There is unprecedented public commitment to forest conservation and increasing public involvement in forest management decisions. Many forestry issues are and will continue to be viewed regionally or globally, and there are a growing number of organizations involved in global forestry matters. A concerted effort to reconcile competing claims, underpinned by a comprehensive policy framework, is required to resolve this conflict. Substantially improved information on the forest and other sectors is required to facilitate the balancing of demands on forests. In particular, this is essential for information regarding forest resources.
Sustainable management is the fundamental means for forestry development.
There is, however, a lack of practical experience in the successful development or implementation of systems for sustainable forest management in the broad sense in many countries - in all regions. The proposed legally-binding international instrument for all types of forests could be a possible means for improved implementation and enforcement of policies and legislation established by sovereign nations. The prevailing system of prices for wood raw material in the form of stumpage and concession fees established by government decrees is leading in many cases to grossly under-priced wood resources. A system where the prices are established through market forces would, in most cases, dramatically increase revenues to the forest owners. The higher value of the raw material would also stimulate its better utilization.