The document develops a regional Code of Practice for Forest Harvesting in Asia-Pacific. This Code has been developed with input from many stakeholders in the region and is intended to identify and encourage environmentally sound forest harvesting practices throughout the region. It has been developed specifically to provide a basis for sub-regional or national codes in the region, to guide forest harvesting practices in the absence of more localised codes and to ensure that the benefits of forest harvesting are maximised and the adverse effects minimized. The Code provides an expression of the region's commitment to sustainable forest management and complements other initiatives in the region. It outlines guidelines by which timber should be harvested for supplying products and other benefits for the immediate community and nation as a whole, while simultaneously maintaining other social and ecological values. The Code, while providing details on some harvesting practices, attempts to ensure there is flexibility to account for the specifications in existing sub-regional and national codes and for those countries that intend to develop national codes.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
FAO

Region
Asia Pacific

Biome
Tropical

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
Production