The Dangers of Indicators and the need Models in the Assessment of Forest Sustainability

It is argued that biodiversity and nutrient status are essential factors in any meaningful assessment of sustainability. Criteria and indicators are the dominant current methodology for the assessment of forest sustainability. Some dangers involved in complete reliance on indicators are discussed. It is suggested that model-based sustainability assessment is often more appropriate for changing environments. However, there are also dangers in the use of models for sustainability assessment. Criteria on the suitability of models for this task are needed. The various meanings of “sustainability” are considered. Finally it is suggested that a repository of definitions and and criteria for model-based sustainability assessment is needed, and that the Forest Model Archive might be a suitable repository.