Over the next few decades, tree plantations are likely to expand on a large scale to meet growing demand for timber, paper, fuelwood and other biomaterials. Plantations that follow the New Generation Plantations (NGP) principles and are in the right places can benefit people and lessen the pressure to harvest the world’s remaining natural forests.
Planted forest area has increased by over 110 million hectares in the last 25 years, and accounts for 7% of the world’s forest area.
Well managed plantations in the right places can help conserve biodiversity, protect natural forests and meet human needs while contributing to sustainable economic growth and local livelihoods. Plantations should not replace natural forests or other important natural ecosystems but rather be focused on degraded land, while safeguarding the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. Plantations should also maintain ecosystem integrity, protect and enhance high conservation values, be developed through effective stakeholder involvement processes and contribute to economic growth and employment.
Teaching forestry technology students the practice of silviculture in the management, protection and utilization of forest products .
Make the best of the forest. Forests could be the largest source of income if well managed by people and governments.
Facilitate use of improved genetic resources (seed/ clone) for commercial application. Work with private and public sectors, small growers and communities in the S. Highlands region in Tanzania.
Encourage all sectors from individuals, institutions and companies to change and focus on sustainable forest management for food economy growth and ecosystem sustenance.
The environment should be considered when we develop plantations and it is important to reduce competition with other land such as natural forests.