Abstract

The changes in forest utilisation in Kerala can be linked to the development of technology in several land and wood based activities. The market demand and accssibility determine to a great extent the exploitation of forests which may move from a phase of extraction to establishment of the plantations. The demand for forest land from other sectors such as plantation agriculture, power and irrigation projects and the availability of funds for such developmental activities is another major factor which influence the extent of forest conversion. Such production oriented developmental activities often overlook the long term economic and environmental consequences