Tropical moist forest silviculture and management

the long version

"Silviculture in tropical forests has a long history going back many centuries and active management for timber production began about two hundred years ago. There is therefore a considerable body of evidence regarding both sustainable and destructive forestry practices in these forests, the future of which is the subject of one of the great scientific and public debates of the late twentieth century." "Based on extensive research of the literature and fifty years experience by each author, this book provides a highly relevant, definitive history of the development of silvicultural systems in tropical moist forest (a broad term which encompasses many forest types). Much of the information is made widely available for the first time. The book demonstrates that sustainable timber production in many of these forests is not only possible, but the techniques necessary have been known to foresters for many decades. The authors begin by tracing the early history and go on to describe the later, more technical phases and the growth of global exploitation. Examples from many countries are described in detail, considering all aspects including the economic, ecological and social implications. This book is essential reading for forest managers in the tropics, as well as advanced students and researchers in forestry, ecology and natural resource management."--BOOK JACKET.