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Sustainable forestry has a huge role to play in today’s environment. Especially, due to the general effects of climate change. As a matter of fact there can’t be any survival on this vast planet without forests. Hence, sustainable forestry always is a dynamic step towards the survival and the survival of the fittest. We are all aware of the scientific mechanisms that the forests use. Especially, for the sake of sustainability & climatic survival.
Forests provides fuel for the cooking as well as the warmth that is a necessity for balancing the temperature. Apart from the cooking and warmth it also provides medicinal plants & food. Also, includes wildlife habitat, pure water and finally spiritual and cultural touchstones. It is also a means of living for many people who make a living directly or in-directly via the forests. For a massive number of plants and animals, the forests are their home. Hence, while a huge 28% of the world’s population rely on the forests resources as their livelihood.
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While talking in terms of the statistics and making comparisons. The economic value of these ecosystem services are estimated approx. $37.5 trillion per year. This is almost twice the Gross Domestic Product of United States. Hence, which has the highest Total Gross Domestic Product in the world. Yes, they are a necessity, and sustainability in forests is something that should be achieved at a much higher level. Thus, the only realistic and most practical ways to conserve our forests is to apply the sustainable forest management practices. These are practices that helps in forests sustainability management. Apart from this, efficiency in these practices will be good for mother earth in future. These practices are also a part of a conservation and likelihood approach that the Rain forest Alliance has led since the late 80s.
WHAT IS THE REAL MEANING OF SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY?
The best answer for sustainable forestry is to balance the forestry and that is the hallmark of forestry from an ecological perspective. Sustainable forestry in the best possible ways balances the needs of the environment. Also, importantly the needs of wild life and forest communities. There are a set of practical steps that a community or a group can take for the sake of protection of health and long-life of a forest. Hence, at the same time not affecting the profitability levels associated with such measures.
In the early 90’s, 1993 to be exact, there was an organisation that was formed namely Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and was founded in alliance with the Rain forest Alliance. This is an international body that holds the responsibility to develop and maintain the most globally respected standards for managing forests. As part of the Sustainable forestry measures the Rain forest Alliance also provides the training facilities. Specifically, to various forest communities around the world. These training are provided in areas and countries where there is a large concentration of forests. As well as with methods designed to conserve forests. Furthermore, for the sake of safeguarding of wildlife, protection of forests workers and most importantly and critically for the sake of providing support.
The global FSC standards is a set of standards that comprised of ten principles. These are principles that cover a range of KPIs. These includes environmental, social and finally economic criteria.
HARVESTING ACCORDING TO A SET MANAGEMENT PLAN:
For the sake of getting FSC certified the forestry operations must put into place a clearly mapped management plan. This plan should identify the number of trees that should be harvested per acre. Along with this, the frequency at which this harvesting must occur, i.e. on a monthly basis. Alternatively, on quarterly basis or half yearly basis. This is also based on a key factor, i.e. on the growth and regeneration rates of the species found in that particular ecosystem. Hence, the goal of management should be to harvest in such a way that allows these species the chance to regenerate. Furthermore, make sure that the overall ecological health is maintained. Hence, as well as enhanced apart from being restored.
Harvesting is a very technical thing to understand. Furthermore, needs to be done according to the requirements of the ecological system as well as the overall ecological health.
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PLANTING TREES IS A KEY ROLE PLAYER FOR SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY:
Apart from the many Forest sustainability measures, the tree plantation measures have a key role to play. Especially, in those areas where the concentration of forests are less. Furthermore, forestry is highly needed for the sake of creating a good balance. The establishment of plantation on already deforested or degraded land can even improve the health of an ecosystem. Furthermore, it can also help to meet the demands of some of the vital forests products. Hence, while taking pressure off of natural forests.
For the sake of achieving FSC certifications the plantations must vitally operate. Hence, according to the plan set by the management. This is vitally for the sake of protection measures, the restoration process and finally conservation of natural forests.