There are many theorised methods of forest conservation. However, the rate of deforestation is still increasing. New methodologies are being continually redefined in the hope that an effective result will be realised, but there is no 'one size fits all' solution. Different countries, regions and areas must use a combination of techniques to ensure forest conservation is a viable prospect. Some conventional approaches include:

 

 

 

 

The Tropical Forest Action Plan

• The TFAP was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the World Resources Institute.
• With a remit to look at major topics of tropical forest problems including; forestry and land use, forestry-based industrial development, fuel wood and energy, conservation of tropical forest ecosystems, and institutions.
• For more information visit: www.odi.org.uk

The International Biodiversity Program

• Designed to increase the global knowledge of biodiversity through data collection worldwide.
• Aims to link organisations through data and idea sharing in order to assist conservation strategies.
• Debt for Nature Schemes
• Debt-for-nature swaps involve purchasing foreign debt, converting that debt into local currency and using the proceeds to fund conservation activities.
• Proven to be successful in some areas although still remains highly controversial.

Sustained Yield Forestry

• Aims to ensure long-term productivity of timber.
• Under a rotation scheme the forest is segmented, whilst certain areas are harvested, others are being planted.
• Selective Logging
• Includes plantation schemes, decreasing levels of infrastructure, establishing buffer zones, only logging certain species over certain ages, directional tree felling and careful planning, these all contribute to reduce the impact of logging.

Ecotourism

• Seen as a positive way for developing countries to bring in foreign revenue through non-extractive resource use.
• Must be properly planned and have strict guidelines to ensure its long-term sustainability and success.
• Parks and Reserves
• Designation of areas where no extraction of natural resources takes place. However people that rely on the forest can loose or have their livelihoods diminished.
• This practise must work in conjunction with alternative development schemes.
• For more information visit: www.iucn.org

Species Action Plans

• In many areas plans are implemented to protect either specific or a range of species by measures such as legal protection, translocation, captive breeding as well as physical protection within designated reserves.
• For more information on conservation approaches visit The Rainforest Information Centre