UTILIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES IN ZAIRE

Tropical forest biomes are characterized by a high biodiversity. Howev er, this biological complexity is diminishing rapidly. The causes for the decline and deterioration of tropical forests in Zaire were analys ed. The main factors causing loss of biodiversity are shifting agricul ture, fuelwood consumption, and fires in open forests and savannas. Me asures for maintenance of forest biodiversity are proposed. These incl ude in situ and ex situ conservation, suitable agricultural and silvic ultural management systems, based on knowledge of genetic structure, g enecology, reproductive biology of tropical plant populations, and bio tic and edaphoclimatic factors. The active participation and support o f the Zairean people as a whole, and policy and institutional reform a re essential for a more effective utilization, management, and protect ion of the forests, so that socio-economic and environmental benefits are provided for present and future generations. Sustainable forestry development requires also a greater collaboration between government a gencies and local communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs ).