Energy, resources and the environment a Malaysian forest management perspective

Abstract

The provision of the greatest benefits to the largest number of people has always been and will continue to be the basic tenet of forest management. The form of these benefits, however, varies from place to place and also changes with time. Generally, these changes are closely related to progress in socio-economic development. In developing countries, where funds are needed for economic development and land for agriculture and settlement, the liquidation of natural forest resources usually receives highest priority. However, the process of economic development, which is usually accompanied by social upliftment and sophistication, often results in the pattern of demands on This is already apparent forests changing fairly rapidly. in highly industrialised and urbanised countries where the non-wood services of forests have assumed much greater social importance than the wood products. A study of Man's activities in the past will reveal a general propensity to consume natural resources voraciously with little or no thought for replacement for the future. The current concern over environmental deterioration throughout the world, particularly in the more industrialised countries, is a good reflection of the severity of the consequences of our past attitudes and actions.