Due to misuse and overuse, the world’s tropical moist forests (TMFs) are being depleted rapidly. Primarily responsible for the excessive exploitation and destruction of TMFs are commercial timber harvesters, forest farmers, and cattle ranchers. By the end of this century many TMFs may be drastically reduced or eliminated, which would in turn grossly deplete species stocks and trigger ecological repercussions. Because of its giant timber corporations, the industrialized West must bear special responsibility and must be persuaded or required to be careful in harvesting techniques. Most tropical countries lack the technology, capital, and skill to harvest their forests, so they turn to foreign entrepreneurs who tend to foster undesirable forms of exploitation. Since TMF depletion is a global problem, it must be treated as a common concern by all nations; for example, initiatives could be taken under the umbrella of the Code of Conduct that is being formulated by the United Nations Commission on Transnational Corporations. Multinational corporations and federal agencies could also take actions to help preserve TMFs.
