The State of Global Forest Resources

Abstract

This chapter presents data and observations from the literature on recent trends is forest cover globally, and the current state of the resource. It briefly canvasses some of the issues and debates related to defining forest, and to the means by which estimates of forest cover have been, and should be, prepared – a processes which reveals some fundamental differences in approach on this question.

The particular case of tropical rainforests is raised specifically, mainly to draw attention to some recent findings on the very high ecosystem value of these forests at a global scale; findings which emphasize the potential seriousness of the continued high rates of loss of tropical rainforests globally.

The chapter concludes by making the case that even though attempts to value natural forest ecosystems in the recent past have failed to convince, it is also arguable that the conventional economic wisdom which holds that natural forest ­sustainability is generally not an economic proposition is also wrong. Proper recognition of the real risks associated with large scale forest loss, and the implementation of more imaginative means to bring some of the ecosystem values into effective markets, are essential when examining the sustainability question.

The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Professor Rodney Keenan, Head of the Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, and Director of the Victorian Centre for Climate Change Adaptation Research Centre, for his assistance and advice with preparation of this book, and especially this chapter. Our views on the subject as expressed in this chapter are not necessarily those of Professor Keenan.