Tropical forests account for almost half of the world’s woodlands. More than a billion of the world’s rural population is reliant on income from these forests. Illegal logging and conversion into agricultural use, i.e. for palm oil or cattle farming are the biggest threats to these unique habitats.
By choosing to use tropical hardwood from sustainably managed sources, architects and designers can help protect the forest and sustain income for people in developing countries. Making sure the forest provides income for local people is one of the most effective measures to protect areas from clear cutting and conversion to palm oil, soy or cattle farming. Buying certified timber products from sustainably managed forests is a significant contribution in the fight against illegal logging that negatively affects people's lives far beyond the loss of common goods.
Sustainable forest management means the environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of forests for present and future generations.
- 24/7 electricity access
- Health and life insurance for staff
- 100% access to clean water, to showers and WC
- Functional local medical facilities
- Educational opportunities
- Maintained roads infrastructures