Tropical forestry action plan

The Tropical Forestry Action Plan (TFAP) has been prepared over a number of years through the combined efforts of government, non- government and CIN organisations. The plan represents a new co-ordinated approach to solving the tropical, forest crisis. It covers all tropical forests, humid rainforests, dry open savanna woodland and semi-arid steppe. TFAP is now underway in some 60 countries with the goal of finding ways to ensure the sustainability of forest supplies, protect forest and water resources and contribute to socio-economic development. TFAP is a five-point action plan:

Forestry in land use: as a barrier to soil erosion and a shield for sustained agricultural production.

Development of forest-based industries: with high efficiency, low waste, effective forward planning and imaginative marketing of products.

Fuelwood and energy: increased production and better use of this infinitely renewable source of energy for both domestic and commercial use.

Conservation of tropical forest ecosystems: as one of the keys to successful, long- term integrated forest management, and the improvement of domesticated crops, offering local populations a broader land use system as a springboard to development.

Institutions: creation of tighter, stronger institutional frameworks devoted to research, training, extension, and the active. involvement of local populations in the task of saving the forest and harnessing its great economic potential.