CONCLUSIONS

Springing from the enthusiasm of its promoters and their faith in international co-operation to promote cultivation of two of the most rewarding quick-growing genera in temperate and temperate-warm climates, the IPC has worked without relaxation along the lines laid down by its founder and first president, Ph. Guinier:

•  to improve the botanical, ecological, and technological knowledge of the species and varieties of the genus Populus;
•  to develop cultivation methods in order to establish thriving and productive plantations;
•  to study pests and diseases of poplars to achieve better control;
•  to improve the performance of cultivated poplars; and
•  to perfect the use of poplar wood.

In the late 1950's that the genus Salix was added to the terms of reference of the IPC, with the same objectives.

This history shows that, although not all goals have been wholly attained, the means of attaining them are available and that the tools have been forged to find satisfactory solutions tomorrow to today's problems. At any rate the IPC, after 50 years, remains a living institution capable of following the evolution of knowledge and techniques, and of adjusting itself to changes in technology. The establishment of the Working Party on Biomass Production Systems in 1980 was a significant example in this respect.

Yesterday: Enthusiasm and faith in the future
Today: Confidence based on experience

These are reasons to believe that the next century, which will certainly witness the need for many changes in meeting the demands of mankind, will find the IPC prepared to be of service to the peoples of its member nations.