Wood is an amazing natural resource, and has been providing fuel, shelter and sustenance since the dawn of time. Woodland areas are also sources of amazing biodiversity and beauty, but the fact that they provide so many resources for humans has meant that, over the centuries, they have often been plundered and destroyed. Today sustainable forestry management around the world seeks to rectify some of the damage this has caused and retain forests for the benefit of future generations. So what is sustainable forestry management and why is it important?
Woodland areas make up over 30% of the world’s land and are amazing places. The diversity of plant and animal life knows no bounds and they are also ecologically important due to the fact that they help to reduce soil erosion. In addition, trees absorb carbon dioxide, something of increasing environmental significance in light of the threat of climate change. Sustainable forestry management is about preserving woodland areas for these very reasons, and also ensuring that the local area can benefit economically from forestry related activities.
Sustainable forestry management is of international importance and there are schemes all over the world. Wood is a vital resource in terms of fuel and as a raw material, but sustainable forestry management tries to ensure that wood is harvesting in a considered manner in order that ecological damage to the local area is minimised. In addition, replanting is also important in order to preserve resources for the future and to ensure that these ‘carbon sinks’ are not reduced even further.
There are a number of certification bodies relating to sustainable forestry management, allowing consumers to identity the source of wood they buy. The largest and most well known of these is the Forest Stewardship Council certification, more information on which can be accessed by following the link.
