Article:

Fischlin, A., 2008.  Harvested wood products - an incentive for deforestation? 
        In: Hetsch, S. (ed.), Proceedings of the Workshop on, Harvested
        Wood Products in the Context of Climate Change Policies, UNECE/FAO
        Timber Section, Geneva, Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland; 9-10
        September 2008, 47pp., UNECE/FAO Timber Section, pp.  8-11.

Abstract:

Mitigation priorities in the forest sector should observe following sequence: REDD¹, sink enhancement, substitution of fossil fuel, and HWP². If accounting for HWP is not done properly, the risk for an incentive for deforestation is real. To curb the disadvantages of HWP, some debiting of non-sustainable forest management as currently achieved through Article 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol appears a necessity. Until effective REDD activities are implemented that provide true disincentives to deforestation, HWP may continue to create some risk of furthering deforestations in developing countries that are not constrained by the Kyoto Protocol. On the other hand, if HWP accounting is done properly as part of a LULUCF scheme that minimizes risks of promoting deforestation and non-sustainable harvesting, HWP is to be welcomed as a means to help promoting the utilization of the climate-friendly, renewable natural resource wood. This would help mitigating climate change and in progressing towards a more sustainable society.

¹Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries
² Harvested Wood Products

Full text 156KB