Teresopolis, 1948
Message from Sir John Boyd Orr, Director General of FAO
Latin-American forest development, Opening Address by the Director of FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products
Results of the conference
Resolutions
Delegates and representatives
THE Latin-American Conference on Forestry and Forest Products was held at Teresopolis, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 19-30 April 1948.
Located in the cool mountains overlooking the bay of Rio de Janeiro and set amidst beautiful forested surroundings, Teresopolis formed a perfect background for the Conference. Conference headquarters had been set up in the Higino Palace Hotel, where, very conveniently, the secretariat and most of the delegates also stayed.
Sponsored jointly by the Government of the United States of Brazil and FAO, the Conference was attended by delegates and observers from 19 member nations, one nonmember nation, and five intergovernmental organizations.
Countries Represented by Delegations
Brazil
Chile
Cuba
Dominican Republic
France
Guatemala
Honduras
Mexico
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Paraguay
Peru
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Venezuela
Countries Represented by Observers
Argentina
Canada
Italy
Portugal
International and Intergovernmental Organizations Sending Representatives
United Nations
UNESCO
International Labour Organisation
Pan American Union
Inter-American Institute of Agricultural Sciences
The Minister of Australia in Brazil also attended the final plenary session.
The Conference was opened by the Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Daniel de Carvalho, in the Casino Hall of the Higino Palace Hotel before a full assembly of delegates and visitors. On behalf of his government His Excellency welcomed the representatives of countries and organizations which had been able to accept the invitations of FAO and the Brazilian Government. He referred to Brazil's ideals of internationalism and stressed the United Nations' contribution to peace and a better social order in the world. His words of welcome were echoed by Dr. Teixeira Leite on behalf of the Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Mr. Leloup, Director of FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products and the personal representative of the Director-General, asked the Secretary-General of the Conference, Dr. Paulo de Souza, to read Sir John Boyd Orr's message of welcome. Mr. Leloup then proceeded to outline the scientific and practical bases for the Conference's deliberations, within the general framework of the world situation as it affects forestry and forest products. His address is reproduced elsewhere in this issue.
Dr. Bandeira de Mello, on behalf of the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, stressed the relationship between development of forest resources and labor problems in Latin America. He expressed the hope that close collaboration with the International Refugee Organization would be possible.
Señor Hector Hernández Carabaño of the Venezuelan delegation drew attention to the need for a dynamic approach to the problem of developing the forest resources of Latin America.
The first plenary session closed with the unanimous election of Dr. Daniel de Carvalho as Honorary President of the Conference and of Dr. Virgilio Gualberto, President of the National Pine Institute of Brazil, as Executive Chairman. In expressing his appreciation, Dr. Gualberto said that he hoped that a closer and more direct contact between technicians, industrialists, and foresters would develop in Latin America and that technicians would become more concerned with the practical side of their problem
The officers and secretariat of the Conference were as follows:
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Honorary President: |
Daniel de Carvalho (Brazil) |
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Executive Chairman: |
Virgilio Gualberto (Brazil) |
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Vice-Chairmen: |
Francisco Guerra y Morales (Guatemala) |
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Hector Lazos (Mexico) |
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Rapporteur-General: |
Gabriel M. Caldevilla (Uruguay) |
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Representative of Director-General, FAO: |
Marcel Leloup (FAO) |
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Secretary-General: |
Paulo Ferreira de Souza (Brazil) |
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Assistant Secretary-General: |
Radu Fortunescu (FAO) |
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Administrative Secretary: |
Morris Greene (FAO) |
Following informal discussions held prior to the Conference with interested governments, a suggested general agenda had been drafted by FAO. After examination and acceptance by the Conference Steering Committee, composed of heads of all delegations, this agenda was adopted at the second plenary session as a guide to the Conference deliberations. It provided for discussion of:
A. Utilization of Forest Resources
1. Current position
2. Extent to which utilization and development can be expanded
3. Measures necessary to attain this expansion
B. Protection and Development of Forest Resources
1. Organization of Forest Services
2 Forest research
3. Personnel
4. Forest law
5. Forest inventories
6. Reforestation problems
7. Developing public interest
Accordingly, the Conference apportioned its work between two Commissions, the first dealing with utilization of Latin-American forest resources and the second devoting itself to the problems of forest management and forest administration. The Steering Committee co-ordinated the efforts of the two Commissions and of the whole Conference.
The officers of the Commissions were:
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Commission I |
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Chairman: |
Hector Hernández Carabaño (Venezuela) |
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Vice-Chairman: |
Gildo Guerrero Insfran (Paraguay) |
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Rapporteur: |
Raul Gonzales Guzman (Chile) |
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Secretary: |
L. J. Vernell (FAO) |
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Commission II |
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Chairman: |
Edward I. Kotok (U.S.A.) |
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Vice-Chairman: |
Felipe Livori Larco (Peru) |
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Rapporteur: |
Luis A. Garcia Villafañe (Venezuela) |
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Secretary: |
Toni François (FAO) |
The Commissions held daily sessions, 20-23 April. Committees were appointed by each to study particular problems: a Research Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Muller (U.S.A.), a Committee on Industrialization and Trade under Señor Pereira (Brazil), and a third on Training of Personnel under Señor Villafañe (Venezuela) Working groups were also established, as occasion demanded, for the purpose of drafting resolutions and recommendations.
After the deliberations of the first week, the delegates were given an opportunity over the week end to visit the National Park at Teresopolis and other local places of interest. Meanwhile the rapporteurs and secretaries of Commissions were drafting reports embodying both the sense of the discussions and the preliminary recommendations.
These draft reports were examined in detail and concrete recommendations agreed on at the Commission sessions on Monday, 26 April. Revised drafts of the Commission reports were further discussed on 28 and 29 April and final texts were accepted.
The Steering Committee held two meetings on Thursday, 29 April, to deal with controversial points that had arisen. Complete agreement was reached on all but one recommendation, regarding which a note is contained in the text of the report. The Steering Committee concluded by approving the draft final report for submission to the full Conference. This was presented to the plenary session of the Conference by the Rapporteur-General on 30 April and adopted unanimously.
The final report, which contains 26 resolutions, addressed to governments, to FAO, and to other international organizations, reflects the large measure of agreement reached among the delegates of all participating governments.
As the Conference did not have time to deal with all the problems which presented themselves, it was content to limit its ambitions. Nevertheless it did consider that its deliberations established a sound starting point for further activities. Above all, the meetings of the Conference made possible valuable contacts that will lead to further consultations on technical and economic matters pertaining to forestry and forest products. Delegates expressed the hope that at the next Latin American Conference, which they had recommended to be held in 1950, delegations would arrive more fully briefed to discuss economic and trade questions.
The spirit of accord reached as the result of the proceedings of the Conference was reflected in the speeches made at the concluding plenary session, which was attended by the personal representative of the President of the United States of Brazil and by representatives of the Governor of the State of Rio de Janeiro and of Federal and local authorities. The Minister of Agriculture hailed the Latin-American Conference on Forestry and Forest Products as a true token of inter-American understanding and co-operation. "The Americas," he said, "are determined to solve their problems at conference tables and not on battlefields. " He expressed his confidence that the results of the Conference would have far-reaching value, not only for Brazil but for the whole world.
