会议名称：2013世界木材日研讨会(2013 World Wood Day Symposium)
会议时间：2013年3月19-20日
会议地点：Karimjee Hall, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
报 告 人：Dr. Sangeeta Gupta
　　　　　Scientist-In-charge, Wood Anatomy Discipline Forest Research Institute, India
 
Abstract
India possesses a distinct identity, not only because of its geography, history and culture but also because of the great diversity of its natural ecosystems. Presently, India is one of the 12-mega diverse countries. The panorama of Indian forests ranges from evergreen tropical rain forests in south to dry alpine scrub high in the Himalayas towards the north. About 1600 tree species are found in India, of which about 276 are classified as commercial (IS:1150) based on their availability and properties. About 100 species are listed as endangered, vulnerable, rare or endemic. Four species viz. Pterocarpus santalinus, Taxus wallichiana, Aquilaria malaccensis and Araucaria araucana are under CITES. The amazing wood diversity of India is well reflected from the remarkable range of its colour, hardness, weight, odour, lustre, texture, grains and figure. Almost all the microscopic features listed by IAWA can be seen in Indian woods.
Wood has been part of Indian culture since time immemorial. The oldest record is of a Neolithic site-Burzahom (2375 - 1535 B.C.) from where charred twigs of Parrotia jacquemontiana was reported 1). The twigs of this taxa are used for wicker work even today reflecting upon immortal traditions. The well known Indus Valley Civilization is among the earliest known civilizations of the world and represents Bronze age (2350 - 1750 B.C.). The study of wood remains from Indus Valley Civilization reflects use of scented, ornamental and durable woods like Cedrus deodara and Dalbergia latifolia for coffin. Wooden mortar of Zizyphus sp. for pounding rice and use of Acacia chundra for dock work are of great significance. The species used at most of the Iron age sites were Tectona grandis (Teak), Shorea robusta (Sal), Diospyros sp., Mimusops sp., Terminalia sp., Mangifera sp., Cinnamomum sp. and Heritiera sp. suggesting use of most suitable woods from among the locally available ones. Most of the studies of pre-historic sites suggest a very good knowledge of wood properties prevailing in the ancient India. This is followed by historic period wherein written records of wood species used in temples, shipbuilding, furniture, musical instruments, toys etc. suggest well-developed wood culture in India. Well-known timbers were used in most of the cases like Santalum album, Tectona grandis, Dalbergia sissoo, Dalbergia latifolia, Cedrus deodara, Shorea robusta, Madhuca longifolia, Juglans regia, Diospyros sp., Swietenia sp. etc. Besides these woods, Bamboos and Coconut wood also find several uses in Indian culture.
Today, the major concern to our timber resources are increasing biotic pressures, falling regeneration capacity of our forests, insufficient plantations and illicit felling and trade. India supports more than 16 percent of world’s human population and 18 percent of world’s livestock (500 million) population in only 2.47 percent of world’s geographical area. The productivity of timber in India is only 0.7 cu m/ha/year against the world average of 2.1 cum/ha/year. The large-scale plantations of fast growing species like Populus deltoides, Eucalyptus sp., Acacia sp., Pine, rubberwood under various plantation forestry and agroforestry programs are able to sustain some industries but these are still far from sufficient. The figures of illicit trade of the highly priced woods like Sandalwood, Red Sander, Agarwood are rising at an alarming rate. Lack of awareness is leading to inappropriate substitution of wood with high-energy materials like aluminum/steel or eco-damaging like plastics.
In India, presently the demand of wood is much more than the supply, therefore wood substitutes and imported woods are extensively utilized. Although these imports have reduced lot of pressure on our natural forests, the timber quality of these imported woods and pests traded along with them are posing severe problems.
Despite the heavy demand, the future of indigenous woods does not seem to be very bright due to acute scarcity of preferred species, very high cost and decreasing durability. Much needs to be done to ensure sustainable supply of wood. Wooden houses are still far from reality due to weather conditions, fire risk and lack of quality woods.
The future of indigenous woods in India shall depend upon technological advancement, strong Government policies and its accomplishment, scientific management of Forests, judicious balancing of development vs conservation, success of programs like Joint Forest Management, National working group on Forest Certification and Green India Mission.

Speaker Profile
Sangeeta Gupta, has been served in the Forest Research Institute, India, for the past 15 years, she is now the Scientist-In-charge of Wood Anatomy Discipline. She has also provided consultation associated with identification of timbers for several departments of India including forensic, archaeological and palaeobotanical institutes. Gupta is a published author of three reference books and over 95 research papers both in International and National journals, and has delivered over 15 invited talks both at International and national forums. She has over 15 years experience of teaching wood science to Indian Forest Service Managers and Post Graduate students. Her research interests are wood structure, wood quality, taxonomy and plant conservation.