Can profitable forest management incorporate community values?

Authors: Stephanie Rotarangi, Geoff Thorp
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2009, Issue N.Z.J.For. 54(2) 2009, pp 13-16, Aug 2009
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Historically, New Zealand’s plantation management models have focused on meeting commercial and scientific values. Limited attention has been paid to the role plantation regimes can play in realising wider community aspirations and values. A shift in management thinking is starting to be seen however, as forest managers address an increasing variety of stakeholder and community concerns. Reconciling these community concerns with plantation management practices can be a significant challenge. Meanwhile, the rules and regulations around forestry operations are becoming increasingly complex and costly, as public opinion persuades stricter guidelines for resource management. Currently, forest managers have models to predict the economic and environmental impact of their regime decisions, but no such tools exist to ascertain the social impact or public reaction to forest management decisions. Therefore, developing a greater understanding of how plantation forestry enables or constrains community values is a new but essential frontier for those engaged in forestry. This presentation will discuss the benefits of developing better methods of social impact assessment, present an existing case of profitable multiple-use forestry and discuss an emerging method for defining stakeholder values in plantation forestry.

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