Australia’s forest: destruction and conservation essay

The accessibility of high-resolution, satellite imaging and other remote sensing data improve the estimation of forest cover of Australia. More than three-fourths of the total forest cover of Australia is managed and owned privately, including those indigenous-managed areas. However, the native forest of the country that are conserved and protected by the state covers 13% of the total forest covers, about 23 million hectares in estimates (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2008). The coverage of multiple-use public native forests, which is primarily used in wood production and other industries, lowered to 9. from 11. 4 million hectares. Australia’s forests are estimated at 4% of the world’s total. State of the Forests Report (2008) states that evergreen broadleaf composes the major part of Australia’s native forest.

However in areas with an average rainfall that exceeds 500 millimeters per year, malle can also be found. While woodland forests extend in inland parts of the country, numbers of the forests can be found in the northern, eastern and southwestern coastal zones. As a Source of Living and Employment Australia’s plantations expanded from about 1 million hectares in 1994 to over 1. million hectares in 2006. Major plantations are producing hardwoods, pulpwood productions and saw log productions. There is also a major increase on private ownership of private plantations from 30% in 1990 to 59% in 2006 (Cocklin, Dibner, & Mautner, 2006)..

Forestry and logging is a major employment and source of living of thousands of Australians. Employment numbered to 11, 000 in forestry and logging, while more than 90, 000 are employed in manufacturing during the period of 2006-2007 (Cocklin, Dibner, & Mautner, 2006).. The real value of timber production rose from about $14 billion in 1992-1993 to $19 billion in 2005-2006(Holland, Morton, & Galligan, 1996). The production of softwood sawn timber rose from about 1. 2 million metric tons in 1984-1985 to nearly 4 million metric tons in 2006-2007. However, the production of hardwood sawn timber fell from about 1. 8 million metric tons in 1984-1985 to about 1.

1 million metric tons in 2006-2007 (Cocklin, Dibner, & Mautner, 2006).. Australia’s exports of forest products increased in value from about $300 million in 1984-1985 to about $2. billion in 2006-2007. Imports also rose from about $1.

3 billion in 1984-1985 to nearly $4. 3 billion in 2006-2007 (Cocklin, Dibner, & Mautner, 2006). Undeniably, Australia’s forests are a main source of living and employment for Australians and the government generate vast income from it. Further, forests are now managed for many values in addition to wood production, including carbon sequestration and storage, biodiversity, water quality and quantity, and salinity mitigation (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2008). Problems on Forest Conservation Forest fire is a major hindrance on forest conservation programs of Australia. Fire played a major role in the evolution of the country’s plants and animals for millions of years.

Australia’s environments have evolved to survive fire and events and most ecosystems already developed a special relationship with fire. However, forest fires still contribute to loss of lives, destruction of the ecosystems and biodiversities and impacts on carbon emissions and water values. Land clearing is also a major issue in conservation of forests in Australia. Due to land clearing for agriculture and urban development, most woody vegetation is declining up to 260, 000 per year (Cocklin, Dibner, & Mautner, 2006).

. Although various state agencies already made legislations to address the problems in land clearing. Forests are cleared not only for agricultural purposes, but for housing and other infrastructures, especially in coastal areas(Holland, Morton, & Galligan, 1996) . The declining numbers of graduates in forest management is also a major issue. In 1990 there are over 130 graduates in forestry management and other professionals in the field (Cocklin, Dibner, & Mautner, 2006).

Nowadays, they only numbers to 30 every year. Skilled workers are also needed on the conservation of forests, and the labor force is also dwindling in numbers. If the destruction of Australia’s forests continues, it will be a major problem for its millions of citizens. Hundreds of thousands will lose their main source of living. Thousands of indigenous people will not only lose their livelihood, but also their ancestral home and properties.

The destruction of forests will also reflect its damages I n the country’s national economic growth. And finally, the impact on the environment, biodiversity and directly to the everyday lives of millions of Australians. Major stakeholders should unite As stated, the forest is a major part of the country’s national economy and source of living for thousands of its citizens. It is also the home for thousands of indigenous peoples who live in and through the forest. Therefore, it is a major setback for Australia if the destruction of its forests continues. Major stakeholders that benefits and have responsibilities on the protection of the forests covers should unite and take actions. Government agencies should pass and promulgate legislations that aims strictly implement sustainable forest developments for commercial purposes. Industries that are involved in wood productions and plantations should consciously implement short-tem and long-term plans on how to replace their harvested trees.

Indigenous people should also actively join the conservation efforts by collectively promoting the protection of the forest while benefiting on it. The academe should also contribute its part. They should promote among the students to take up courses that will lead them to be forest management professionals. Skilled workers are also needed, making state authorities responsible on providing jobs on forest rangers or police. The civil society also have their part on promoting conservation, raising funds for it and doing an active role on this endeavor. With all of this, the rich and abundant forests will continue benefit thousands, if not millions of Australian.

Preserving the environment while benefiting on it.