Sustainable forest management is the way of the future

Forests play an important role in the well-being of our planet. They are often called the lungs of Earth, as they draw in massive amounts of carbon dioxide and in turn release oxygen which is a primary building block of life.

But because of modernization, forest lands were cleared for farms, industrial zones, and even residential areas. Coupled with irresponsible and illegal logging, the depletion of our forests contributed to the creation of one of the biggest threats facing mankind — climate change.

But the fight is not over. Many organizations, agencies, and individuals are still waging a war against climate change. And in the field of forestry, one of the most important programs being implemented is sustainable forest management.

Sustainable forest management, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), addresses the significance of forest degradation and deforestation while increasing direct benefits to people and the environment.

Socially, sustainable forest management contributes to livelihoods, income generation, and employment. By helping communities and individuals who primarily rely on forestry as their source of livelihood, this concept ensures that people can still earn off the land while protecting it from further damage.

Here in the country, the DENR has committed itself to the promotion of sustainable forest management.

It has said that the National Greening Program of the Philippines aims to expand forest cover, mitigate and adapt to climate change, conserve biodiversity, poverty alleviation and inclusive growth while adhering to the principles of good governance.

“In the Philippines, we believe that sustainable forest management is the only way forward.” Charlie Liu, Chairman of Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) said. “By ensuring that we are balancing the needs of our people and the viability of our forests we can reach a more prosperous and sustainable future for the entire country.”

PWPA is one of the leading voices pushing for the wider adaptation of sustainable forest management practices here in the country. The organization, which boasts of members from various stakeholder organizations within the forestry sector, believes that we can become more involved in the protection of our forests while also pursuing the interests of many Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on forest-based industries.

Sustainable forest management is a holistic approach to the problem facing our forests today as it not only focuses on the well-being of the environment but also zeroes in on the needs of the people who directly benefit from it.