Research and resource-dependent communities: A world of possibilities

Abstract

The recent International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) World Congress, held in Brisbane, Australia, showcased a wide variety of high-quality presentations related to forestry research from around the globe. Little of this research, however, can be extended to forest-dependent communities in British Columbia, despite the need to transform the province's forest economy from a commodity orientation to a more diversified approach. Possible exceptions include opportunities to promote the value-added wood products industry, develop a meaningful non-timber forest products and services sector, and incorporate innovative approaches into core business strategies and modes of operation. In this paper, I also argue that much of today's forestry research does not consider the “big picture,” especially concerning sustainability issues and our current ecological footprint. We have come to a juncture in time wherein forestry researchers should take a leadership role with bold, innovative, and interdisciplinary work that serves to benefit the environment, the economy, and society as a whole.