Forest management for timber production and forest landscape restoration in the Amazon: The way towards sustainability

Abstract

Current guidelines for legal timber harvests are not sustainable. Timber yields can be substantially enhanced by the application of cost-effective silvicultural treatments that increase stocking and growth of timber trees. Growing interest in tropical forest restoration offers opportunities to promote the management of secondary and degraded forests for timber, and mixed plantations with native species. Timber yields from these restored areas would reduce pressure on natural forests – allowing larger areas to be set aside for protection and reducing harvesting intensity in natural forests.