Before the proceedings ceased, the delegate of Guatemala formally expressed the gratitude of all members of the Conference to the Government of Brazil for its generous hospitality and for the work of the government personnel and members of the National Pine Institute who serviced the Conference. The success of the Conference was in no small measure due to their unstinted efforts.
Members of the Conference were presented to the President of the Republic, General Eurico Gaspar Dutra, at the Palacio de Catete in Rio de Janeiro on 27 April. Later in the same day they were received at the Palacio da Itamaraty by the Minister of External Relations.
TODAY the Latin-American Forestry and Forest Products Conference opens in Teresopolis, thanks to the generous hospitality of the Government of the United States of Brazil. It is the first of three intergovernmental meetings which it has been FAO's privilege to organize in Latin America for 1948.
A year ago, when I visited Latin America and planned these gatherings with you, I had hoped that I would be able to return and renew the inspiring contacts with your people, and personally take an active part in work for the development of this region, the result of which I hope will come to be regarded as one of the outstanding achievements of the twentieth century.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to come, but I am content to know that I will be represented by M. Leloup, my colleague and friend who, distinguished already in his native France, has succeeded, in less than two years, in winning general recognition for his ability, vision, and drive and for his efficient direction of FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products
It is my hope that this Conference will be able to chart a course both for the commercial development of Latin America's forests and for their maintenance and continued improvement through the application of modern scientific knowledge. There are many things which will need to be done to achieve these objectives and you will be devoting the next days to a discussion of these measures.
Most important for ultimate success is that the first step should be right. Personally, I believe this first step to be the securing in each country of a forest administration as an influential government agency, dealing with all aspects of forest management and of the production, utilization, and distribution of forest products. properly staffed and adequate to take care of the millions of hectares which grow trees or which should grow trees. Without such an-administration, all your decisions may well be just so much paper. But with forest services adequately financed to carry out their assignments, the rest will come as a matter of course, because your foresters must and will see to it, as foresters have done in other countries, that the necessary measures are taken.
Forest services are government agencies. But the successful organization of these services is not solely dependent on the comprehension and goodwill of presidents, ministers, and civil servants. It is vital that the peoples living on the land and in the cities of this vast area should come to understand what the existence of well-managed forests can do for their water supplies and for their agriculture and industries, and how much wealth, employment, and industrial opportunity each and every one can expect from the wise and well-planned development of Latin America's forest resources.
The discussions at the Conference should make clear the great importance of forests in Latin-American countries and the steps which should be taken for their development.
The Latin-American countries have today a challenging opportunity. In Europe, Asia, and North America there has always been in the past intensive destruction of forests before wiser councils prevailed, and before enlightened measures were taken to conserve and utilize to the best advantage what was left and to repair the damage done.
To some extent, the same process of destruction has already taken place around your big cities, but the greater part of your forests is still intact. I understand that about 800 million hectares, an area almost twice as large as all Europe, is available for development. It depends upon you whether it is to become one of the world's great assets in mankind's continuous fight for economic and social betterment.
There exists today a vast field of knowledge about the mistakes to be avoided and about proved methods in forestry and wood utilization which could, and -should, be applied in the development of new forest resources and industries.
It gives me pleasure to say that FAO, through its Division of Forestry and Forest Products, is prepared to assist in every way it can in the development of your plans and projects.
The International Timber Conference called by FAO in Europe in 1947 achieved great results in getting agreement of both exporting and importing countries on plans which have made a great contribution to easing the timber shortage in Europe. It is my hope that this Conference in Latin America will be successful both in improving the conditions in that area and in contributing to the alleviation of the world timber shortage.
WHEN we examine the forest situation in Latin America, we find surprisingly different opinions held.
On the one hand, statistics show that this region possesses a forested surface of more than 800 million hectares, which constitutes about 40 percent of the total land area. The very small output per hectare which is presently extracted, about 0.2 cubic meters, implies that vast resources await only man's pleasure to succor the economic life of Latin America.
On the other hand, many eminent specialists in this field decry the apparent abundance which these figures suggest. They point to the ravages caused by irresponsible cutting and by fire in clearing land for agriculture and grazing, which are often concentrated on relatively restricted areas. They point also to the inevitable results of forest deterioration, the violent floods which follow on periods of drought, sweeping away unstable topsoil, eroding mountain slopes, and spreading thick beds of silt over fertile land and in reservoirs for hydroelectric power plants. They point to the lowering of the water table which has already deprived large cities of their water supplies, and lastly, to the dearth of wood suffered by many cities and regions, because all the forests which were easily accessible had been rashly destroyed. They cite instances even from the richest parts of the Amazon Basin, where heavy cutting along the banks of rivers and the removal of valuable species has left the forests impoverished and sometimes caused extensive silting of waterways.
The truth, Gentlemen, no doubt lies somewhere midway between these two extreme views. Even the greatest pessimists admit that vast forest resources lie hidden in the hinterland of Latin America waiting for their potentialities to be recognized, and that under proper management quite a considerable amount of timber could be taken even from forests on mountain slopes without jeopardizing their future or the soil stability.
Besides, Latin America covers a very wide area and it would be wrong to consider it as an entity. Each country, each region has its special forest problems, conditioned by the nature of the soil, the climate, and the topography. Certain aspects of these problems are, however, common to all. The bond uniting the countries of Latin America imposes on them an obligation to seek common solutions of these aspects, an obligation which appears to have been recognized by them since they are represented at this Conference. Each particular problem should therefore be viewed in this light.
To sum up briefly both schools of thought, one may perhaps say that in most countries up to the present time the more readily accessible forest resources have been exploited without thought of their replacement or regard for the results of their disappearance but that the resources more difficult of access, and doubtless of greater extent, have been entirely neglected.
NEED FOR DEVELOPING FOREST INDUSTRIES
The moment seems to have arrived to remedy this situation; vigorous action is most urgently needed.
Many countries of Latin America are well aware of this urgency. Many of them are in process of organizing a rational development of their forest domain. Many governments have set up agencies to undertake or study projects for industrial development in all branches of wood utilization.
Paradoxical though it may sound, there is in effect a shortage of timber in Latin America. In all too many localities this applies even to fuelwood and charcoal. The need to import industrial wood from abroad places too heavy a burden on national budgets to absolve governments from the necessity of facing the problem of working untouched forests with a genuine desire to find a solution.
If no remedy is found for this shortage, the problem will become more acute as Latin-American countries strive to develop their economy and industries. We must not fail to remember that the industrial development of a country calls not only for steel, machinery, and various metals but also particularly for timber. So much so, that a timber deficit, and more especially a shortage of softwoods, with which Latin America is relatively poorly endowed, can constitute a veritable barrier to industrial development and, in general, to the economic and social advancement of a country.
The remedy for this situation evidently lies in research and in the rapid development of new timber resources. Since we especially allude to softwoods here, the proper management and wise working of existing stands becomes imperative. At the same time we should search among the great variety of tropical hardwoods for such species as may be used under the same conditions as conifers and which may eventually be substituted for them in all ordinary uses.
