In many industrialised countries, the debate over high energy prices and dependence on fossil fuel sources has resulted in wood once again becoming very attractive again as an energy source over the last few years.

In the rural areas of many developing countries, fuelwood continues to be the only energy source. However, uncontrolled access to wood and its improper use often have a negative impact on human health and the environment. With improved combustion technologies and a sensible forest policy, the enormous potential that the resource wood bears can be used sustainably and thus contribute to overcoming energy poverty. The article demonstrates this with various examples from Latin America.

César Alvarado
ESNACIFOR - National School of Forest Sciences
Siguatepeque, Comaygua, Honduras
Cesalbo48@yahoo.com

Dr Erich Mies
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Zschortau, Germany