Le forestier et les problèmes de l'environnement

Forestry and the Ecological Crisis -  The principal aim of forestry is to obtain an optimal, continuous and  multiple use of the forest. Actually forest use is characterized by  qualitative and quantitative variations in time and space.     In the industrialized countries a continuous deplacement of the centres of  gravity is taking place and forestry is confronted with an alternative choice  between economic and social objectives.     As far as environmental problems are concerned the essential functions of  the forest are: the physical presence, the protection of agricultural land  and living space, the recreative function and the building of a soil reserve.      The forester can give considerable help in matters concerning protection of  nature, landscaping and soil conservation.     The actual and multiple function of forestry requires a sound social  motivation and a modification of the profile or the profession. These changes  must be taken into consideration in planning and organizing forestry  education.