The Forests Handbook, Volume 1

The future of the world's forests is at the forefront ofenvironmental debate. Rising concerns over the effects ofdeforestation and climate change are highlighting the need both toconserve and manage existing forests and woodland throughsustainable forestry practices. The Forests Handbook, written by aninternational team of both scientists and practitioners, presentsan integrated approach to forests and forestry, applying ourpresent understanding of forest science to management practices, asa basis for achieving sustainability. Volume One presents an overview of the world's forests; theirlocations and what they are like, the science of how they operateas complex ecosystems and how they interact with their environment. Volume Two applies this science to reality; it focuses on forestryinterventions and their impact, the principles governing how toprotect forests and on how we can better harness the enormousbenefits forests offer. Case studies are drawn from severaldifferent countries and are used to illustrate the key points.
Development specialists, forest managers and those involved withland and land-use will find this handbook a valuable andcomprehensive overview of forest science and forestry practice. Researchers and students of forestry, biology, ecology andgeography will find it equally accessible and useful.