IUCN, Forest Conservation Programme

Based on information derived from literature, statistics, interviews and a field survey in Bolivia, this report explores the value of non-timber forest products not only in economic terms but also as an important element in the lives of people who live in or near the forest. Covers values at local, national and international level; intellectual property rights; ecotourism; and sustainability of exploitation with detailed examples.

The threats to the forests of tropical America have been the centre of international environmental concern for some time, yet the material in this atlas highlights the continuing extent of scientific uncertainty over the critical issues that will determine the future use and conservation of these forests. Preceded by Asia and the Pacific, 1991; Africa, 1992 (both now out of print), this atlas completes the series.

Synthesis of the various components of international law that have an impact on forests and provides a policy framework for conservation and sustainable use, against which any future global forest regime shoud be measured.

Explores various approaches including those which are forest-related such as community forestry and joint forest management as well as those concerned with protected areas. Covers key issues of theory and implementation and methodologies for implementation.

An interactive database and dynamic map of plants and forests in Ghana accompanies this report.

Forest management in Ghana is in a transition period. This report looks at the historical background and forest condition today, summarises a recent botanical survey, and offers recommendations for a new management regime given the seriously threatened state of many forest reserves.

The result of the work of the Kenya Indigenous Forest Conservation programme, this report provides a summary of the existing information about Kenya's indigenous forests. Covers geographical background; assessment of the biodiversity, environmental services, and wood products functions and values; population pressures; utilisation; economic value; policy; legislation; management guidelines and criteria for management planning of such forests.

Limits to expansion of protected area systems underline the importance of seeking new ways to conserve biodiversity. There are many examples where traditional rural communities have shown their capacity to maintain high biological and cultural diversity.

This account of extractive reserves in the Brazilian Amazon region provides practical examples of sustainability based on first-hand reports. The historical background is followed by examination of social organization, analyses of the economic viability of reserves, the key elements in developing an extractive reserve system, establishment of legislation in Brazil, and subsequent management. It underlines the importance of community involvement.