Our Forests, Our Future

Forests are extraordinary in their contribution to the basic human need for environmental stability and security, as well as in their contribution to the livelihood of many. The World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development (WCFSD), through its unique makeup and independent nature, has been able to address the most significant issues surrounding the world's forests in a manner not possible for any other body or institution. By convening public hearings all over the world to give voice to those who depend on forests, and by engaging itself in the politics of the issues at the highest levels, the WCFSD has endeavored to address fundamental and serious concerns. This report, representing the culmination of these efforts, discusses forest practices, politics and policies, and the social situations which they create or perpetuate and presents the Commission's findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Table of Contents:
List of figures; List of tables; List of boxes; Statement by co-chairs; The World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development; Acknowledgements; Acronyms; 1. Forests in crisis; 2. Roots of the crisis; 3. Private and public interest; 4. Managing forests sustainably; 5. Sustaining forests and development; 6. International dimensions of forests and sustainable development; 7. A future for our forests; Glossary; References; Credits; Contributors; Member states of existing multilateral frameworks.

Review :
'If we want a habitable planet in future this book should be placed in the hands of all influential people who can bring about the radical change for which it calls.' Ghillean Prance, The Times Higher Education Supplement 'This is a fine book, which reviews the present status and future outlook of forests comprehensively, with stacks of ecological and economic statistics and broad-scope analyses.' Norman Myers, Nature ' … Heartily recommended to any ecologist.' Bulletin of the British Ecological Society 'This well-written and well-illustrated book is essential reading for all ecologists/environmentalists.' A. Mannion, Biologist 'This well-written and well-illustrated book is essential reading for all ecologists/environmentalists. Whilst John Evelyn, in 1664, recognised that 'twere better we had trees than gold', this WCFSD report makes it clear, more than three centuries later, that without forests there is no future.' Biologist