Alain Billand: "Forest development involves both social and economic issues"

What sustainable forest management tools are available?
Alain Billand: Sustainable management and observation of forests is a major development issue for local populations in tropical regions. For many years now, the main tool available has been the forest development plan, and instrument that has now been widely adopted. However, there is still room for improvement. CIRAD's research structures, particularly in the Central African Republic, are some of the oldest in the field. On the occasion of the World Forestry Congress, CIRAD will be taking stock of its experience. Forest development plans make it possible to acquire a range of tools with a view to reaching the target set for a given forest: conservation or wood production. The aim is to be able to conserve forests while fostering local socioeconomic development. It is vital to find a compromise between production and conservation, and between the incomes of the different players involved.

How have development plans changed in recent years?
A.B.: The first plans set out to use forests for wood production. Since Rio, social, economic and environmental issues have added new facets to the tool, by introducing new ways of using forests. Maintaining biodiversity and taking account of social issues are now required criteria with respect to the standards imposed on candidates applying for sustainable management certificates. These are new issues for forestry firms. For instance, firms in central Africa are investing in the quality of their living bases: improving habitats, managing drinking water supplies or domestic waste, etc. This type of operation is now included in the conditions for certification that have been in force for the past five years. Development plans have also led governments to involve themselves in managing their countries' forests. The State owns the forests and concedes their use to firms in exchange for taxes on production, and for a rent. This type of long-term contractual agreement, lasting from 15 to 30 years, enables firms to make more significant investments than in the past, such as those required for certification.

We are now moving towards the introduction of payment mechanisms for the environmental services rendered by forests. How have development plans taken this on board?
A.B.: Our research teams are currently looking into these mechanisms and contributing to the global debate on their implementation. They concern biodiversity, and the latest developments suggest that they could serve to pay countries that reduce deforestation and degradation of their forests, so as to limit carbon emissions. A strategic partnership has been established with CIFOR on these emerging issues. For instance, the question is what social and economic impacts paying a country that agrees to reduce deforestation will have on its forestry industry and also on the whole family agriculture sector in forest areas. The debate is proving lively: the sums at stake are huge!