The TRIAD approach to forest management involves dividing the forest into 3 zones, each with its own management objectives, but with the overall goal of increasing the ecological and economic sustainability of the forest. For the past 5 years, we have been experimenting with TRIAD zoning in central Quebec, incorporating social interests into the original concept of TRIAD management. Results generally indicate that this approach is economically viable, socially acceptable, and preferable ecologically in this area. Although much remains to be done, thus far the consensus among the various project participants is that this approach may be a good fit for the public forest of Canada.Key words: TRIAD, functional zoning, sustainable forest management, ecosystem management, natural disturbance based management, intensive forestry, mixed plantations, partial cuts, eco-efficiency, conservation, new forestry, green accounting RÉSUMÉDans le cadre d'un aménagement forestier TRIADE, la forêt est divisée en trois zones ayant chacune ses propres objectifs d'aménagement. L' objectif global est cependant toujours l'atteinte d'une gestion durable au niveau écologique et économique. Depuis 5 ans, nous expérimentons avec le concept de zonage TRIADE au centre du Québec, incorporant les intérêts sociaux dans le concept original de la TRIADE. Nos résultats indiquent que cette approche est viable au niveau économique, acceptable au niveau social et préférable au niveau écologique. Il nous reste beaucoup à faire, mais le consensus général des nombreux participants est que cette approche pourrait nous aider à mieux gérer les forêts publiques du Canada.

Community forest management (CFM) is identified by many actors as a core strategy for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD+). Others however see REDD+ as a danger to CFM. In response to these contrasting views, we carried out a systematic review of CFM case studies to look at CFM's potential role in achieving forest carbon benefits and social co-benefits for forest communities. We evaluated the potential impacts of REDD+ on CFM. Our review showed that there is strong evidence of CFM's role in reducing degradation and stabilizing forested landscapes; however, the review also showed less evidence about the role of CFM in reducing deforestation. For social benefits, we found that CFM contributes to livelihoods, but its effect on poverty reduction may be limited. Also, CFM may not deal adequately with the distribution of benefits within communities or user groups. These insights are important for CFM-based REDD+ intervention; measures should be adopted to overcome these gaps. Innovative incentive structures to existing CFM are discussed. The recognition of rights for forest communities is one first step identified in promoting CFM. We call for sound empirical impact evaluations that analyze CFM and CFM-based REDD+ interventions by looking at both biophysical and social outcomes.

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One of the main issues facing the forest sector at present relates to striking a balance between the increasing demand for wood fibre and the need to maintain the sustainability of forest ecosystems. New approaches are needed to ensure more effective management of ecosystems and to implement intensive silviculture where possible to increase timber yields. To achieve this shift, we need to determine the economic potential of the various options available, including the use of biotechnology. This study was undertaken to estimate the benefits produced by genetically improved white spruce plantations, to determine the optimal economic rotation age for such plantations, and to evaluate the effect of certain factors such as the quality of reforestation sites, potential genetic gains from the use of biotechnology, and silvicultural regimes. Genetic gains are estimated in relation to 3 production approaches: 1) planting of seedlings obtained from seed orchards (10% height gain), 2) planting of multifamily varieties using cuttings from superior families obtained from controlled crosses (15% height gain) and 3) planting of multiclonal varieties produced through somatic embryogenesis and selected from seed orchards using genetic markers (20% height gain). The latter approach is still under development but is considered realistic. The present value of benefits (PV B ) and the equivalent annual cash flow (EACF) criteria were used to estimate the benefits resulting from these genetically improved plantations and to determine the optimal economic rotation age. The analyses showed that the forest site quality has the greatest influence, followed by the factors representing productivity gains associated with genetic gain, and the silvicultural regime. Genetically improved stock can generate increases in PV B of up to 73% depending on the approach used to exploit the potential genetic gains. The results suggest that, to maximize profitability, improved stock should be used on the most productive sites and the plantations should be intensively managed.Key words: economic benefits, white spruce, genetic improvement, intensive silviculture, multiclonal varieties, optimal economic rotation age RÉSUMÉParmi les principaux enjeux auxquels doit actuellement faire face le secteur forestier se trouve la conciliation des besoins grandissants en matière ligneuse et la nécessité de maintenir l'intégrité des écosystèmes forestiers. Cet enjeu commande de nouvelles approches visant une meilleure gestion des écosystèmes et l'intensification de la sylviculture là où c' est possible pour hausser le rendement en matière ligneuse. Pour réussir ce virage, il nous faut, entre autres, déterminer le potentiel économique des diverses options, dont celui du recours à la biotechnologie. Les objectifs de cette étude sont d' estimer les bénéfices engendrés par des plantations d' épinettes blanches améliorées génétiquement, de déterminer les âges d' exploitabilité économique de ces plantations et de vérifier l'influence, sur la réalisation de ces bénéf...

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