Australia's unique forests are a major natural asset in terms of biodiversity conservation, the global carbon cycle, fresh water supplies, and the maintenance of environmental and social values. Forests are also a key economic asset to Australia, providing essential timber and wood products and recreation, and employing thousands of people in the forestry and tourism industries. What policy and regulatory measures are in place to conserve Australia's forests? This book examines how the Australian government and the community as a whole are trying to strike a balance between forest conservation and sustainable forest management through such measures as the reserve system and regional agreements. Issues addressed also include illegal logging overseas, forest products certification, and the heated debate over logging Tasmania's old growth forests. How do we produce renewable timber for present and future generations, but also preserve our forests' environmental, social, and economic values?

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