Conclusion and Reflections

Abstract

This final chapter combines a synthesis of the main results of this book with some additional considerations. After accounting for the main dynamics in changing Ecuadorean forest cover in the first section, the next two sections present an economic-quantitative approach to the discussion of causality in Chapter 2. This is followed by three sections that provide empirical feedback from the Sierra to alleged key causes of deforestation (wood demand, population and poverty), which thus provide the arguments for assessing the relevance of the three deforestation schools described in Chapter 2. An outline of the debate on deforestation and development strategies sets the stage for a final discussion of Ecuadorean policy options vis-à-vis deforestation and a brief summary of the implications for different types of applied forest-conservation strategy.