Study Of Management Of The Commercial Forest Conflicts In Northern Fujian Province

In China, forest resources are inadequate; their structures are disproportionate; and the standard of production is still on the low side. On the other hand, the development of the national economy, the increasing population and the rising standard of living have stimulated the demand for forest resources. The ever-growing tension between supply and demand has given birth to various conflicts and clashes over forestry. The forest resource conflict, particularly that of commercial forests, has become an impediment to the sustainable development of forest resources and community economy in the country. Therefore, it is vital to examine the management of the commercial forest conflict. This thesis, focusing on the forest areas in northern Fujian province,and armed with theories of conflict management and property rights,studies the management of the commercial forest conflict.First, based on the delineation of the commercial forest conflict, this paper classifies the conflict from four perspectives. Then, after analyzing the status quo of the commercial forest conflict in the region, the paper pinpoints the causes of the conflict: The discrepancy of the objectives of the interest groups involved makes the conflict inevitable; The conflicting claims for the property right of commercial forests make the fundamental culprit; The absence of reforms of the property right has precipitated the conflict; The defects in the policies, coupled with incompetent administration, worsen the conflict; The inability to handle the conflict is responsible for the deterioration of the conflict. Next, the thesis spells out the duality—the positive and negative effects—of the conflict in the said region.Following a detailed analysis of the commercial forest conflict in northern Fujian province, the paper clarifies the definition of the management of the commercial forest conflict, and explores the guidelines and the procedures for the clashes, and proposes five strategies. The author holds it is crucial to:Form the proper frame of mind guided by the principle of scientific development and theories, with a view to enhancing the ability to handle such conflicts;Wisely apply all the approaches available;Explore a new, low-cost settlement;Monitor the whole process of the commercial forest conflict; andEstablish and maintain the safeguarding mechanism of the management of the commercial forest conflict.