Forests have had a strong influence on the development of civilisation and continue to impact on communities in many ways. Nearly every aspect of society – at both a global and local level – is affected or influenced in some way.
Economic
Forests provide many products and economic benefits. These can be both tangible and intangible in monetary terms and range from wood products to water and soil conservation values.
The most economically important products are fuelwood and charcoal – still used in many communities for cooking and heating. They are also important for small industry, e.g. pottery kilns and metal smelting.
To a more developed country like New Zealand, this may seem an insignificant use but over half of global wood consumption is still fuelwood and charcoal. About 90% of this occurs in developing countries.
Trade in forest products is also important. The global export value of primary forest products was estimated to be US$135 billion in 2004 by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations).
Secondary products such as mouldings, doors, furniture and other non-wood forest products like rattan, rubber, oils and medicines also make a significant contribution. But, because they are so numerous and diverse, quantity and value are difficult to estimate. However, as an example the economic value of plant-based medicines has been estimated as high as US$43 billion a year. This demonstrates the potential of often overlooked secondary forest products.
The forest products trade is very important to New Zealand. The export value of all forest products in 2004 was $NZ3.3 billion. The forestry sector was estimated to contribute 3.1% to Gross Domestic Product and to provide direct employment for 23,000. It is estimated that another 100,000 people are indirectly employed in jobs created by the industry.
Religion & Culture
Forests have had a significant impact on the development of many cultures and religions. Today the influence on beliefs and social customs is not as evident in the Western world as fewer people have been directly dependent on forests as a result of industrialisation.
However, some of the ‘building blocks’ of those cultures and their ancient religions are rich in association with forests – the Norse and Anglo Saxon myths and legends, the Greek myths, the traditional Germanic fairy tales popularised by Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson and the settings and themes of some of Shakespeare’s plays.
Recreation
The recreational use of natural and planted forests is increasing in New Zealand – driven by higher numbers of international tourists and growing participation in forest- based sports and activities.
Heritage
In countries like New Zealand, where generations of people have worked in and around forests, bonds of association are formed with forests – even down to individual trees and locations.