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A new perspective on tropical hardwood use
By J. Scott Wilber Trcpical Forest Foundation
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or a member of a construction, architectural or design firm, supplying or recommending tropical wood products, you may have to address consumer concerns about these products and how their use may or may not contribute to the destruction of tropical forests.
Consumers demand good answers. Environmental groups have initiated campaigns publicizing the negative impacts of commercial forestry, calling for boycotts of ropical wood products. Although most of these campaigns are well-meaning and draw attention to the unsustainable nature of current harvesting practices in the tropics, it is unlikely that they will curb deforestation. Such campaigns do not encourage tropical countries to conserve and properly manage their forests. They point out a problem, but offer no solutions...only a penalty.
Contrary to popular belief, developing countries are making impressive strides toward improved management of tropical timber resources. Boycotts tend to depress the value of hardwoods and the forests that contain them. Commercial forestry must compete with other forms of land use. If there are no economic benefits to be gained from the utilization of forest resources, tropical forests are likely to be cut down, bumed and permanently converted to agricultural or livestock production, yielding exactly the opposite result intended by the boycott.
There are legitimate reasons for not imposing constraints on the trade of tropical wood products, but they should not be used as an excuse for inaction. Less than l7o of all tropical forestry is being managed on a sustainable basis. Rather than campaign against commercial forestry and the use of tropical wood products, those concerned about the fate of tropical forests should insist that nopical wood products originate from well-managed sources and campaign for the adoption of better practices and policies that will achieve this goal.
Currently, most commercial logging in the tropics does not adhere to a sustainability standard with the harvesting generally exceeding growth. Even if it did, measuring sustainability only in terms of timber resources and the growth in timber volume is too limiting. To be considered truly sustainable, forestry must balance timber management with non-timber resources,
The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITIO) has established the year 2000 as a target for all timber in intemational trade to originate from sustainably managed souro$. In support of this goal, the Tropical Forcst Foundation C[FF), a non-profit educational organization, is launching a proggam to seek out and rccognizc exemplary achievements in the sustainable use of forest resources in the producing countries. By focusing on positive developments, the TFF aspires to counter the misconception that sustainable forest management is beyond achievement. Generally, the problem is not devising sustainable utilization systems, but making them work under the socioeconomic and political conditions prevailing in the ropical countries.
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While the primary focus of the TFF program is to recognize those doing successful work in tropical forest management, the underlying intent is to inform consumers and producers alike of the principles and benefits of sustainable forest management. Ideally, projects and programs recognized will serve as models for others.
Campaigning against c€rtain practices and particular products does not necessarily lead to better practices or alternative uses of tropical forests. The tropical countries need positive feedback. Those who disnibute and use tropical wood products have to become more aware of the issues surrounding tropical deforestation and actively involve themselves in the search for solutions.
For more information about the use of tropical woods and sustainable forest management programs write : Tropical Forest Foundation, 1421 Pince St., Ste. 230, Alexardia, Va. 22314: or call (703) 836-7088 --editor.
