A world without forests is unthinkable. Forests provide a wide range of benefits at the local, national and global levels. Some of these benefits depend on the forest being left untouched or subject to minimal interference. Others can only be realized by harvesting the forest for wood and other products. It is simplistic and counterproductive to portray the complex issue of forestry as a struggle between the "good" forces of conservation and the "evil" of utilization. Absolute protectionism that denies access to resources and leaves these resources unattended is as constraining to sustainable development as is "mining" utilization which does not allow the resource to regenerate.
This means that the question of conservation and utilization of forest resources must be debated. The balance between the two is at the very essence of the work of all who are concerned with management of natural resources for sustainable development. However. the essential discussion must not focus on the extremes; rather. it must be concentrated on how needs for conservation and utilization can be combined harmoniously to derive the maximum benefits for present and future generations.
It is noteworthy that the public debate has evolved significantly on this question. The major forces of forest utilization have all recognized the need to incorporate conservation considerations in their efforts. And, almost without exception, even the most "green" of the environmental advocacy groups now recognize the need to incorporate and encourage some degree of utilization in conservation programmes aimed at preserving the forest. The question is now "whether we need to conserve the forests and, to do that, what degree of utilization do we need to embrace", or "whether we need to utilize the forests and. to do this in a sustainable manner, what degree of conservation must we ensure" arguably two sides of the same coin.
The articles in this issue of Unasylva consider a number of aspects of the question. The lead article, by C. Elliott, Senior Forestry Advisor for the World Wide Fund for Nature, explores how paradigms of forest conservation have evolved over time, mainly drawing on examples from European and American history. The following article, by G. Wohlfahrt of the Swedish Forest Industries Association, explores recent trends in the evolution of the Swedish forest industry, with an accent on the harmonization of conservation and production goals. These two articles are a good example of the trend towards convergent views.
One of the key issues in the conservation/utilization debate is how to minimize negative environmental impacts of industrial forest utilization, particularly in the fragile conditions that predominate in tropical moist forests. J.J. Gerwing, J.S. Johns and E. Vidal explore the potential for reduction of waste in logging and processing in industrial forestry operations in eastern Amazonia, and consider the possible implications for forest conservation. A related short article describes the new FAO Model Code of Forest Harvesting Practice.
The actual and potential contribution of non-timber forest products to sustainable socio-economic development is being increasingly recognized. This, in turn, is leading to rapid growth in utilization and commercialization of these products. However, associated risks of overutilization, damage to the resource base and changes in the distribution of benefits are raising important questions. D.D. Tewari and J.Y. Campbell consider the implications of increased development of non-timber forest products in India.
Another type of forest utilization that is attracting increasing attention is ecotourism. J.G. Colvin considers an ecotourism programme in Ecuador that is independently operated and controlled by an indigenous community, the Quichua Indians.
Underlying the various ecological and economic justifications for forest conservation and utilization as part of overall sustainable development is a fundamental philosophical or moral question: what do we owe future generations? Or, as expressed by the United States comedian Groucho Marx, "What do I care about posterity? What has posterity ever done for me?" Completing the articles related to the main theme of this issue. T. Hurka provides a thought-provoking philosophical analysis of the implications of the concept of sustainable development, especially as proposed in the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development.
At a time when the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Forests will be approaching the conclusion of its work and readying its presentation to the Commission on Sustainable Development, this issue provides different elements in and perspectives on the fundamental aspects of forest conservation and utilization. with human welfare as the ultimate goal.
This issue of Unasylva launches a new section in the journal: FAO forestry. Complementing our 50-year commitment to presenting an impartial, analytical picture of the issues facing world forestry development, this section will provide "snapshots" of specific FAO forestry-related activities, both at headquarters and in the field. It joins the World of forestry and Books sections which already form part of the journal. As always, Unasylva solicits the feedback of its readership on this new section as well as on the journal overall.
