Forestry Institutions

The loss of large expanses of forests, especially in the tropics, poses a serious threat to human welfare and the global environment. The increasing rate of deforestation has now become a serious concern of the world community. People everywhere want natural forests in both tropical and temperate regions to be protected. And nations must manage forest resources more efficiently to benefit present and future generations. Because of the serious local, national, and global consequences of destructive deforestation, the World Bank undertook a comprehensive study in mid-1989 to review its existing forestry policies and projects, to assess the forestry situation in a global context, and to define a new forest policy to guide its future operations in the sector. The study, based on an interdisciplinary approach, used expertise associated with forestry activities and development from within and outside the Bank. Academic institutions, bilateral and multilateral agencies, nongovernment organizations, and researchers-all were invited to discuss policy, institutional, and technical issues and possible solutions for sustainable use of forest resources. These groups outside the Bank developed numerous working papers that provided valuable input for developing the Bank's approach to forestry. The Bank has recently issued its new forest policy, reiterating its commitment to helping developing countries to move toward conservation and sustainable development of forest resources. Another important product of the Bank's initiative is this book, which represents diverse views of many authors from social, physical, and biological sciences. The book provides different perspectives on the world forestry situation and options for development.