Foreword

Summary

It is a great privilege to be asked to write the foreword to this book for three reasons.

First, the scientific quality of the book and its professionally significant implications are outstanding and the author should be congratulated. The roles of forests in human welfare and environmental sustainability are now widely recognized, including the role of man-made plantations. Throughout the world there is an increasing recognition of the needs for and benefits of trees and forests for an ever-widening range of products and services. Among the products, timber is still the most important because of its wide range of uses and because of the increasing sophistication of the wood-using industries in converting timber efficiently, making long-lasting products and reducing adverse environmental impacts. Unfortunately, the timber industry has received considerable ill-founded criticism in the last decade concerning its alleged role in causing tropical deforestation. Equally there has been criticism of plantations, particularly with exotic species, on the alleged grounds that they damage soils, use all available agricultural water, reduce natural biodiversity and deprive poor people of either land rights or employment. While there are undoubtedly cases where such criticisms are justified, there is increasing concern throughout the industry to seek wiser management and sustainable exploitation of forests for all their benefits. This book should add to our understanding and achievement of such aims.

Second, it is a privilege to recognize the contribution of Mr Daniel Kemp, Chairman of Timbmet Group Limited, who by financial contribution to the Oxford Forestry Institute facilitated the preparation of this book.