Courses objectives
To provide the means to implement an approach of both temperate and tropical forest management, taking into account the ecological characteristics of the forest, the forest stands and the parameters of the socio-economic environment.
Course contents
- General principles of forest management: the objectives of forestry management and social demands, the multifunctionality of forests, the concept of sustained yield, the distinction between the long and the short term, the terms and criteria of exploitability (physical, technical, and absolute exploitability), the "normal" state of a forest.
- The "management approach": Analysis of the natural environment, stand analysis, analysis of the human environment, synthesis and management choices, programming of actions, operations and financial planning.
- Micro-project of forest management in a Languedoc forest. The exercise examines all the steps involved in formulating a management plan. A synthesis report is prepared (group work) and findings discussed with project managers.
- Application of forest management principles to tropical forests: the specificity of these forests, an update on the situation based on experience, both in dry tropical Africa and in dense rainforest.
Teaching and learning methods
Lessons and field micro-project in a Languedoc forest (48 h in total).
Course evaluation
By group, assessment of the management plan drawn during the micro-project.
Target skills
Command of forest management theory and associated computational techniques; the ability to implement a management plan in tropical forests.
