Sustainable Management of the Tropical Rainforest (Edexcel GCSE Geography B)

Revision Note

Bridgette Barrett

Written by: Bridgette Barrett

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Global Actions to Protect the Tropical Rainforest

  • Concerns about the rapid deforestation of tropical rainforests have led to a range of sustainable management strategies

  • Strategies can be on an international, national or local level

International strategies

  • UN Forum on Forests was established in 2000 and is committed to the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests

  • Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) is a strategy launched by the UN

    • It aims to ensure the protection and sustainable management of forests

    • Funded by developed countries and transnational corporations to offset their carbon emissions

  • The UN Sustainable Development Goals include the sustainable management of forests

  • International treaties protect certain areas such as the Central Amazon Conservation Complex (CACC) which is a World Heritage Site. This means hunting, logging, fishing and access are limited

  • Trade restrictions on endangered species and timber have been imposed

    • The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species

    • The International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) promotes sustainable forest management and restricts the trade in rainforest hardwood timber

    • The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approves wood from sustainable sources 

  • Debt reduction - countries are relieved of some of the debt in return for protecting rainforests 

    • Debt for nature swap - In 2010 the USA converted US$13.5 million of debt from Brazil into a fund to support the protection of the rainforest

  • International organisations such as Greenpeace and WWF monitor deforestation 

  • All strategies to protect the tropical rainforest have both advantages and disadvantages 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Global Actions

Strategy

Advantages

Disadvantages

CITES

184 countries have signed up to CITES which means that it has influence in many countries

It covers over 35,000 listed species of plant and animal

Many successes including the reduction of ivory trading, the increased population of the vicuna

It is not possible to monitor all countries and so they may not abide by the rules even though they are signed up 

Illegal trade has continued and. many animals are not protected by CITES

Countries are rarely sanctioned and if they are they can simply leave CITES

REDD

Financial incentives (cash or carbon credits) are used to encourage countries to protect forest areas 

Tackles climate change 

Involves local communities

There is no clear definition of what a 'forest' is 

Corruption and fraud is an issue 

Ownership of the forests is not always clear

Worked Example

Explain two global actions which help to protect the rainforest

(4 marks)

Answer 

  • CITES / Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora stops animal trade (1) which helps protect endangered species (1)

  • REDD / Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation provides funding / payments (1) which results in forest being set aside / protected (1)

  • Other possibilities may include RAMSAR (mangrove), some UNESCO sites, G7/20/other global governance actions, ITTA (timber agreement)

Challenges of Achieving Sustainable Management

  • Sustainability means ensuring that the needs of people today are met whilst ensuring that future generations can meet their needs

  • Sustainable forest management ensures that forests are renewed at a faster pace than they are deforested - it also involves

    • Protecting biodiversity

    • Local community improvements 

Challenges of sustainable management

  • Tropical rainforests are located in emerging and developing countries, often the main concern is making money rather than sustainable development 

  • Different communities and groups may want different things from the forest this can lead to conflicts between the groups  and may affect sustainable forest management

  • Population growth increases pressure on the forest areas with more people looking for areas to live and jobs

  • Climate change can impact on the forest even where sustainable forest management is been practiced

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Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

Jenna Quinn

Author: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Head of New Subjects

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.

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