Training the Poor
Dear Mr. Heinrich,
This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter together with the first issue of the Forest Harvesting Bulletin.
The Bulletin's objective of promoting environmentally sound and sustainable forest harvesting practices to support forest conservation is a timely move considering the present situation of the world's tropical forest resources.
The proposed FAO co-ordinated Action Programme in Forest Harvesting Training in Developing Countries, as stated in the Bulletin, would improve the quality of work of forest workers and promote their capability to integrate ecological concerns in forest harvesting activities. However, we must also extend the trainings to the rural/upland poor since they are also directly involved in the gathering of forest products especially non-wood forest products.
In this regard, we would like to suggest that training dealing with the efficient extraction of forest resources particularly the non-wood forest products be given priority attention.
Very truly yours,
Cirilo B. Serna, Director, Forest Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Republic of the Philippines.
