CIFOR–ICRAF publishes over 750 publications every year on agroforestry, forests and climate change, landscape restoration, rights, forest policy and much more – in multiple languages.

CIFOR–ICRAF addresses local challenges and opportunities while providing solutions to global problems for forests, landscapes, people and the planet.

We deliver actionable evidence and solutions to transform how land is used and how food is produced: conserving and restoring ecosystems, responding to the global climate, malnutrition, biodiversity and desertification crises. In short, improving people’s lives.

Fast-wood forestry: myths and realities

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This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the arguments for and against fast-wood platations. It separates fact from fiction, science from speculation, truth from misinformation. Environmentalists have frequently exaggerated the malign impact of fast-wood plantations. At the same time plantation companies have underestimated the damage that fast-wood forestry has done, both to the environment and local communities. This book explores in detail the impact of the industry on biodiversity, soil and water resources. It analyses the claims made by plantation companies that fast-wood forestry brings valuable social benefits jobs, infrastructure and wealth--to rural communities. And it assesses the merits--or otherwise--of the subsidies and incentives used by governments and international agencies to encourage the industry. It conludes with a series of recommendations that suggest how the industry could improve its environmental and social performance.
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor/001257
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    Publication year

    2003

    Authors

    Cossalter, C.; Pye-Smith, C.

    Language

    English

    Keywords

    plantations, forest plantations, forest products industry, high yielding varieties, timbers, pulpwood, socioeconomics, environmental impact, water, soil

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