Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress

In the quest for global standards, “Criteria and Indicators” (C&I) are among the foremost mechanisms for defining and promoting sustainable tropical forest management. This paper examines some challenges posed by this approach, focusing on examples that reflect the ecological aspects of tropical for...

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Autores principales: Sheil, Douglas, Nasi, Robert, Johnson, B.
Formato: Journal Article
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: 2004
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/18918
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author Sheil, Douglas
Nasi, Robert
Johnson, B.
author_browse Johnson, B.
Nasi, Robert
Sheil, Douglas
author_facet Sheil, Douglas
Nasi, Robert
Johnson, B.
author_sort Sheil, Douglas
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description In the quest for global standards, “Criteria and Indicators” (C&I) are among the foremost mechanisms for defining and promoting sustainable tropical forest management. This paper examines some challenges posed by this approach, focusing on examples that reflect the ecological aspects of tropical forests at a management-unit level and assessments such as those required in timber certification. C&I can foster better forest management. However, there are confusions and tensions to reconcile between general and local applications, between the ideal and the pragmatic, and between the scientific and the democratic. To overcome this requires a sober appraisal of what can realistically be achieved in each location and how this can best be promoted. Good judgment remains the foundation of competent management. Data can inform this judgment, but an over-reliance on data collection and top-down bureaucratic interventions can add to problems rather than solving them. These arguments stress compromise, planning, guided implementation, and threat preparedness. Importance is also placed on skills and institutions: the building blocks of effective forest management. The authors suggest some options for improving forest management. Although a wider discussion of these issues is necessary, procrastination is harmful. Action is needed.
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spelling CGSpace189182025-01-24T14:12:17Z Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress Sheil, Douglas Nasi, Robert Johnson, B. tropical forests forest management forest ecology sustainability assessment criteria indicators institutions In the quest for global standards, “Criteria and Indicators” (C&I) are among the foremost mechanisms for defining and promoting sustainable tropical forest management. This paper examines some challenges posed by this approach, focusing on examples that reflect the ecological aspects of tropical forests at a management-unit level and assessments such as those required in timber certification. C&I can foster better forest management. However, there are confusions and tensions to reconcile between general and local applications, between the ideal and the pragmatic, and between the scientific and the democratic. To overcome this requires a sober appraisal of what can realistically be achieved in each location and how this can best be promoted. Good judgment remains the foundation of competent management. Data can inform this judgment, but an over-reliance on data collection and top-down bureaucratic interventions can add to problems rather than solving them. These arguments stress compromise, planning, guided implementation, and threat preparedness. Importance is also placed on skills and institutions: the building blocks of effective forest management. The authors suggest some options for improving forest management. Although a wider discussion of these issues is necessary, procrastination is harmful. Action is needed. 2004 2012-06-04T09:08:57Z 2012-06-04T09:08:57Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/18918 en Open Access Sheil, D., Nasi, R., Johnson, B. 2004. Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress . Ecology and Society 9 (1) :7p. [online] URL: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol9/iss1/art7. ISSN: 1708-3087.
spellingShingle tropical forests
forest management
forest ecology
sustainability
assessment
criteria
indicators
institutions
Sheil, Douglas
Nasi, Robert
Johnson, B.
Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress
title Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress
title_full Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress
title_fullStr Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress
title_full_unstemmed Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress
title_short Ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes: challenges in the search for progress
title_sort ecological criteria and indicators for tropical forest landscapes challenges in the search for progress
topic tropical forests
forest management
forest ecology
sustainability
assessment
criteria
indicators
institutions
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/18918
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