Module 2: Values of Natural Forests: Harvested Products
Tropical forests provide a wide range of goods (e.g., wood, spices, and medicines) and services (e.g., flood control, carbon sequestration, and recreation). Forest managers are charged with the task of assuring that forests satisfy the often-conflicting demands that society often places on forests (e.g., pristine conditions and timber). In this chapter, some of the basic features of the major forest products are discussed; the next chapter deals with ecological services and biodiversity. But before these products and services are discussed, we begin with a brief discussion of “valuation”.
TEXTBOX 2.1: Forest Valuation. Given the wide variety of ways forests are used and other reasons why they are appreciated, it should be of no surprise that they are of widely different value to different people. This textbox should contrast the value of a forest to local people (stakeholders) who are participants and beneficiaries of forestry activities with those for whom forest is an impediment to agriculture. It should also consider the appropriate valuation methods for concessionaires (varying by duration of concession), urban environmentalists, and governmental officials. Contrasting local, regional, and global concerns, different values (e.g., existence value, active use value), and valuation methods. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), marketed vs. non-marketed goods, hard-to-value services, intergenerational equity. Comparison of calculations of value of a forest to an Amerindian, a rancher and a logger in the Amazon.