Functions of the tropical rainforest in the local and global context

Abstract

The complexity and heterogeneity of structure, organization and functions of the species-rich and highly diverse tropical rainforest adapt the ecosystem as a whole to the most heterogeneous site conditions of the humid tropics and to respond to chronic stress and episodic strains. Some of the different societal groups, such as genuine aboriginal forest dwellers, secondary invasive forest dwelling gatherers and traditional naturalistic foresters modify and manipulate the rainforest ecosystem within its natural range of response. Land-use and forestry policies and strategies based on the unrealistic assumption that the tropical rainforest is a non-renewable and unmanageable unsustainable resource will by necessity lead to the disregard of the principle of sustainability and consequently invariably to overuse, misuse, abuse and eventual destruction of the rainforest ecosystem. Internationally concerted actions and not declarations are urgently needed to save this essential life-support system for its own sake and for the benefit of humankind, but particularly for the welfare of the people in the tropical rainforest countries. -from Author