Le bois futur viendra des plantations

A quick overview of planted forests all over the world highlights the significance of their contribution in spite of the small surface area involved (6.5 % of forested surface areas that cover 50 to 60 % of industrial roundwood needs). Using statistics from the FAo and from the recent Indufor strategic review on trends in forest plantations, the author reports the recent and very considerable development of industrial plantations (the most intensive) in subtropical and tropical areas. He underscores the very active role played by major corporations in the pulp and particle board industries and the importance of research and development that enables them to respond to the increase in world wood demand both vigorously and quickly while at the same time influencing it by making available an unprecedented supply in terms of quantity, quality and price. Industrial plantations of fast-growing species can therefore be expected to develop in tropical areas starting with the most suitable countries.