ABSTRACT
The relationship between forest resource commercialization, sustainable management and livelihoods is complex. On the one hand, expanded trade may improve forest management by increasing the value of forests, thereby providing incentives to local people to invest in long-term sustainable management strategies. This is particularly true when land tenure is strong, harvested tree species are used, and valued locally as well as commercially, and value-adding takes place. On the other hand, potentially negative effects of expanded trade in hardwoods for timber and non-timber use may include increased extraction rates from a declining resource base.
