Why a strong indigenous forestry sector is in the national interest.

Authors: N. Devoe, S. Olson
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2001, Issue N.Z.J.For. 46(1) 2001, pp 22-26, May 2001
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

---

Abstract: A strong indigenous forestry sector is in the national interest because of the present and potential social, economic, and ecological benefits that it brings. Among the economic benefits are foreign exchange earnings through overseas sales and substitution of domestic production for imports. Social benefits are related to economic ones and include employment and the resiliency that economic diversification confers for individuals, communities, and the country. Ecological benefits result from investment in protection of forests from stock, pests, and fire. Because of the scale of present and potential benefits from indigenous forestry, policy should be revised to encourage sustainable indigenous forest management. A facilitatory policy will streamline and standardise regulation and remove current policy anomalies. The Forests Amendment Act should be revised to reflect contemporary understanding of indigenous forestry.

---