Global interest in forest conservation, biodiversity preservation, and
non-timber values has risen while pressures on the forest as a source of
income and employment have also increased. These demands are often
conflicting, making forest planning, allocation and policy formation
very complex.
This volume explores theoretical and applied issues surrounding forest
resource allocation. The book is divided into three main subject
areas: 1) tropical forests-environment, economics and trade, 2)
non-timber valuation-theory and application, and 3) ecosystem
management. The first of these focuses on tropical forests, reflecting
the fact that global environmental concerns surrounding these regions
are often in conflict with local economic objectives. The second section
examines non-timber values, which are important in planning and policy
decisions, but are also very controversial. The third group of chapters
consider ecosystem management, a concept that promotes the use of forest
harvesting practices that mimic natural disturbance patterns. Overall,
the book will be of interest to readers in forestry and environmental
economics.