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A Simple Planting Technique for Re-establishing Trees Where Frequent Inundation Occurs
Published on: January 26, 2018
New strategies for conserving tropical forests.
Rhett A Butler1, William F Laurance
1Mongabay.com, P.O. Box 0291, Menlo Park, CA 94026, USA.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|July 29, 2008
Summary
Tropical deforestation has shifted from small-scale farming to industrial drivers like logging and large-scale agriculture. Conservationists can now leverage public pressure on corporations to protect forests.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Tropical forest destruction has evolved significantly over the past 1-2 decades.
- Deforestation drivers have shifted from rural farmers to major industries and economic globalization.
- Key industrial causes include timber operations, oil and gas development, large-scale farming, and exotic-tree plantations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the changing drivers of tropical deforestation.
- To identify new opportunities for forest conservation arising from these changes.
- To propose a strategic approach for conservationists to influence forest fate.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent trends in tropical deforestation drivers.
- Assessment of the impact of industrial activities and economic globalization on forest loss.
- Development of a strategic framework for conservation interventions targeting corporations.
Main Results:
- Tropical deforestation is now predominantly driven by industrial activities and global economic forces.
- These industrial drivers present new, albeit challenging, opportunities for conservation efforts.
- Targeting corporations and trade groups with public pressure is identified as a potentially effective conservation strategy.
Conclusions:
- The shift in deforestation drivers necessitates adaptive conservation strategies.
- Engaging with and applying pressure on strategic corporations offers a promising avenue for conservation.
- Conservation interests can significantly influence tropical forest outcomes by focusing on industrial and economic actors.
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