This study forms part of a series initiated by the Forest Harvesting and Transport Branch, FAO, Rome, to assist developing countries in promoting forest harvesting systems, techniques and methods that are simultaneously user- and environmentally-friendly _ enhancing productivity, reducing wood waste and looking at the totality of forest-related activities in a holistic manner. The aim is to encourage systems that reflect local realities and make best use of local available technology, with emphasis on the importance of harmony in the inter-relationships of the people, the forests and the environment. Systems that favour local people's participation in a sustainable, sensible use of the forest and all its potential benefits are of great significance in attempts to improve local employment potentials, and hence incomes and quality of life. Helping the local communities in rural areas to develop self reliance and hence self respect is of vital importance in the overall development scenario.
The Forest Harvesting and Transport Branch wishes to express thanks to the authors of the Case Study, Mr. Palitha Jayasekera, Add; General Manager, State Timber Corporation of Sri Lanka and Dr. Shelton Atapattu who has prepared the annex on veterinary case of the elephant.
The Case Studies already published are listed on the back cover. They may be obtained from the FAO Forest Harvesting and Transport Branch, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, I-00100 ROMA, Italy.
Rudolf Heinrich
Chief
Forest Harvesting and Transport Branch
FAO, Rome