On the other hand, haphazard cutting of the forest tracts that are still within reach of centers of population must be strictly controlled if we do not want to see an increase in erosion and a decline in soil fertility which might eventually deprive such centers of their very means of existence.
Granted then that action is necessary, the present moment seems particularly propitious for getting things started.
In view of FAO's responsibilities on the world level, it is this Organization's duty to arouse attention in Latin America to the importance of developing the natural forest resources.
The world is short of timber. Europe particularly is at present passing through a serious crisis and the findings of recent conferences held on that continent indicate that one should not even speak of this as a temporary crisis but as a situation likely to last several decades. This was assuredly the thought of delegates from European nations assembled last year at Marianske Lazne, when they recommended that FAO should convene further conferences in other parts of the world, and expressed the hope that all governments which still possess untapped resources would take note of growing world requirements for forest products.
Under present circumstances, then, the yield from virgin forests may well find outlets in world trade. If the expansion of extraction and forest industries can 'be undertaken rapidly, the credits which are the chief prerequisite for such expansion should be readily forthcoming since good interest and a rapid amortization of capital are likely.
It is not necessary to dwell on the economic and social benefits which countries can derive from industrial development. Increase of foreign exchange, an increased circulation of money, new sources of employment and income, making profitable those regions which have hitherto been unproductive - these, gentlemen, are some of the gains to be secured, and they are not in the realm of Utopia but may be realized within a reasonable time.
Forests still untouched and now without profit to the countries that possess them have by no means an unimportant role to play in the economic expansion which is so rapidly taking shape in other fields. In turn, this economic expansion, stimulated by an abundant flow of forest products - without which it would be gravely hampered, if not rendered impossible - will engender wider domestic markets for these products. The development of domestic markets, as well as of international markets, will thus assure a definite outlet for the products of newly developed industries. We are not therefore thinking in terms of a temporary prosperity for the forest industries which we are advocating. Present economic trends promise that stability which is fundamental to a country's well-being. They also promise the possibility of further expansion which is looked for by countries well on the way to economic advancement.
There is one objection to this picture of Latin America on the threshold of great possibilities.
These new industries which we want to create, this " timber-rush " which sounds so attractive, all these new developments - will they not lead to sheer overcutting of the forests of this continent, aggravate the damage caused by deforestation, and later lead to shortages of essential wood on the domestic markets?
The answer 'to this objection is clear.
There is a principle which must be applied to the forests of Latin' America to limit the cutting to be carried out there. It is the principle which I have already stated at Marianske Lazne and which should be made to apply to the forests of the entire globe. This is, that " forests are to be regarded as a legacy from preceding generations to the present one, which the latter must pass on to future generations intact, if not increased." All excessive exploitation made for purely commercial ends which diminishes this forest capital is contrary to this principle and must be absolutely prohibited.
However, in the majority of cases it will be found that the opening up of untouched forests, encumbered as they are with many decaying trees, requires temporary overcutting. This overcutting is indeed a necessity. It is the only means of converting unproductive capital, annual growth being counterbalanced by natural loss and decay, into capital whose normal increment can be removed in periodic fellings. It goes without saying that initial cutting must be carried out in accordance with prescribed silvicultural practices.
It is precisely this surplus timber, forthcoming when virgin forests are opened up, that could provide the products to feed foreign markets during the period of the present acute shortage. Later, normal, steady yield from the forest capital now rendered productive should satisfy domestic demands, and still leave a sufficient quantity to supply, at least to a certain extent, foreign customers.
In brief, the solution for the development of the forest industries of Latin America is to base this development on the exploitation of the long accumulated resources of virgin forests. There will follow a steady development of production, based on sustained-yield forest management, and assured of a market owing to an expanded and thriving domestic demand.
DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS
The difficulties standing in the way of this program fall into two classes.
First of all, there are those which I may describe as technical and commercial They pertain to the basic necessities, to means of communication, machinery, logging and transport equipment, personnel, and financing of new enterprises devoted to this development work. Then there is the problem of opening up permanent markets and outlets for products so that enterprises may be assured a stable future in the overall trade plan, and this also requires knowledge of the qualities of the woods to be exploited and of their possible end-uses in particular branches of industry.
Then, on the other hand, there are administrative, legislative, and scientific problems. No enterprise can be started without the assurance that an adequate supply of raw material can be found within a reasonable distance, so as to maintain production not just for a few years but on a sound permanent basis. This implies that the forest, the source of this raw material, must first have been surveyed, and then be managed according to properly prescribed rules which will assure a sustained yield. The forest must also be protected against natural hazards, particularly fire. Regulations must be imposed which may limit cutting rights and the rights of forest owners. Proper working methods must be laid down, and, above all, an adequate personnel is required for determining and applying all these methods. This personnel must, at the same time, assume responsibility for reforestation and soil protection, which pose especially difficult problems in certain regions.
It is only by resolving these two types of problems that any answer can be forthcoming to the whole problem confronting this Conference. To solve one without the other, and especially the first without taking into account the second, would mean a country's engaging in just that sort of haphazard forest destruction whose unfortunate consequences I have already described. Furthermore, no forest enterprise has any prospect of enduring success unless it be assured a continuous supply of raw material over an indefinite period. It may often require the establishment of new settlements and only an assurance of permanency can give such new population centers a chance of prosperity.
GOVERNMENT CO-OPERATION ESSENTIAL
If the Conference concludes, as I think it will, that these are the questions which have to be examined, it will adopt the draft agenda* which FAO has prepared and which envisages the establishment of two commissions, each entrusted with the study of one of these two kinds of problems.
*See Teresopolis, 1948
The results which the present Conference can hope to achieve depend entirely upon the Conference itself.
I consider that it is necessary, however, to draw attention to one important point. Whatever the conclusions arrived at, they can only be of practical value if the governments represented here will make every effort to ensure their application in their respective countries.
I pointed out a short time ago that local conditions differed greatly throughout this large region. If we consider those countries where forest management and exploitation are practiced under the best technical and scientific conditions - and even there, much progress is still to be made - we see that the methods employed and the rules applied in North America, for instance, are not suitable for Europe and that in Europe itself, the methods used in the northern countries are not suitable for the southern countries. Certainly there are general principles, such as that of sustained yield already mentioned, which all countries must adopt as a golden rule; but the means of achieving this goal are bound-to be different in various parts of the world.
The implication is that the proper methods must be determined for each country or for each region by specialists having a thorough knowledge not only of the climate and vegetation but also of the social customs and economic requirements. It will be a protracted job since the cycle of forest evolution can extend over many human generations.
Help from abroad and study of methods applied by foreign countries may certainly be quite useful. But only a body of specialists with thorough knowledge of the country which they are serving are really able to set up an organization to solve that country's particular problems. Undoubtedly, the success achieved by those countries most advanced in forestry practice has been due to the long succession of such specialists who have been entirely devoted to their work.
