrity to sustain nature ’ s biodiversity .
Give Credit Where Credit is Due
Timber exporters and importers work with governments and professional foresters to sustainably manage their forests . An international organization , the International Tropical Timber Organization ( ITTO ), is an example of how producer and consumerbased governments work together to assist developing countries in implementing “ best practices ” for sustainable forest management .
All these efforts have resulted in real progress being made in tropical forest management . There are on-going efforts to inventory and map forest management units ; conduct environmental impact assessments ; enforce forest laws and regulations ; and , use reduced-impact logging techniques to avoid damaging the forest .
For example :
GHANA is well advanced in setting out a system for auditing forest practices in order to credibly demonstrate to consumers and environmentalists their commitment to best possible forest management .
They have established conservation status for each tree species and are working on their own country-specific certification program . Ghana uses a numbering and inspection system to track timber from its source . INDONESIA has adopted new safeguards to ensure their forests are managed in a legal , sustainable manner . Trees are harvested by employing selective harvesting and reforestation systems . To further safeguard the legality of wood , plywood or wood products exported must be endorsed by their Forestry Industries Revitalization Agency ( BRIK ). MALAYSIA manages its forests to meet internationally recognized standards and has adopted a forest policy that takes into account biological diversity , input from local communities , and the enhancement of ecotourism . Malaysia has been able to retain 72 percent of the total land area under trees and forest cover because of both effective forestry practices and rigorous laws .
Malaysia ’ s hard work has been rewarded as it has been chosen by the United Nations ’ Development Program as the sustainable forest management model for developing countries to emulate . Malaysia earned this honor through its development and use of remote sensing and other advanced technology to manage its forests for economic and ecological benefits . BRAZIL Brazil has made sustainable forest management an integral part of the agenda of both government and private enterprise , according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations . The regulatory agency for forests in Brazil has revised all management plans for native forests , and is implementing extensive control and surveillance measures . The federal government has set aside a goal of at least 10 percent of all ecosystems in Brazil and is building a system of ecologic corridors to connect the various conservation units .
These are but a few of the national and regional efforts that are underway in developing countries .
More Progress Means More Wood
Wise utilization , reforestation , and progress in forest management ensure there is more wood to meet demand , and that the tropical forests are here for future generations .
Consumer awareness and education is an important ongoing process especially as developing countries continue to change the type of wood products entering the market . Most developing countries have policies in place that aim to increase the amount of value-added products to their
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