Jul 19 What is Sustainable Forest Management?

What happens to a company or organization that does not have adequate management of its resources? The answer is simple and straightforward: a company without good management cannot survive in the market. Unfortunately, this is what happens to thousands of companies that close their doors every year.

The point is that, where there are resources, good management is essential. This is because resources are scarce and, without proper management, they cease to exist.

The same applies to nature. Nature is full of resources and benefits for humanity. However, if there is no good management, all this wealth may run out sooner or later. Yes, natural resources are also scarce and their lack means the end of humanity. This is why Sustainable Forest Management is so important!

What is Sustainable Forest Management for?

Sustainable Forest Management's main objective is to use natural resources responsibly, without causing significant damage to the environment. It seeks to ensure the continuity and renewal of these resources, allowing their constant use in the long term. In other words, sustainable management acts as a manager of the “natural capital” of forests, preventing their depletion.

Sustainable Forest Management contributes to the conservation and appropriate use of forest cover, while also favoring the development of quantitative techniques for making decisions about the composition, structure and location of a forest.

By adopting sustainable management, it is possible to preserve the ecological integrity of the forest, ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and the quality of the soil and water. Furthermore, Sustainable Forest Management allows the use of multiple timber species, the production of multiple non-timber products and byproducts, as well as the use of other forestry goods and services.

How does it work?

The implementation of Sustainable Forest Management follows a well-defined process, consisting of several stages and practices that ensure the responsible use of forest resources. It all starts with detailed planning, in which management objectives are established, the characteristics of the forest area are assessed, the species present are identified and local socioeconomic aspects are considered. Based on this information, a detailed management plan is drawn up.

Throughout the Sustainable Forest Management process, it is essential to continuously monitor the area. This involves verifying the results of the management practices adopted, monitoring forest regeneration, monitoring biodiversity conservation and assessing soil and water quality, among other aspects. In addition, measures are implemented to combat fires and prevent illegal activities, such as illegal logging.

To ensure that all these actions are carried out in a credible and effective manner, geotechnologies play a fundamental role. Through the use of technologies such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and other advanced tools, it is possible to measure, monitor and map the different variables related to forest management in a precise and detailed manner. This allows obtaining reliable information on the state of the area, the impact of management practices and its evolution over time.

Benefits of Sustainable Forest Management

Among the advantages of SFM, we can highlight the continuity of timber production in a forest area for an indefinite period of time. This means that the forest can provide timber in a sustainable manner over time, without running out. In addition, forest management also presents significant economic benefits, such as greater profitability due to increased labor productivity and reduced waste.

Another advantage of adopting sustainable forest management is compliance with legislation. Since companies that follow the Management Plan correctly will be in compliance with regulations.

In addition, SFM offers market opportunities. The demand for certified timber is on the rise, especially in demanding international markets, such as Europe and the United States. By obtaining certification, companies that practice forest management have easier access to these markets, which can result in competitive advantages and greater business opportunities.

Forest conservation is another important advantage. Through sustainable management, it is possible to guarantee forest cover and preserve original plant diversity. This helps protect ecosystems, keeping them healthy and resilient.

Finally, forests play a crucial role in providing environmental services, which are essential to address challenges such as climate change and biodiversity conservation. They contribute to regional and global climate balance, as they help maintain the hydrological cycle and retain carbon. That said, Sustainable Forest Management is an excellent alternative to take advantage of the resources provided by forests and promote conservation, at the same time.