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Training in Reduced Impact Logging Made Easier

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Training in Reduced Impact Logging Made Easier

Rabu, 19 September 2007 07:00

Directional felling and proper safety equipment are part of reduced impact logging.

This article was submitted by Thomas Enters, a member of the TFF Board of Directors and facilitator of RILNET. RILNET is an e-mail list server that distributes information, synopses of research results and activities on reduced impact logging (RIL). RILNET has disseminated relevant information since 1999. The service has been supported by the U.S. Forest Service and FAO, and is now independently managed by Thomas Enters, Forestry Consultant.

To submit interesting information or to subscribe to the mailing list - contact Enters at phone 66-2-960-3894 or 960-4359, e-mail: Alamat e-mail ini diproteksi dari spabot, silahkan aktifkan Javascript untuk melihatnya

What’s the most critical single requirement for the successful application of reduced impact logging (RIL) on a wide scale in tropical forests? Experience over the last several years indicates that without serious commitment to making RIL application a reality nothing will change on the ground. Political commitment appears to be hard to come by.

The same can be said of skilled logging personnel at all levels, from machine operators, supervisors to company managers. In fact, it is amazing to what extent the forestry profession allows unqualified people to run logging operations. It appears that all you have to be able to do is to show that you can hold a chainsaw. Why do we expect, when we visit a hospital, to deal only with trained nurses but accept operations in the woods to be run by dilettantes and amateurs?

There are several reasons for the poor quality of most forest operations and the inability – or lack of interest – in following even the most straightforward standards in the current code of practice for forest harvesting, code of logging practice, as they are called in the South Pacific, or RIL guidelines. Problems with training is one such reason.

Problems in training are manifold. Many operators do not think that they need any training at all. How difficult can it be to fell a tree in a pre-determined direction or build a road in the steep terrain of a tropical forest? Right! Then there is a shortage of qualified trainers. Many companies do not want to pay for the training. They either do not see any benefit in using professionals or they are concerned that once operators have risen above the crowds of amateurs they will move on to a job that pays better. Obviously a valid concern! There is also a lack of understanding what training is all about. It is often assumed that skill development is needed when in fact an increase in understanding or a change in attitudes is called for. All of these shortcomings require quite different training methods.

Finally, there is a severe shortage of good training manuals. Not that none exist. However, many are quite unattractive. Some are hastily put together, which sort of indicates to trainees that even the trainers do not take training serious. Others are full of text and lack any illustrations. They are not only boring but also inappropriate in many situations, where people either don’t read or read only little. Finally, there are manuals that are guarded as secrets and therefore escape wider circulation.

Things have changed. Over the last two years, the Tropical Forest Foundation (TFF), the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and the Center for Forestry Education and Training (CFET) in Indonesia have produced five manuals. The manuals are presented in a “how to do” format, which provides step-by-step guidance in implementing the various aspects of RIL. The manuals are also attractive and well illustrated. Wherever you work in the forest harvesting chain, these manuals provide an easy to follow and definitive guide to implementing and evaluating improved forest management practices against a clearly stated standard for RIL.

Most encouraging is that the manuals are intended for widespread use and distribution. The manuals are available from TFF-Indonesia in both English and Bahasa Indonesia. In electronic format they are available on http://www.tff-indonesia.org.

Alternatively you can request digital copies on a CD or hard copies for a small fee. For copies of the publications, please contact: Art Klassen, Asia Pacific/Indonesia Regional Director of TFF at Alamat e-mail ini diproteksi dari spabot, silahkan aktifkan Javascript untuk melihatnya .