An extremely important point in dealing with forest problems, and one generally little appreciated, is that specialists require twofold support: first, from their governments, whose basic duty it is to appreciate all the complex social and economic implications of a proper forest administration and who should therefore strive to help specialists in their task by every means possible; secondly, from public opinion, which must be educated and which is too often blind to the problems that exist. Such education must be promoted constantly by governments. The aid of the teaching profession, which can profoundly influence the outlook of the people, must be enlisted. Governments should also seek the active support of local authorities who, because of the position they occupy, can exert a beneficial social influence.
The onus of carrying out the recommendations on which this Conference agrees will fall primarily on governments.
A view of the Plenary Session Hall.
However, this burden will be lighter if countries, after having recognized here the importance of collaboration in forestry matters, will strive towards permanent mutual co-operation in achieving the aims which are proposed. Such collaboration is indeed absolutely necessary in a number of fields: for example, in research work in the field of wood technology and silvicultural methods; in making surveys and drawing up forest inventories; in the formulation of appropriate laws and regulations suited to particular local conditions; in the exchange of information with a view to avoiding violent market fluctuations and coordination of the development of forest industries.
If collaboration between the countries of Latin America is restricted to conferences only, it can have no lasting effect. To be of practical value, there must be continuity in this collaboration. I shall confine myself here to citing as an example the decision taken by the European countries, gathered last year at Marianske Lazne. They realized that for them, too, regional co-operation was a necessity and decided to set up a European Commission. From their co-ordinated efforts they have already obtained good results.
FAO ASSISTANCE
FAO wants to assist in the co-ordination of the efforts put forth by the Latin-American countries themselves, and to render all help which is within its power to facilitate the task of the governments.
It has already been decided to set up a regional FAO office in Latin America and the Forestry and Forest Products Division will be effectively represented in this office. What are these representatives going to do? This Conference can advise on that and draw up a practical program for them. Their aim, however, will be basically the same as that of FAO, which is to strive towards improving the standard of living of all the peoples of Latin America, through the progressive development of insufficiently used resources.
In this way Latin-American forest activities can be integrated into the wider international organization which the Forestry and Forest Products Division is attempting to establish. This region, occupying as it does a position of great importance in the future of the world, can benefit from the work of conferences and international congresses organized by the agencies interested in its development. Through its publications FAO can also assist all classes of the community to gain a better understanding of what the forest means as a source of income and as an indispensable element in soil protection and agriculture. Lastly, FAO's technical committees can study the specific problems of this vast region and give advice when governments so request.
There are many different organizations interested in scientific and practical forestry problems of the various countries. Their activities can be integrated in the larger field of activities of FAO and will thus gain added authority.
ROLE OF THE CONFERENCE
The Conference which opens today and which is the first of its kind for Latin America, will certainly not have been without value even if its only achievement were to arouse permanent interest in forestry conditions in this region; but there are more tangible results which the delegates assembled here have a right to expect. It lies with them to suggest concrete solutions and to find means by which the work started at Teresopolis can be assured of being carried on in the future.
But in drawing up any plans for the future, the delegates must always keep in mind the two aspects of the whole problem they have to resolve: on the one hand, the development of the vast potential resources which can contribute greatly to the economic progress of Latin America; end' on the other hand, using these resources wisely so that they may continually be renewed for the prosperity of future generations.
The solutions which this Conference arrives at, Gentlemen, will be of import not only in the years immediately ahead and to the countries represented here; they will inevitably influence the far future of this great region and of the human race as a whole.
Foundations for a Common Latin-American Forest Policy
THE recommendations adopted by the delegates to the Latin-American Conference on Forestry and Forest Products at Teresopolis appear elsewhere in this issue. It may be asked, however, whether any concrete action has been taken beyond these recommendations towards exploiting and rationally developing the forest resources of Latin America. In sponsoring this Conference one of the purposes of FAO was to focus world attention on the value of these resources and on the complexity of the problem presented by their exploitation. But that was not the full measure of its aspirations. It wished to achieve concrete action; this wish was shared by all delegates to the Conference
Despite the difficulties which came to light during lengthy discussions in the commissions, general agreement was reached as to possible solutions and the means to be applied.
The determination of the Conference that concrete results should be achieved is evidenced from the very beginning of its report. The Preamble, which was carefully discussed, asserts the clearly defined forest policy which the countries of Latin America intend to pursue:
PREAMBLE
1. The wealth of natural resources latent in the countries of Latin America must be harnessed to postwar reconstruction. Thereby all the nations of Latin America will have a sufficiency of forest products for their own economic development, while contributing to the well-being of the whole world with that part of their production which exceeds their own needs.2. Present circumstances are particularly favorable to the rational development of the forests of Latin America, and countries are offered a great opportunity of taking advantage of the abundance with which nature has endowed them.
3. The reason is the world shortage of timber which promises to persist for many years to come, notwithstanding certain difficulties in distribution of existing stocks due to monetary situations. At the same time, the expanding economy which all peoples desire must gradually produce an ever-increasing demand for timber and other wood commodities.
4. The problems of forestry and forest products facing the Latin-American countries were found by this Conference to fall into two closely interrelated groups:
On the one hand, consideration was given to questions relating to the opening up of untouched or little-developed forests, thus stimulating the economic and social development of the Latin-American countries.On the other hand, the Conference discussed the necessity for bringing these forests, and others already being exploited, under proper management. This is a fundamental necessity in order to avoid not only the rapid dissipation of forest resources but also the havoc of erosion, from which many parts of the Latin-American continent are already suffering.
5. The Conference therefore undertook a study of these two groups of problems in two separate Commissions. The findings of these Commissions together with. the recommendations resulting from their deliberations, are embodied in Chapters I and II of this report.
6. The Conference fully recognizes that Latin-American forests should be utilized in accordance with modern scientific and mechanical concepts, and in such ways as to raise the standards of living of local populations to a level compatible with human dignity.
7. The Conference accordingly, recognizes the necessity for continued and increased aid and guidance from international technical organizations, especially those concerned with forestry and forest resources.
8. The Conference firmly believes that forests and their products should not be exploited by primitive or colonial* methods, but that the Latin-American countries should have access to all existing technical forestry knowledge and to the necessary mechanical equipment. For this purpose, such financial assistance from appropriate international bodies should be available as to ensure the development of the forest resources of Latin-American countries on a sound rational basis, thus contributing to the welfare and aspirations of all.
* The words of the original Spanish text that are literally translated in the English version by "primitive" and "colonial" refer, in accordance with Spanish usage, solely to the technical and economic aspects of the methods employed in forest exploitation.
9. This is the first occasion on which the Latin-American countries have met in a conference especially to consider problems of forestry and forest products. The Conference has achieved a large measure of agreement. It wishes to avoid the possibility that its recommendations may not be put into effect by the various governments and organizations to whom they are addressed.10. Accordingly, it is agreed that
(a) the report and resolutions of the Conference shall be brought by each delegation to the attention of its government for immediate consideration.
(b) the report and resolutions shall also be laid before the Council and the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, with the suggestion that the necessary steps for implementing the recommendations, both with governments and with other international bodies, be properly coordinated.
(c) each delegation shall suggest that as wide publicity as possible be given to the results of the Conference and to the principles inherent in its report, with the aim of enlightening the general public as to the importance and urgency of the forest problems of Latin America.
