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A Technical Perspective in Modern Tree-ring Research - How to Overcome Dendroecological and Wood Anatomical Challenges
Published on: March 5, 2015
The tropical timber trade and sustainable development
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 19, 1992
Summary
Tropical timber trade policies in developing nations often lead to unsustainable practices, not economic growth. Revisions are needed to address suppressed timber scarcity signals and promote better forest management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Forestry
- Economics
Background:
- The tropical timber trade is characterized by boom-and-bust export patterns.
- This pattern is often attributed to external factors like demand from developed nations and international wood prices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the internal policy-driven roots of the tropical timber trade's unsustainability.
- To determine if policy revisions can foster sustained economic growth and forest management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of tropical countries' policies concerning timber concessions.
- Examination of policies related to wood-processing industries.
Main Results:
- Tropical timber trade has not fostered sustained forest management or industrialization.
- Export patterns are driven by internal policies that obscure timber scarcity.
- Revising these policies is crucial for sustained economic growth.
Conclusions:
- Tropical timber trade policies require fundamental revision to prevent unsustainable practices.
- Even with policy changes, sustained-yield forestry may not be achieved at the national level.
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