Research in tropical forestry is confronted with the task of finding
strategies to alleviate pressure on remaining forests, and techniques to
enhance forest regeneration and restore abandoned lands, using
productive alternatives that can be attractive to local human
populations. In addition, sustainable forestry in tropical countries
must be supported by adequate policies to promote and maintain specific
activities at local and regional scales.
Here, a multi-disciplinary approach is presented, to better the
understanding of tropical forest ecology, as a necessary step in
developing adequate strategies for conservation and management. The
authors have long experience in both academic and practical matters
related to tropical forest ecology and management.