The Conference adopted a number of recommendations to ensure that the activities which received their initial impetus from the Conference will be carried through. In these recommendations, FAO was urged to establish a Forestry and Forest Products Working Group for Latin America and governments were urged to create a Latin-American Forestry and Forest Products Commission. With these two bodies would rest the responsibility for continuing the work begun by the Conference and maintaining that co-operation among countries, the necessity for which was recognized at Teresopolis by the countries themselves. Governments were also called upon to draw up without further delay development plans based on the principles set forth by the Conference These will be examined, together with results already attained, at a second Latin-American Conference planned for 1950.
These are concrete proposals, which can be implemented within a relatively short time; as experience in Europe has already shown, plans of this nature can be expected to lead to tangible results. Despite the difference in circumstances and in the problems to be dealt with, it is confidently hoped that the same beneficial results will accrue for Latin America.
But the will of the delegates at Teresopolis that positive action should be taken is further stressed by the practical side of the recommendations produced by the debates of the Conference Having recognized that, if intensive forest exploitation in Latin America is to produce substantial and lasting benefits for the countries and their peoples, it is important that such exploitation be adequately regulated and based on rational management of forests in order to ensure the maximum sustained yield. The Conference applied itself to defining the elements essential to the achievement of these results.
This was the task of Commission II. The business of this Commission, despite minor differences on points of detail, was generally conducted in an atmosphere of unanimity, clearly indicative of the agreement of all delegates upon the foundations essential for the development of Latin-American forests and the obstacles to be overcome.
However, the Commission was not content merely to note these obstacles and the need for remedying them. It also indicated the manner in which they could be remedied, the principles to follow, and the practical steps to take. One of the most striking examples of the practical side of this Commission's debates was the passage in its report pertaining to the training of forestry personnel; the subcommittee to which' this matter was referred recommended: first, short-term measures, which can be readily implemented by governments or by FAO, for the training of forest engineers abroad or the creation of a nucleus of forest engineers, subordinate staff, and specialists in silviculture or forest industries, with whatever personnel is already available in each country; second, a longer-term program, aiming at full training of the forest and timber engineers and technicians needed in each country, and the establishment of a central Latin-American Institute which would be both a research center and an institute of technical learning, at university level.
Dr. Virgilio Gualberto of Brazil, Executive Chairman of the Conference, addressing the delegates.
The same practical spirit marked the recommendations on the organization of forest services and research work, on forest law, forest inventories, and reforestation problems. The Conference requested FAO to lend its assistance to the countries concerned, through the publication and distribution of publications on forest inventories and forest law.
This work is already a part of the FAO's activities, and the interest shown by the Conference is a valuable incentive to pursue it to a rapid conclusion. In this same connection, other noteworthy recommendations are those dealing with the provision by FAO of experts specializing in the various subjects, especially in connection with the 1950 agricultural Census. These recommendations are also in line with the established policy of this Organization, from which it expects the most valuable results.
The discussions in Commission I went beyond the basic question of developing forestry resources. The foundations having been laid, they had to be built upon, and the matter of the architectural style might well give rise to protracted discussion. The debates were spirited, but animated throughout by a spirit of co-operation. The attainment of common solutions is therefore significant, as well as the fact that these solutions were reached with the sane practical spirit which prevailed at the discussions of Commission II.
Commission I was successful in clearly indicating a program of action for the proposed Working Group and for the Latin-American Forestry and Forest Products Commission. Finding that material, equipment, and financial resources were lacking to carry out the vast programs contemplated or in preparation in many countries, Commission I indicated the means for overcoming these obstacles.
A suggestion was made requesting each of the governments involved to report on conditions in their countries and to compile lists of requirements for the proper development, utilization, and conservation of their forest resources. These reports and lists will be reviewed and co-ordinated by FAO, in close co-operation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America. This report will make it possible to present to international organizations the needs of the region.
One especially significant point gained unanimous approval: the integration of forest industries. This idea was universally accepted by delegates determined to intensify forest exploitation, ensure the better utilization of all forest products, and decrease production costs, while basing development on forest areas carefully managed according to the principle of sustained yield. This acceptance opens up to FAO, its technical committees, its working groups, particularly the Latin-American working group, and the governments themselves, wide fields of activity which should be boldly entered upon. Recommendations on this highly important matter constitute one of the principal achievements of the Teresopolis Conference If they are carried out, splendid results can be expected.
Stress was laid upon the importance of close cooperation among international organizations concerned with the development of Latin America. A number of these organizations, other than FAO, are mentioned in the text and recommendations of the report: the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the Pan American Union.
It is of course clear that the development of the forest resources of Latin America implies first and foremost the need for technical studies as a basis on which to build. The economic and social progress which can and should derive from the utilization of these resources is a part of the general social and economic development of the Latin-American region, and cannot be developed independently of the whole. The Conference expressed this thought by stating in the final pages of its report that education of the public with regard to forestry, so necessary to support the activities of forest services and the enactment of intelligent forest legislation, is only one phase of general public education, which in many countries is best served by the reduction of illiteracy and the general promotion of knowledge.
FAO is now called upon to continue close collaboration with all international bodies which, although they do not have the same specific aims, are in possession of some of the means indispensable to their achievement.
No doubt, as FAO's Director of the Forestry and Forest Products Division remarked in his opening address, and as was repeated in the preamble to the report, the initiative and the heaviest responsibilities now lie with each individual government. But the Conference has offered clear advice and has shown the type of assistance governments can expect from international organizations.
Above all, the Conference was a striking demonstration of what collaboration among countries can accomplish. It indicated what can be done in the future if the recommendations of Teresopolis are carried out. The call for co-operative effort found clear expression in the communication presented to the Conference by the French delegation which, in making available for immediate service to other countries all research stations, laboratories, and other agencies at the disposal of its government, concluded as follows:
"We must not forget that the communities of tropical countries have in the past distributed within the zone numerous useful plants, which today are indispensable to the existence of tropical populations and have contributed greatly to their wealth. American forests have been particularly generous with gifts of all sorts that have enriched tropical agriculture: the hevea in Indo-Malaya, quinine in the Dutch East Indies, cocoa in Africa, and great quantities of fruit trees whose fruits are well known everywhere. In return, Africa has given the Americas its coffee trees, Indo-Malaya its oil-palms, and so forth.
"All these exchanges have helped in the development of human life in the tropics. With forest trees, too, one may expect that such exchanges will prove similarly beneficial.
"Let us hope that co-operation in forestry among tropical countries will be awakened and heightened after conferences such as this."
Adopted by the Conference
UTILIZATION OF FOREST RESOURCES
I. Development Plans
THE CONFERENCE,
RECOGNIZING that use should be made of the forest resources of Latin America on a rational basis, each country acting in accordance with its possibilities,
RECOMMENDS that all interested governments of Latin America draw up concrete plans for the development of their forest resources, by successive stages. FAO should make available all possible technical assistance and advice to this end as governments may request. The plans should embody the principles contained in the findings of this Conference, taking into account the particular circumstances of each country.
