The effect of two practices adopted by settlers (abandoned pasture and fallow land) on soil fertility of two deforested Amazonian regions (Belém-Pará and Ariquemes-Rondônia) was studied. Whenever possible, cultivated pasture, over similar time periods in both cases and in natural forest, were employed as soil fertility reference standards. Nutrient dynamics was studied using the electroultra-filtration technique. In general, deforestation, as practiced in these areas, has a degrading effect on soil fertility. The effect of burning normally leads to a pH rise caused by ash.

Rainfall, water, sediment yields and evaporation were quantified in three catchment areas with undisturbed rain forest, selectively logged forest, and forest with shifting cultivation respectively. Despite a considerable regional variation in rainfall(1700-2300 mm/a), annual evaporation rates were similar (1209-1314 mm/a). The impact of land use practices on water yield is negligible compared to the effect of rainfall.

An introduction to the main wood products of the country and the long term objectives and goals of the forestry sector. Forest policies, protected areas, timber markets and the future development of forestry are discussed.

An overview of the forest resources and industries of the Union of Myanmar. The long term objectives of forestry in the country are given along with major impacting issues such as land use and people participation. Future scenarios are presented based on current policies and trends.

This thematic study provides a review and description of the trends in development of forest related legislation in a selected range of Asia-Pacific countries. The paper stresses the importance of often neglected factors in policy formulation such as the need for clear property rights, the significance of fuelwood supply, the correct identification of affected parties and the accurate valuation of intangible benefits. The need for better resource information and the correct pricing of forest products are also seen as important in promoting sustainable forest management in the region

The present issue of Forest Genetic Resources (FGR) goes to press immediately following the Eleventh World Forestry Congress held in Turkey 13-22 October 1997, which more than 4000 colleagues from 145 countries attended. In regard to the conservation and use of forest genetic resources, the Congress, in its deliberations and report, stressed that action to conserve, manage, sustainably utilize and enhance forest genetic resources is an urgent priority.

The State of the World's Forests reports every two years on the status of forests, recent major policy and institutional developments and key issues concerning the forest sector. The purpose of the publication is to provide current, reliable and policy-relevant information to policy-makers, foresters and other natural resource managers, academics, forest industry and civil society.

Details of the forest resources and forest industries of Korea. Forest policy, legislation and forest product trade is covered along with the contemporary social, political and economic climate.

A description of the forest areas and types in Japan. This report reviews the current state of both protected and economic forest areas and predicts long term future demand.

Etant donn le statut spcial de ce Congrs qui clt le XXe sicle, ce numro d'Unasylva diffre des numros prcdents lis aux Congrs forestiers mondiaux (qui traitaient de thmes annexes), en ce sens qu'il est entirement consacr aux articles du Congrs