The Contribution of Australian and International Forestry Research

Forests are making major contributions to rural livelihoods in Australia and in many other countries of the Asia-Pacific region. These include direct economic returns from the harvest of both timber and non-timber forest products, and indirect contributions to other economic activity through effects on soil and water quality. Research and development has provided the foundation upon which the forestry successes of Australia and its neighbours have been based, and international collaboration has been a major plank. ACIAR’s collaborative research program has made a significant contribution. A suite of plantation eucalypt projects has contributed to the development of a major industry in southern China, and the skills and experience so acquired have undoubtedly contributed also to the success of Australia’s recent bluegum plantation program. A collaborative approach to evaluating and monitoring pests and diseases of Australian species is contributing to the protection of forests in all countries of the region. Although there have been successes, the contribution that forests make to rural livelihoods is under threat. A new array of challenges must now be met, and it is these that ACIAR’s forestry program seeks to address. Emphases include the better management of native forests, improving the management of plantations, developing and promoting agroforestry systems that integrate tree planting with other agricultural activities, ensuring that industry development is compatible with community capacity and desires and with local and international market expectations, and promoting the equitable distribution of benefits. International collaboration on these issues of common concern is fundamental to the attainment of a shared vision.