Disappearing Rainforests: New Solutions

Abstract

In this chapter, the basic motivations for addressing the global deforestation issue – what the major issues and constraints involved will be; and how these might be dealt with – are laid out. The (possibly contentious) observation is made that while the emotion that loss of the large, charismatic natural forests of the developing world generates in many observers of the forest scene worldwide is potentially a driving force for change, it is also prone to misuse: concerned individuals can be led into extreme or unrealistically ideological positions. It is argued that, like it or not, some recognition of legitimate commercial use of forests, and of the importance of national sovereignty in how this is done are as necessary, in the solution of deforestation, as are concerns about loss of biodiversity, unacceptable treatment of local communities in forest areas, and other issues. It is further argued that the large questions as to how global forests can be saved and wisely used must be addressed directly, and in an integrated manner – something which has not happened to any great extent to date: how much forest can and should be sustained? Who should do this? Who will pay? Who should benefit most?