Tropical Forest Foundation Q&A (continued)
An interview with Johnston on Reduced Impact Logging and community training
Q: Why the emphasis on the community training programs? Why not reach out to the businesses and let them do the training?
Johnston: We do reach out to companies in the areas where our training schools operate – many businesses have put their employees through our training programs. But we are also focused on the impact logging has on local communities, and vice versa. Both of those factors need to be considered. You can't just focus on big companies and forget about the people that live in or near these forests. It's really all connected. Building sustainable forestry businesses builds sustainable jobs.
Q: Why do businesses choose to invest in the Reduced Impact Logging approach?
Johnston: Logging has changed significantly from the way it used to be done. It isn't just logging then moving on from the area anymore. Many companies now realize that the long term income is better when you reduce operating costs by logging sustainably. Yes, there is more upfront investment but the dividends over time are a greater payoff.
In the long term, the costs really are lower. RIL appeals to good business sense and sound practices. That's how we are able to get so many companies to practice RIL. They see how it helps their bottom line, and they understand that you have to invest in your own supply chain.
Q: This sounds like a great narrative. What are the challenges in getting TFF's story out there?
Johnston: Unfortunately, it is mostly a lack of funds. We just don't have the resources to do the kind of promotional activities that are necessary to affect a consumer and specifier shift in perspective. We are still fighting against the idea that not logging these forests will save them. It won't. It will destroy them, because when they don't have value as forests, they are cut down and the land is converted to other purposes. Environmental groups, governments, and foundations oriented toward environmental projects all recognize this. Yet many in the architect and design community and commercial building industry are unaware of this important information.
Tropical Forest Foundation
transparent. sustainable. verified.
The Tropical Forest Foundation advances environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, and social responsibility through sustainable forest management. Learn more and become a member at www.TropicalForestFoundation.org.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Tropical Forest Foundation emphasize community training programs instead of only training businesses?+
TFF focuses on both because logging impacts local communities and vice versa, and the two are interconnected. Building sustainable forestry businesses also builds sustainable jobs for people living in or near these forests.
Why do logging businesses invest in Reduced Impact Logging (RIL)?+
Companies recognize that long-term income is higher when operating costs are reduced through sustainable logging. Although RIL requires more upfront investment, it appeals to good business sense because the long-term dividends and lower costs benefit the bottom line and secure the supply chain.
What are the main challenges TFF faces in promoting its message?+
The primary challenge is a lack of funds to carry out the promotional activities needed to shift consumer and specifier perspectives. As a result, many in the architect, design, and commercial building communities remain unaware of TFF's work and the importance of sustainable tropical forestry.
Why does TFF argue that not logging tropical forests will not save them?+
When forests lose their economic value as forests, they are cut down and the land is converted to other uses. Sustainable logging gives forests ongoing value, which helps prevent their destruction.
Do commercial logging companies participate in TFF training programs?+
Yes. TFF reaches out to companies in the areas where its training schools operate, and many businesses have put their employees through TFF's training programs.
What is the mission of the Tropical Forest Foundation?+
TFF advances environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, and social responsibility through sustainable forest management. Its guiding principles are transparent, sustainable, and verified forestry practices.