II. Special Requirements
THE CONFERENCE,
RECOGNIZING that a more intensive forest output and utilization, and a greater production of a wide range of manufactured wood products call for large amounts of equipment and materials, and that under present conditions of economic stress there are many competing claims for such equipment;
RECOGNIZING also the advantages of programs and plans established by interested governments in consultation with one another, drawn up on a comparable basis, with the advice of qualified technicians;
SUGGESTS (a) that all interested Latin-American governments present to FAO reports on their respective circumstances their immediate requirements, and items in short supply for the better development, utilization, and protection of their forest resources, (b) that these lists and reports be reviewed and co-ordinated by FAO, in close consultation and accord with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America or other appropriate international agencies, with the aim of preparing a coherent and comprehensive statement of Latin-American needs, and of calling the attention of all international agencies or other bodies, who may be concerned, to these special needs of the Latin-American countries.
III. Finance
THE CONFERENCE,
RECOGNIZING that in certain cases the required capital outlay may be too great to be provided from national financial sources alone,
RECOMMENDS that, if economic development is to progress more rapidly during the next few years, a larger and better regulated flow of funds than is currently available should be promoted, preferably by and through international agencies working within the framework of the United Nations, principally the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
IV. Forest Output
THE CONFERENCE,
RECOGNIZING that the practices followed by some countries in the exploitation of their forests are primitive and thus detract from the quality of forest products, which consequently have a low commercial value,
RECOMMENDS that the Latin-American countries, which produce forest products and other commodities derived therefrom, improve. their methods of exploitation, giving special attention to the quality of the finished product.
V. Forest Products Industries
THE CONFERENCE,
CONSIDERING that machinery at present in use in industrial centers has suffered considerable hard wear, while modernization is impossible due to the failure of supplies from countries producing machinery;
CONSIDERING also that a substantial increase in the quantities of wood available for local consumption, industrial conversion, and export involves, among other things, increased efficiency at all stages of production, including improved techniques in sawmills and other manufacturing plants;
RECOMMENDS that Latin-American countries should plan for their own forest industries by building new manufacturing plants and modernizing existing installations. Trade channels should be expanded in such a way as to make machinery and other requirements for forest industries available to Latin-American countries which are actual or potential producers and exporters of forest products, permitting a logical exchange of trade and a mutual betterment in countries' standards of living.
VI. Industrial Production
THE CONFERENCE,
RECOGNIZING that greater local industrial production facilities would reduce the dependence of various countries of Latin America on imports of manufactured or semi-manufactured wood products, and expand their trade potential,
RECOMMENDS the desirability of producing a greater range of- wood products and derivatives, such as plywood. fiber boards. pulp products, and secondary manufactured products, and providing facilities for the adequate drying and preservation of timber, both before and after conversion.
VII. Controlling the Cutting of Wood for Fuel
THE CONFERENCE,
CONSIDERING that, ill order to avoid wasteful cutting of forests, particularly protection forests around centers of population and in mountainous regions, countries of Latin America should endeavor to regulate the cutting of wood for fuel and charcoal, basing this cutting on principles of sound forest management,
SUGGESTS the advisability of gradually substituting wood fuel and charcoal by mineral fuels and by encouraging a greater use of hydroelectric power, wherever this is economically justified.
VIII. Integration of Industries
THE CONFERENCE,
CONSIDERING that countries should give special attention in their forest development plans to the adaptation of modern logging and extraction methods to local conditions, so as to increase intensity of exploitation, decrease wastage, and lower costs;
CONSIDERING also that one of the best means of achieving increased forest and industrial output under the conditions prevailing in Latin America is through the proper integration of various industries using wood as a raw material, drawing on predetermined forest areas producing a maximum sustained yield;
RECOMMENDS that governments, with the assistance of FAO and its technical committees, examine in detail the possibilities for the creation of integrated forest industries in selected localities in Latin America and for the erection of pilot plants.
IX. Marketing of Forest Products
THE CONFERENCE,
CONSIDERING that ready and stable markets can only be found if the costs of cutting, extraction, transportation, and manufacture of timber are kept to the minimum compatible with quality standards of the products and with a fair remuneration to the worker, and that this consideration suggests the need for improved systems of forest exploitation as an essential prerequisite to marketing technically satisfactory products at prices attractive to potential buyers,
SUGGESTS that FAO should advise on suitable methods of carrying out preliminary studies towards achieving uniform practices for the marketing of timber and wood products.
X. International Trade1
1 The United Kingdom delegate wishes to accord his vote against this resolution, on the grounds (a) that the second consideration deals with questions of principle which can only be a matter for decision by individual countries, in the light of their economic policy, and (b) that FAO is not the proper agency to consider and advise on ways and means of overcoming the particular difficulties to which attention is drawn.
THE CONFERENCE,
CONSIDERING that a greater expansion of foreign trade in timber will be difficult while international trade is hampered by the different systems of control in existence and by the high cost of land, river, and sea freight, whereas export of semifinished products would lessen shipping space requirements and considerably reduce freight costs;
CONSIDERING also that exports which at present consist chiefly of raw materials should rather in large part be made up of processed products, and further that it is essential that buying, markets should endeavor to absorb manufactured or processed products as these become available, thus making this transition possible;
RECOMMENDS that FAO, ill consultation with appropriate technical and economic agencies, make a study of all factors which would contribute to the easing of international trade in such products, with special reference to freight costs.
XI. Standardization of Forest Products
THE CONFERENCE,
CONSIDERING that increased international trade in forest products requires standard trade specifications, which would clearly denote the qualities and specifications of products,
URGES that FAO, in consultation with Latin-American governments, seek to introduce standard grades, specifications, and sizes for the different Latin-American forest products entering into international trade, in the interests of both producers and consumers.
XII. Publicity about Latin-American Forest Products
THE CONFERENCE,
CONSIDERING that publicity about Latin-American timbers and other forest products should be intensified in consumer countries, and that the merits of particular species should be widely publicized, since much of the difficulty encountered in marketing wood products and their derivatives is, in large part, due to interested countries lacking knowledge of their existence and quality,
RECOMMENDS that Latin-American governments make known, through intelligent publicity abroad, the excellent qualities of the forest products of the Americas, so as to attract attention to possibilities for increased trade.
XIII. Forest Products Research
THE CONFERENCE,
CONSIDERING that the expansion of markets and of forest products utilization calls for a great development of laboratory research, whose results need to be collated, co-ordinated, and made widely known,
RECOMMENDS (a) that all Latin-American governments make full use of existing national or international research facilities, calling, if necessary, upon FAO for assistance in this matter, and paying attention to the application, wherever appropriate, of existing knowledge in the field of research, (b) that a Latin-American Research Center for forest products be established, maintained by the respective governments, suitably endowed, and devoted to the special problems of the Latin-American countries.
FAO should consult with the Pan American Union and interested governments as to the best location for this institute.
XIV. Labor
THE CONFERENCE
CALLS the attention of Latin-American governments to the importance of the following conditions for forest and timber industry workers:
(a) security of employment,
(b) establishment of fair wage rates,
(c) improvement of standards of living, especially as regards housing, hygiene, and nutrition,
(d) facilities for technical training.
