Sustainable forestry: an overview
Sustainable forestry: an overview
Forestry is a central part of our economy and plays an important role in the environment. However, conventional forestry techniques can cause considerable environmental damage, including the destruction of habitats, the impairment of biodiversity and the reinforcement of climate change. In view of these challenges, sustainable forestry has the goal of securing the ecological, economic and social function of the forest in the long run. In this article we take a close look at the basic principles, the advantages and the current practices of sustainable forestry.
principles of sustainable forestry
What is sustainable forestry?
Sustainable forestry refers to administrative practices that aim at the long -term health of the forest ecosystems. It takes into account the environmental aspects of the forests as well as their economic and social functions. The focus is on the idea that we do not consume more resources than the forest can reproduce in a natural way.
Principles of sustainable forestry
Sustainable forestry is characterized by some basic principles:
- preservation of biodiversity: In the case of sustainable forestry, it is very important to maintain the variety of plant and animal species in the forest.
- Long -term planning: Sustainable forestry plans in the long run and takes into account the long -term consequences of today's actions.
- diverse use: The forest is not only used for its wood resources, but also recognized and preserved for other services, including the provision of clean water, the absorption of carbon and the provision of habitat for wildlife.
- Removal of soil fertility: The practices of the sustainable forestry aim to maintain and improve soil fertility instead of exhausting them by overuse.
- Attention of the rights of local and local communities: Sustainable forestry is also about respecting the rights and interests of the people that depend on the forest.
advantages of sustainable forestry
preservation of biodiversity
Sustainable forestry plays a crucial role in the protection of global biodiversity. Forests accommodate most of the country biodiversity on earth and its reasonable management is therefore essential for the preservation of many species.
economic advantages
From an economic point of view, a sustainably managed forest provides stable and predictable yields. By only removing as much wood as can grow back, it is ensured that the forests remain and can also use future generations.
social advantages
For many communities worldwide, the forest is more than just a source of wood - it offers food, medicine and is an important part of its culture and way of life. Sustainable forestry respects and supports these relationships.
climate change
The forest plays a crucial role in alleviating climate change, as trees absorb and save carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Sustainable forestry can increase the amount of carbon that stores forests.
practices of sustainable forestry
natural forest management
The natural processes of the forest are modeled and encouraged in natural forest management. Instead of planting monocultures with just one tree species, a variety of different types are used that would naturally occur in the area in question.
Small use
Instead of large -scale deforestation, smaller plots are harvested in sustainable forestry and quickly reforested after the cutout. This prevents a massive disturbance of the ecosystem and gives the forest the opportunity to regenerate naturally.
Avoiding environmental damage
Sustainable forestry techniques avoid measures that could erode or worsen the soil. This includes avoiding deforestation on steep slopes and minimizing the use of heavy machines.
challenges and future of sustainable forestry
Despite their obvious advantages, the implementation of sustainable forestry is a challenge. It requires long -term planning and is often less profitable than traditional forestry techniques, at least in short -term. In addition, there is no legal support and enforcement in many countries.
Nevertheless, sustainable forestry is becoming increasingly important. It is an essential part in the effort to maintain our forests and combat climate change. At a time when natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce, sustainable forestry shows a way into the future, environmental protection and economic growth.