Module 4 Objectives

The main objective of this module is to help you understand forest management from the perspective of social-economic science. The aim is to provide a solid foundation of social and economic knowledge which is important for understanding forest resource management and protection. After taking this module, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the definition and function of forest resource policy. Describe the general practice of formulating a forest policy. Investigate major forest resource policies and key forest ecological programs in China.
  2. Apply techniques of the net present value (NPV) and the Benefit/Cost Ratio to make forest management/investment decisions. Solve optimal rotation problems under simplified conditions. Discuss how optimal rotation age can be affected by change of interest rate, reforestation cost, timber value, annual cost, tax, and non-timber value.
  3. Analyze how forest-based community and forest management affect each other. Examine the features and principles for sound operation of community forestry. Propose effective policies and institutions to help solve existing problems in the operation of community forestry. Report the experiences and lessons learned from China’s collective forest practice to promote the development of community forestry.