XV. Forest Products Statistics
THE CONFERENCE,
RECOGNIZING the importance of all governments being constantly informed regarding production, consumption, and trade in forest products,
SUGGESTS to Latin-American governments that they should (a) ensure the compilation of relevant and comparable data, as instanced in the statistical program of FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products, and (b) furnish FAO with annual statistics on forest products. The minimum program should include data, covering the more important wood products, on annual output from the forest, industrial production, and foreign trade.
RECOMMENDS that FAO should send experts to Latin-American countries to advise and train statisticians, and to further direct contacts with the officials dealing with statistical problems arising from FAO's activities.
PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES
XVI. Forest Services
THE CONFERENCE RECOMMENDS
(a) that all governments be urged to establish specialized technical Forest Services, either independent or attached to a ministry dealing with related services;(b) that these services be on a scale proportionate to the tasks to be undertaken, the extent of forest resources, and the programs to be developed;
(c) that adequate funds be provided for the carrying out of their tasks in a proper manner;
(d) that, on request, FAO give technical advice in establishing services of this nature, at the expense of the governments concerned;
(e) that it is desirable also to establish close collaboration between the forest services of the Latin-American countries, to which end FAO shall give all necessary help and advice.
XVII. Forest Research
THE CONFERENCE RECOMMENDS
(a) that all Latin-American nations be urged to draw up forest research programs, spread over the largest possible number of localities, and carried out under the supervision of the Forest Service of each country. The findings should eventually be referred to a central institute whence they can subsequently be given wide publicity;(b) that FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products give due attention to the early development of the project relating to the Hylean Institute of the Amazon, sponsored by UNESCO, in view of the interest that this Institute might present in the carrying out of the previous recommendation. In any event, close co-operation with this Institute is necessary since it should be able to contribute substantially to forest research in the Amazon basin.
XVIII. Training of Personnel
THE CONFERENCE,
(1) For immediate action
RECOMMENDS
(a) that FAO make a census of educational centers for forestry, in which should be specified:(i) locality and environment in which work is carried out;
(ii) program of studies; (iii) duration of courses;(b) that FAO follow closely the distribution of scholarships given by universities, laboratories, and governments for training and postgraduate work of specialized technicians;
(c) that the different governments aid the establishment and expansion of forestry courses with the object of preparing:
(i) graduate forester - agriculturists (Ingenieros agronomos-silvicultores) trained in agricultural or similar schools of university standard, with another year or more of specialization in forestry sciences;(ii) forestry experts graduated from vocational schools, to be put in charge of reforestation work, cutting and sawmilling and similar work in forest industries;
(iii) forest wardens to be put in charge of forest watch, law enforcement, fire control, etc.;
(iv) popular extension courses of short duration for forest owners, plantation workers, technical instruction to sawmill operators, etc.;
(d) that the practice of exchange of specialists among different countries and among the teachers and pupils of educational establishments be intensified. In cases where exchange is not possible, the sending of teachers of forestry from recognized universities with forestry courses is recommended.
(2) As a program for later action
RECOMMENDS
(a) the creation of forestry schools, of university standards, for turning out foresters capable of directing forestry operations, forest policy, administration, etc.;(b) the implementation of the recommendation made by the Subcommittee on Unexploited Forests at its meeting in Geneva in August 1947, relating to the creation of a Latin-American Forestry Institute, to carry out programs of basic research work and for postgraduate higher technical schooling;
(c) that FAO, in conjunction with the Pan American Union, should investigate the best possible location for this Institute, and to this end should consult with countries interested in this project.
XIX. Forest Inventories
THE CONFERENCE RECOMMENDS
(a) that all Latin-American countries be strongly urged to prepare or complete their forest inventories;(b) that these inventories should be developed gradually, starting with general objectives: for example, the delimitation of forest areas and of forest types and the listing of soils needing afforestation; and proceeding, as becomes necessary, to those objectives indispensable to rational forest management, such as density of stocking of forest species of economic value, their volume, rate of growth, etc.;
(c) that governments should fully recognize the importance of the World Agricultural Census of 1950 and the prominence which should be given in this Census to forests;
(d) that FAO should, as governments may request, facilitate co-operation among countries, or inform them about methods they should adopt, by means of:
(i) the publication of a pamphlet describing methods of preparing inventories, either as general surveys or for the detailed determination of factors essential to forest management, and the distribution with this pamphlet of a booklet on forestry terminology(ii) dispatching to countries, on request and at their expense, and well ahead of the 1950 census, one or more technicians to advise governments on the organization or improvement of their statistical services, with a view to achieving uniformity in the preparation of inventories, particularly where forestry is concerned, thus ensuring the maximum accuracy in the results obtained.
XX. Forest Legislation
THE CONFERENCE RECOMMENDS
(a) that the governments of those Latin-American nations which have no forest laws, pass legislation without delay for the protection and development of their forest resources;(b) further, that nations which already have pertinent laws, introduce such amendments as may improve existing legislation;
(c) that FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products assist countries wishing to study or amend forest legislation:
(i) by the compilation, study, and comparison of existing legislation and by making known the results of these investigations to interested countries, so as to bring to their attention the basic principles on which sound legislation should be based, and to help them adapt these principles to their particular conditions;(ii) by encouraging co-operation in this connection between all Latin-American countries with common problems; and
(iii) by sending experts on forest legislation to such countries as may request them at the expense of the respective governments.
XXI. Reforestation
THE CONFERENCE RECOMMENDS
(a) that it be suggested to all Latin-American countries, who have not already done so, that they initiate reforestation plans; which should include a program of forest nurseries for the free distribution of plants; the necessary funds to carry out these plans should be obtained from national or private resources;(b) that the results obtained in these reforestation plans be investigated, especially as regards the geographical, ecological, and economic conditions of the regions where they are being carried out; furthermore, that a continuous interchange of in formation be maintained among countries about the results obtained in the course of these investigations;
(c) that, where necessary, special regulations be introduced into the forestry code in favor of reforestation work;
(d) that the work be carried out, whenever necessary, in close collaboration with interested industrial organizations and also with municipalities;
(e) that FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products give its technical assistance in such matters to all countries which ask for it, the cost to be borne by the respective governments;
(f) that the Division also give particular attention to examining and promoting an international convention for the certification of seeds and forest plants.
XXII. Education of the Public
THE CONFERENCE RECOMMENDS
(a) that it be suggested to the governments of all Latin-American countries that they should interest the press, radio, and moving picture industry in matters of forestry; help private organizations dedicated to the spread of forestry knowledge; take advantage of every opportunity for publicity and secure the collaboration of institutions able to exert a useful influence on public opinion;(b) that it be suggested to governments that they should give particular attention to teaching basic ideas about nature protection in schools;
(c) that in Latin America, as throughout the whole world, FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest
Products continue its efforts to spread sound forestry principles, thus lending weight to the individual activities of these countries;(d) that FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products continue to work in close collaboration with UNESCO towards fostering elementary forestry instruction, by means of a program of fundamental education and by other educational methods. Furthermore, it is suggested that the Conference on Conservation of Renewable Natural Resources which will meet this year in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., should attach due importance to the educational aspect.
The Report of the Conference is adopted at the Final Plenary Session.
