ABSTRACT
Plantations can cover a spectrum of planting designs ranging from a noticeable planting of exotic species that contrast with the surrounding landscape to the planting of endemic species that quickly blend in with their surroundings. The development of plantations was invariably initiated by governments, either funding the plantations directly through government owned forest agencies or stimulating the private sector to plant by providing incentives, such as a grant or a significant tax deduction. The continued involvement of government agencies in resource development and management has been criticized due to their vulnerability to political influence. The lobbying of government ministers by processing companies and/or industry associations to keep log prices low has meant that the opportunity to attract private investors to develop new plantations is limited. Certification will bring balance in terms of social, environmental and economic forces. Certification will continue to ensure that natural forest and adjoining habitat and biodiversity are not destroyed in the process of developing plantations.
