Assessing the Potential of Eucalyptus Plantation to Supply Timber for Greener Development in China

Abstract

AbstractChina needs to increase forest productivity, not only to reduce pressure on tropical deforestation but also to help transform its growth pattern toward a low-carbon and green growth path. For more than two decades, the national efforts have focused mainly on forest conservation and logging restrictions. Efforts by the government to increase timber supply have been very limited, if not negligible. Meanwhile, eucalyptus plantations have emerged quietly in southern China and suddenly have become China’s largest timber source. Eucalyptus demonstrates unusual potential in solving China’s timber supply issues. Lots of questions remain. This paper intends to provide an assessment of eucalyptus development in China. Our analyses will use plot-level data to estimate current production and growth potential of eucalyptus in southern China, under several technological scenarios. The need for an enabling policy environment is also discussed.