forestuses

Forestuses refers to the range of purposes for which forests are managed and used. It includes material uses such as timber and fuelwood, and non-material or ecological functions such as recreation, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services. Uses can be extractive, non-extractive, or a combination, and the emphasis on different uses varies by region, policy, and ownership. Sustainable forest management seeks to balance multiple uses to maintain ecological health while providing social and economic benefits.

Common forestuses include timber production; non-timber forest products such as berries, medicinal plants, and resins; energy wood and grazing in some systems. Recreational uses such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing are increasingly prioritized. Environmental services provided by forests—watershed protection, soil stabilization, flood control, climate regulation, and carbon storage—are central to many planning frameworks. Cultural, spiritual, and traditional uses and landscape aesthetics also count as forestuses and may be protected by rights or agreements.

Management approaches address trade-offs among uses. Multiple-use forestry, ecosystem-based management, and zoning separate protected, production, and recreation areas. Planning tools include land-use planning, environmental impact assessment, and certification schemes. Evaluation of forestuses often involves ecosystem-service valuation and stakeholder engagement. Key actors include indigenous peoples, local communities, industry, government, and NGOs. Policy challenges include balancing rights with conservation, governance, funding, and adapting to climate change.