4/26/2013. Hardwood Forests of the World. Learning Objectives

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1 Learning Objectives Understand the current state of the tropical forests globally Discuss opportunities to reverse the current trends Review the recommendations made by leading scientists and policy makers and actions already underway. Explore opportunities to make an impact through design and specifications. Saving the Forest Haworth, Inc. is a registered provider with the American Institute of Architects, IDCEC & USGBC Continuing Education Systems. Hardwood Forests of the World earthobservatory.nasa.gov Tropical Forests are Disappearing Why We Care Loss of tropical hardwoods Loss of carbon sequestration Loss of biodiversity Loss of resources for people Misperceptions in the Marketplace The forest will remain standing if tropical woods are not specified The timber industry and illegal logging are causing the forests to disappear Non-certified wood is assumed to have negative environmental and economic impact Woods from developing countries are mismanaged 1

2 Causes of Deforestation Total Forests & Certified Forests Jean-Paul Lanly paper submitted to FAO World Forestry Congress Tropical Countries Have Underdeveloped Forestry Sectors Low skills Little education Poor equipment Lack of safety High waste How should tropical forests be managed? What choices do we have? Ignore the problem, someone else will fix it Ignore the problem, it is too big Give to organizations that will preserve a hectare Take an eco-tour to the rainforest Learn about tropical woods and forests Where are we headed? Current industry mindsets drive deforestation Need for transparency Tropical hardwoods are part of the economy 2

3 Key Findings of the Workshop Initiating Change Worldwide concern was rising in the 1980s regarding the rapid loss of tropical forests Smithsonian Institute, Dr. Thomas Lovejoy World Bank, Dr. Marc Dourojeanni UNESCO, Dr. Kuswata Kartawinata Princeton University, Dr. Stephen Hubbell Government of Nigeria, Dr. Philip R.O. Kio World Wildlife Fund, Robert Buschbacher Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Walter Jarck US Forest Service, Dr. Frank Wadsworth Rainforest Alliance, Ivan Ussach Tropical forests will be conserved only if they have economic value Blanket bans and embargos tend to depress the value of hardwoods and the forests Funds obtained from products of the tropical forests must be rechanneled into managing and regenerating those forests. The Tropical Forest Foundation was formed in 1990 Continue the discussion and research Educate producers and users of tropical woods on these key findings Develop relationships among policy-makers, conservation and academic organizations, and industry. Bringing Change on the Ground Conventional Logging Reduced Impact Logging Improvements Achieved Through Reduced Impact Logging Practices Reduces soil disturbed in roads, landings, and skid trails by almost 50% Better survival of residual trees Faster recovery 3

4 What is Reduced Impact Logging? Principal components of TFF Forest Management Training Program What is Reduced Impact Logging? Principal components of TFF Forest Management Training Program Legal documentation Proper planning Use of proper technology Accurate topographic mapping techniques Pre-harvest inventory Directional felling Proper skidding Safety management Road planning Training Programs and Reduced Impact Logging Bridge building Surveying to Layout Skid Trails Modern Equipment High Flotation Tires Qualified supervision Trained workforce Post-harvest silviculture Chain of custody management What You Can Do to Make a Difference Certifications Factors Driving Sustainable Design Responsible use of materials Environmental and Social Impact Supply chain End of life 4

5 Responding to Your Specifications Design Specification determines species Locate logs/species based on specification Manufacturer vets supply chain consistent with sustainability values Choose best logs to meet quality & yield demands Manufacture product Lack of Demand Cost of Certification Tight Specifications Opportunities to Make an Impact Learn about the origin of wood products Increase demand to create value for the forest Maintain rigorous supply chain specifications Partner globally to reward responsible forest managers Extra slides reference Thank You Tropical Forest Foundation, 2121 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA Phone: Fax: Impact of Conventional Logging 5