As the potential global impact of forest destruction and degradation becomes better understood, the link between poverty and deforestation in developing countries is of increasing concern. In this clear, focused book, eminent members of the worldwide forestry community, under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme, explore the biological, social, and economic causes of tropical deforestation and offer remedies appropriate to the biology and culture of diverse regions and localities. Modern forestry techniques, the contributors show, make it possible to alleviate poverty through sustainable forest management and conservation. But, this can happen only if we understand and effectively manage each factor that significantly affects forests and local populations.

The authors look at the relationships between forests and poverty; examine successes and failures in agroforestry, the development and maintenance of national parks, and commercialization; and assess the impact on forests of rural poor families, land ownership, and property rights. The authors also describe the importance of cooperation and partnerships at local, regional, and national levels in the creation of forest strategies, and they urge nations to use a locally based approach appropriate to the biology and culture of the specific geographic location.

Contributors to this volume:
Charles Benbrook, Joyce K. Berry, John C. Gordon, Calestous Juma, Ruben Guevara, Tapani Oksanen, David Pearce, Nancy Peluso, Ralph Schmidt, John Spears