The Paradigm of Forests and the Survival of the Fittest

This book demonstrates the social, historical, and environmental framework within which humans have developed a relationship with the forest and its resources. Starting from the biological basis that permits the existence of forests to the use of forest resources in a modern human context, this book summarizes the interaction between humans and forest ecosystems. Designed for readers from a broad range of disciplines and interests including those from environmental sciences, environmental economics, sociology, anthropology, biology, forestry and human ecology and other related disciplines, the book evokes interest in the development of an integrated approach towards forest ecosystems and natural resources in the context of sustainability.

Introduction. Forests in a Changing World. Primary Production, Energy and Forest Growth. Forest Carbon Sequestration and Global Change. Forest Ecosystems and Civilization: An Overview of the Footprint of Modernity in the Exploitation-Conservation Relationship. The Economy of Forests. Silviculture and Forest Management. Challenges to Forest Conservation. Forests, Sustainability and Progress: Safeguarding the Multiple Dimensions of Forests through Sustainable Practices. Conclusions.

Sergio A. Molina-Murillo, Carlos Rojas Alvarado