Future Forests: Use them or fence them in.

4th SSRP Sustainability debate

Forests are a major repository of nature, home to 92% of the earth’s biomass and 80% of its terrestrial biodiversity. Forests regulate the major biogeochemical cycles as well as climate. They also play a profound cultural role in society.

On the other hand, society also places big demands on forests for food, fuel, timber, shelter, amongst others. The consequence is often forest degradation or destruction: only about 65% of pre-agricultural forest cover remains, and only 16% of current forested land is protected.

So what should be our policy and attitude towards forests?  Should we continue to use them to enhance our wellbeing, or fence them in to conserve their natural value?  These are two of many critical questions that will be addressed in the 4th SSRP Sustainability Debate on the International Day of Forests by a distinguished panel of experts.

Panel includes:

Helen Dancer:  Lecturer in Law at the University of Sussex in the fields of the anthropology of law, human-forest relationships, land rights and justice. 

James Fairhead:  Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Sussex, with distinct interests in anthropogenic landscapes and indigenous agro-ecological knowledge.

Dougal Driver: Chief Executive of Grown in Britain, Vice Chairman of the Society for the Environment and Director of Woodland Enterprises Ltd. Dougal is working to drive strategic change in forestry and develop a wood culture throughout Britain.

Mika Peck: Senior Lecturer in Evolution, Behaviour and Environment at the University of Sussex, dedicating his work to the conservation biology of tropical rainforests.

We will hear positioning statements from the panel then the floor will be open for your questions. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event