Jan Głaz. Instytut Badawczy Leśnictwa, Sękocin Stary, 2007, ISBN 978-83-87647-63-6, 128 pp. In Polish with abstract, summary, tables and figures in English. 26 EUR.
he principles of sustainable forest management based on the example of an industrialized region. Jan Głaz. Instytut Badawczy Leśnictwa, Sękocin Stary, 2007, ISBN 978-83-87647-63-6, 128 pp. In Polish with abstract, summary, tables and figures in English.
Abstract. The development of theoretical assumptions for a sustainable forest management model based on the example of an industrialized region requires: (1) identification of model elements meeting the requirements of sustainable development, (2) adaptation of the rinciples of operation of a forest holding to the hypothetical conditions under which the fulfilment of societal expectations towards forest, as well as compensation for its intangible services will be possible.
The research was carried out on the basis of an analysis of research material, such as source data and information, literature, as well as legal and business regulations concerning the functioning of forestry and its socioeconomic environment on a regional, national and international scale. The natural, ecological aspects are broadly reflected in the current principles of forest management. However, multifunctional forestry also requires addressing economic and social issues – two fundamental pillars (apart from natural) of sustainable development. These issues focus around the inclusion of the value of intangible services in the financial account of a forest holding. To accomplish this, forest functions were valued. Then, the intangible forest services and foregone benefits related to the abandonment of the productive function of forest, in spite of the forest structure being optimal for the performance of this function, were quantified. Also, the participation of local communities was taken into consideration to a larger degree than before.
Forest structure is of key importance in addressing these issues. It was proposed that the number of forest structure elements be increased, the appropriate weights be assigned to them (partial potential) depending on a forest function, and that they should be used to valuate those functions. Then, functional potentials were determined and divided into levels. To change a potential, that is to raise it to a higher level, it is necessary to impact the forest structure in a correct way. Functional potential enhancement proceeds through businnes operations. It was assumed that each potential could be valuated if there were business activities related to it. A functional potential value is determined on the basis of a financial result. Determination of a financial result alone requires identification of the groups of costs incurred for forest maintenance and enhancement of individual functional potentials. Then, it also requires elaboration of indicators for the homogeneous groups of stands (regardless of their age, growing in the same habitats). The relationships between the levels of potentials and the expenses for their enhancement enabled identification of partial equilibrium between the value of a potential and the costs incurred for the performance of a given activity related to forest management. On the other hand, possibilities were investigated of how to improve the general economic situation of a forest holding by optimizing the allocation of all forest functions which would, simultaneously, be socially preferred. Finally, sale of intangible services through negotiations with local governments was proposed. Simulation of a financial result through the appropriate allocation of forest functions (distribution and acceptance of the potential level) will play a major role.
The presented theoretical model of forest management was verified on the basis of a concrete forest holding located in an industrialized region.
Keywords: sustainable development, forest functions, forest structure, functional potential, valuation of intangible services, negotiations.
