The focus of the workshop was on policy and economic issues associated with developing alternativas to slash-and-burn agriculture, since that form of land use is a major cause of tropical deforestation. Particular emphasis is given to the distribution and growth of populations in tropical forest areas, to the effects of shortnend fallow periods, and to opportunities for addressing policy research needs in these areas.

"Forest Resource Policy in Latin America" gathers the thinking of a score of experts on sustainable use and management of forests, including incentives for investment. The authors tackle the thorny social issues of property rights, deforestation, and forest management and ownership by indigenous people and take a hard look at the trade and environmental issues in forest production that will affect future directions for sustainable forestry development in Latin America. Some argue that the main opportunity to conserve natural forests lies in recognizing and paying for the environmental services they provide. In addition, compensatory measures such as the establishment and better management of strictly protected areas appear to be the best tools to delay the loss of ecosystems and species. Alternative forest concession policies and trade and environmental issues in forest production are also analyzed.