Throughout all of the literature there is consensus that the vast majority of logging in NCTF continues to be inefficient, wasteful and excessively destructive to both residual trees and the site itself. In some cases (e.g., Nicholson 1979) there is evidence that logging has become more destructive with increased reliance on high horsepower equipment than on technical competence. The benefits and techniques of RIL are well documented in all parts of the tropics, but full implementation of RIL is rare. Logging as currently practiced in NCTF is non-sustainable and this is reflected in the GFSS database with considerable reductions in veneer log and sawlog logging intensity in the second cutting cycle. It is expected that if current logging practices continue the third cut will be still lower or even non-existent.
On the other hand, with the implementation of RIL logging techniques and silvicultural systems such as CELOS and CATIE, many studies indicate there will be cost savings due to more efficient operations. As experience grows with the implementation of RIL it is expected that at least a cost neutral situation will occur. The major benefit, however, will be stable future yields and sustainable forest management operations. This will result in future income, which otherwise will be lost.
Actual logging intensities vary considerably between regions, countries and even within countries (e.g., Appendix B). The cutting cycle also varies considerably, but many reports are suggesting 40 years. This allows for the ingrowth of trees into the next higher diameter class; for example, from the 40-60 cm into the 60-80 cm dbh class (average diameter growth of 0.5 cm/year). Based on the literature, and with the implementation of RIL and appropriate silvicultural treatments, it is felt that an average logging intensity of 20 m3/ha on a 40-year cycle is possible in closed NCTF in Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Sundberg (1978) gives a logging intensity of 20 m3/ha as the economic threshold, below which the relative logging cost increases exponentially. This economic threshold becomes very important with the extraction of more lower value logs and species, and with the implementation of RIL. In the dipterocarp forests of Asia/Oceania an average logging intensity of 40 m3/ha on a 40-year cycle should be easily achievable. In must be remembered though, that these are conservative and general averages, and the actual logging intensity and cutting cycle will depend on the condition of the forest itself and the species involved. In addition to the full implementation of RIL, a wider range of species must be commercialized and the utilization of felled trees improved.