Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.93.970926162226.29668A-100000@oak.cats.ohiou.edu> Date: Fri, 26 Sep 1997 17:50:12 -0400 From: Senanu W Y Afealete <mailto:sa243889@OAK.CATS.OHIOU.EDU> Subject: ALTERNATIVES TO FOREST CUTTING To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
Hello The alarming rate of Forest Use and destruction and the responses to contain it have been ongoing within 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 Management (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 communities across the United States engaged in sustainable practices. The Canopy Walkway in the 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 Forest Products ( latex, mushroom, medical plants etc.). We believe several practical examples exist worldwide which can be be replicated, though 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