Tropical deforestation is leading to a loss of economically productive timber concessions, as well as areas with important environmental or socio-cultural values. To counteract this threat in south east Asia, sustainable forest management (SFM) practices are becoming increasingly important.
The authors assess the tools and guidelines that have been developed to promote SFM and the progress that has been made in south east Asia toward better logging practices. They specifically focus on practices relevant to biodiversity issues. Various regional or national mechanisms now inform governments and the timber industry about methods to reduce the impact of production forestry on wildlife and the forest environment. However, so any guidelines have been produced that it has become difficult to judge which ones are most relevant. In addition, most guidelines are phrased in general terms and lack specific recommendations targeted to local conditions. These might be reasons for the generally slow adoption of SFM practices in the region, with only a few countries having incorporated the guidelines into national legislation. Malaysia, Indonesia and Laos are among the frontrunners in this process. Overall there is progress, especially in the application of certification programs, the planning and management of high conservation value forests, the regulation and control of hunting and silvicultural management. To reduce further forest loss, there is a need to accelerate the implementation of good forest management practices. The authors recommend specific roles for governments, the forestry industry, and nongovernmental organisations in further promoting the implementation of SFM practices for biodiversity conservation.
