Polycyclic multi-purpose management of tropical secondary rainforest
Tropical secondary rainforest, in most cases a "man made" forest type subjected to natural successive restoration processes, occupy vast areas in the tropics. Moreover, their extent is growing at a fast rate. This process strangely enough has been overshadowed by and disregarded in the processes of deforestation of tropical primary rainforests, and attempts to counter-act these processes. Several studies have been made on secondary succession, but until recently little effort has been undertaken to undertaken to incorporate tropical secondary rainforests and their management in the entire package of attempts to conserve the counter-act deforestation of tropical primary rainforests. Tropical secondary rainforests have several characteristics, viz. A certain degree of species diversity, a relative simple composition and structure, the presence of commercially attractive species, a role (if not the most important) in restoring and maintaining soil productivity and water regulation. Along with the vast and growing area, and the fact that many of these forests are located near human settlements, these characteristics determine a great potential of these forests for human use. This paper discusses the need of management of tropical secondary rainforests in a sustainable way, based on a polycyclic multi-purpose system, by and for local people. Given the many possibilities of these forests, their management can and will in future play a role in sustainable landuse and reduction of the pressure on primary rainforests.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Río Piedras, Puerto Rico (EUA)
1995
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| Subjects: | MANEJO FORESTAL, SISTEMAS SILVICULTURALES, SUCESION ECOLOGICA, BOSQUE SECUNDARIO, |
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