Behavior of International Organizations with Regard to Tropical Forest Conservation

Tropical forests and woodlands are essential not only to the economic and social well-being of rural people in developing tropical countries but to the biodiversity conservation and to world climate moderation as well. Yet they are being degraded and destroyed at an increasing and alarming rate. Of the world’s estimated 3.4 billion hectares of forests in 1990, tropical forests covered 1.76 billion hectares, while forests in industrialized countries extended over 1.43 billion hectares. During the period 1981-90, tropical forests decreased at a rate of 0.8 percent (15.4 million hectares) a year. Most of the countries of the temperate, developed regions experienced a slight increase in forest and other wooded land area during this period. What is needed is forest management, strategies for reforestation, and widespread political commitment to practical engagement. A sustained commitment to forestry, agriculture, energy, and related rural development programs is required. This report deals with the analyses of the reforestation, afforestation, and forest management projects being carried out by international organizations. The author has been engaged in international efforts in this field through the bilateral and multilateral international cooperation/aid action of the government of Japan. In this report the author has tried to elucidate an appropriate strategy for international contribution of the government through the activities of international organizations.departmental bulletin pape