W. J. Jackson

The Maxwell Ralph Jacobs Memorial Oration 2007: capitalising on forest values in a changing world.

Summary Forest management has changed significantly in recent decades. A primary focus on timber production has broadened to reflect community interest in biodiversity, water, cultural values, carbon and bioenergy. Global forest area is declining significantly — mostly due to the conversion of forest land to agriculture, a process which contributes greatly to emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Fragmentation is diminishing the integrity and quality of the remaining forest area. Ownership is moving from government agencies to communities. Challenges for forest managers are to maintain a broad, long-term perspective, and to keep as many options as possible.