FURTHER PROCEDURE
XXIII. Latin-American Forestry and Forest Products Working Group
THE CONFERENCE
RECOMMENDS to FAO that, in order to aid in the solution of the forestry problems of Latin America, the Division of Forestry and Forest Products set up a Latin-American Forestry and Forest Products Working Group, composed of technical officers of FAO.
XXIV. Latin-American Forestry and Forest Products Commission
THE CONFERENCE RECOMMENDS
(a) that a Latin-American Forestry and Forest Products Commission be created, consisting of technical delegates of all Latin-American countries, which can meet at regular intervals to advise FAO's Forestry and Forest Products Working Group, and to ensure that its work be brought to the notice of, and be implemented by, the governments of the Latin American countries;(b) that this Latin-American Forestry and Forest Products Commission consider as its first objective the adoption by Latin-American governments of all measures needed to implement the recommendations of this conference;
URGES the governments of Latin America to enable; their experts and specialists to assist FAO as members of this Commission and of any other technical bodies it may decide to call together.
XXV. Reviewing Plans ant Progress
THE CONFERENCE
RECOMMENDS that, during the coming year and, if necessary, with the technical assistance of FAO's Division of Forestry and Forest Products, its regional working group for Latin America, and its technical committees, each interested government study and elaborate forest development plans, based on the principles laid down by this Conference and covering a given number of years,
FURTHER RECOMMENDS
(a) that these plans, as well as the results achieved in implementing the measures recommended by this Conference, be presented in 1950 at another. Latin-American Forestry Conference to be called to gauge the progress made in the various countries;(b) that FAO take all necessary steps, as far in advance of the Conference as possible, to determine its location.
XXVI. Provision of Foreign Talent
THE CONFERENCE
RECOMMENDS that FAO advise the competent agencies on practical measures for securing, for the Latin-American countries, the services of foreign technicians, qualified professionals and specialized workers, skilled in forestry, timber, and allied industries, from the ranks of Displaced Persons wishing to establish themselves permanently in these countries.
Attending the Conference
BRAZIL
Head Delegate:
DANIEL DE CARVALHO, Minister of Agriculture
Alternate:
VIRGILIO GUALBERTO, President of National Pine Institute
Members:
LUCIANO PEREIRA DA SILVA, Legal Adviser, President of Federal Council on Forestry
ANTONIO DA CUNHA BAYMA, Technical Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture
LINCOLN NERY DA FONSECA, Secretary-General of National Pine Institute.
RAYMUNDO PIMENTEL GOMES, Director of Forest Service
OLIMPIO FLORES, Chief of Washington Agreement Commission, Ministry of Finance
JESUS SOARES PEREIRA, Chief of Division of Forest Economies of the National Pine Institute
Advisers:
SILVIO AZEVEDO LIMA, Chief of Division of Statistics of National Pine Institute
JOSE BENIGNO DE OLIVEIRA, Chief of Forestry Division of State of Minas Geraes
JOAO GERALDO KUHLMAN, Director of Botanical Gardens
DURVAL VIEIRA CALAZANS, Chief of Division of Classification of National Pine Institute
MANOEL V. GUSMAO FRAGA, Chief of Division of Reforestation of National Pine Institute
ARMANDO SAMPAIO NAVARRO, Director of Forest Service of Companhia Paulista de Estradas de Ferro
NELSON ALVES FONSECA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Secretary-General:
PAULO FERREIRA DE SOUZA, Vice-Director of Forest Services of Ministry of Agriculture
CHILE
Head Delegate:
RAUL GONZALES GUZMAN, Professor of Forestry, Temuco, Chile
CUBA
Head Delegate:
GABRIEL LANDA, Ambassador to Brazil, Cuban Embassy, Rio de Janeiro
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Head Delegate:
PEDRO PABLO CABRAL, First Secretary, Embassy of Dominican Republic, Rio de Janeiro
FRANCE
Head Delegate:
JEAN LARRIEU, Inspector-General of Waters and Forests
Member:
ANDRE AUBREVILLE, Inspector-General of Waters and Forests
GUATEMALA
Head Delegate:
FRANCISCO GUERRA Y MORALES, Minister of Guatemala in Brazil
HONDURAS
Head Delegate:
MANOEL SOTO DE PONTES CAMARA, Consul of Honduras, Rio de Janeiro
MEXICO
Head Delegate:
HECTOR LAZOS, Agricultural Attaché to the Mexican Embassy, Buenos Aires
NETHERLANDS
Head Delegate:
IZAAK ANTHONIE DE HOLSTER, Chief or Forest Service, Surinam
Adviser:
JUSTUS WILHELM GONGGRYP, Professor, University of Delft
NICARAGUA
Head Delegate:
JOSE MERCEDES PALMA, Consul of Nicaragua, Rio de Janeiro
PARAGUAY
Head Delegate:
GILDO GUERRERO INSFRAN, Agronomist, Ministry of Economics
PERU
Head Delegate:
FELIPE LIVONI LARCO, Secretary of Peruvian Embassy, Rio de Janeiro
UNITED KINGDOM
Head Delegate:
WILLIAM ANTHONY SOWDEN, First Secretary (Commercial), British Embassy, Rio de Janeiro
Alternate:
JAMES ALEXANDER BURNS, Second Secretary (Commercial) British Embassy, Rio de Janeiro
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Head Delegate:
EDWARD I. KOTOK, Assistant Chief in charge of Research U S. Forest Service, Washington, D. C.
Member:
JOSEPH LEO MULLER, Chief, Forest Products Branch, Office - of International Trade, Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C.
Adviser:
GUY LOUIS BUSH, Agricultural Attaché, Embassy of United States of America, Rio de Janeiro
URUGUAY
Head Delegate:
GABRIEL M. CALDEVILLA, Director of National Park Service
Member:
ALFREDO L. WEISS, Director of Agricultural Economy and Statistics
VENEZUELA
Head Delegate:
HECTOR HERNANDEZ CARABAÑO, Forestry Director, Ministry of Agriculture
Member:
LUIS A. GARCIA VIBLAFAÑE, Chief, Forest Department
ARGENTINA
Representative:
JOSE M. ASTIGUETA, First Secretary, Argentine Embassy, Rio de Janeiro
CANADA
Representative:
MAURICE BELANGER, Commercial Secretary, Canadian Embassy, Rio de Janeiro
ITALY
Representative:
ELISIO BALLERINI, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Italy, Rio de Janeiro
PORTUGAL
Representative:
JOSE ALVES, Forestry Engineer, Office of the Portuguese Government Forest Service
UNITED NATIONS
Representative:
PAUL VANORDEN SHAW, Director, United Nations Information Center, Rio de Janeiro
UNESCO
Representative:
PROF. BASILE MALAMOS, Field Science Co-operation Officer for Latin America
Associate:
FILHO LUIS EMYGDIO DE MELLO
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
Representative:
ALFONSO BANDEIRO DE MELLO, Head of Botany Department, Museo Nacional, Rio de Janeiro
PAN AMERICAN UNION
(See below)
INTER-AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
Representative:
RALPH HERBERT ALLEE, Director - Also representing Pan American Union
Associate:
MANUEL ELGUETA, Agronomist, Head of Plant Industry Department
