The future activities of the Branch, which are considered to be of interest to readers, arc divided between: publications, case studies, and consultancies.
In addition to the manual (see FAO's New Programme), it is hoped to publish the following:
· a summary of results from a global assessment of the production and utilization of wood residues from tropical forests;· an analysis of log-grading rules for tropical timber and their influence on the production of wood residues;
· a manual on planning and managing small-scale forest harvesting operations;
· the use of animal power for timber extraction in Costa Rica (oxen) and Sri Lanka (elephants);
· integrated small-scale logging and processing of timber with portable sawmills in Papua New Guinea;
· harvesting of edible mushrooms for commercial use in Chile, and
· improved harvesting and utilization of rattan in the Philippines.
Estimated volume of trees left standing, forest residues and felling recovery rates for the tropics around 1986
|
Region |
Estimated Standing Vol. on Harvested Areas (mill.m3) |
Estimated Residual Vol. on Harvested Areas (mill.m3) |
Estimated Volume Felled (mill.m3) |
Estimated Forest Residues (mill.m3) |
Industrial Roundwood Production (mill.m3) |
Estimated Felling Recovery Rate |
|
Africa |
251.664 |
179.587 |
72.077 |
33.512 |
38.565 |
54% |
|
Asia/Pacific |
905.822 |
669.672 |
236.150 |
127.884 |
108.266 |
46% |
|
Latin America/ Caribbean |
657.273 |
499.556 |
157.716 |
70.014 |
87.702 |
56% |
|
Totals |
1814.759 |
1348.815 |
465.943 |
231.410 |
234.533 |
50% |
Two case studies are of particular interest and relevance and are sure to attract much attention.
Both are concerned with improved harvesting technologies and refer to the following countries:
1. Malaysia and Indonesia
2. Brazil
Two consultancies are to be undertaken:
· low-impact harvesting in Uganda;· validation of the principles outlined in the FAO Forestry Paper (see FAO's New Programme) and to develop a plan of action for transferring information on improved harvesting technologies to developing countries.
We will keep you posted as new developments occur.
