Sustainability: Forestry's Future, 1995 Global Fiber Supply Symposium Proceedings

Adela Backiel

U. S. Department of Agriculture

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992 launched a new reality for forestry by placing it in the forefront of international dialogues on sustainable development. As these dialogues continue and broaden, on both international and domestic levels, the commitment that countries have given to the role of forestry in sustainable development is unprecedented and expanding. To some, the commitments in internationally negotiated statements do not go far enough; to others it goes too far. What is clear is that the forestry community must continue to participate in and help shape this international dialogue, and begin to consider its implications for domestic forest resource issues, including management, trade, and economic and environmental vitality. Our discussions in the United States must be within the context of international discussions and commitments, involving both public and private decision makers and stakeholders. And we must start applying and implementing these principles in our domestic decision- making, integrating the economic, environmental and social dimensions of resource issues. Initial steps have been taken by both public and private entities to incorporate sustainability principles into our domestic agenda. Although there is more progress to be made and many issues on which to seek a common understanding, the meetings, negotiations, and dialogues discussed here are indicative of the intense worldwide interest in how forest management principles are applied in a world that is growing ever smaller and more demanding of its resources.

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