http://blog.cifor.org/11088/forests-or-agriculture-not-necessarily-an-all-or-nothing-trade-off/ Thinking Beyond The Canopy Fri, 24 May 2013 04:21:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 http://blog.cifor.org/11088/forests-or-agriculture-not-necessarily-an-all-or-nothing-trade-off/#comment-237697 Maurice Ryan Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:18:32 +0000 http://blog.cifor.org/?p=11088#comment-237697 In Ireland, we have been struggling to gain momentum in the forestry industry for nearly 30 years. There is still a consideration that it is a sin to plant good land. In the early 1990′s incentives to attract farmers towards a new crop (forestry) were introduced. Even today, after consistently well paid premiums on top of an establishment grant that covers all planting costs, there is still scepticism about the industry. Any element of negative change has an exponentially adverse effect on perception in the minds of potential ‘planters’.
Now, that model, although not perfect, is still somewhat effective in Ireland. We have increased our forestry cover to a minimal 10%, a long way from our Kyoto commitment. To try and introduce such a model into a developing country, or a state in turmoil, Haiti for example, poses more difficulties. With the desire and demand for charcoal, a demand not met by other providers, any reafforestation program has an immediate challenge.
Through effective design of a reafforestation program, education of the new workforce and a tangible, frequent results process, there is possibility for an industry to develop over a 10 year period.
This is something we have worked on and are very interested in. Its a long story, and probably too long for this comment box

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