Collaborative Research Underscores the Value of Reduced Impact Logging
In collaboration with training centers around the world, the Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF) has conducted research to evaluate the economic, social and environmental benefits of sustainable forest management and specifically, Reduced Impact Logging (RIL).
TFF’s Board feels strongly that research has played – and will continue to play – a large role in convincing practitioners of forestry management that sustainable practices are both economically advantageous and the right thing to do. Research in Brazil and Malaysia demonstrated that the reduced impact approach to tropical forest logging has significantly reduced collateral damage to the forest, including wildlife habitats, soils and equipment. RIL is safer for harvesters and communities on the ground, improves the long-term value of the forest and, in some situations, reduces costs.
TFF’s work in South America, Southeast Asia and the Congo Basin has facilitated studies that have led to a deeper understanding of RIL and its:
Laying the Groundwork for Future Studies
TFF is presently engaged in an economics study in the Congo, as well as forest enrichment studies in Brazil and Indonesia. More research initiatives are planned in coming years. TFF’s partnerships with major universities like Virginia Tech and the University of Florida and support from researchers that serve on TFF’s Board, ensure that the work TFF does is continually reviewed and grounded in sound science.
