Economic imperatives rivalling conservation initiatives in forests – ITTO

Formidable forest

Forces favouring forest destruction—including food and fuel prices—could overwhelm efforts aimed at preserving what remains of the world’s rainforests, according to the Japan-based International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).

According to the recently-concluded comprehensive assessment of tropical forest management, while enhanced global emphasis of forest conservation has resulted in a 50 per cent growth in tropical forest under sustainable management, economic imperatives that make deforestation attractive