Abstract
This paper explains that Norway boasts some of the most ecologically diverse forest areas in the world and that the diversity of the topography creates prime locations for some of the most sensitive ecosystems. The author reviews Norway's five forest areas, which have been identified as being in need of management and conservation protection: Western Pine forests, Coastal rain forests, the Canyon and Humid Spruce forests, Northern Pine forests, and the Hemi-deciduous forests. The paper relates that, even though Norway has one of poorest records for ecological conservation of all the major forestry producing countries, it is not without protective legislation, for these resources such as The Forestry and Forest Protection Act, The Nature Conservation Act, and the Building and Planning Act.

Table of Contents
Review of Norway's Forests
Percentage of Land Coverage
Economic Impact of Norway's Forestry Industry
Economic Value
Exports
Primary Forestry
Secondary Forestry
Bio-Energy
Transportation
Norwegian Forestry Policies and Protection
The Forestry and Forest Protection Act
The Building and Planning Act
Norwegian Forest Restoration and Sustainability Plans

From the Paper
"The forestry industry in Norway is second only to the Norwegian fishing industry. Excluding petroleum exports, forestry products comprise 11 percent of the total exported value. In 1995, 6,180 people were employed by the lumber industry, 5,000 in forestry and another 9,000 in pulp and paper industries. These numbers would increase even more if transportation and other ancillary functions related to the timber industry were included in the employment statistics. The high degree, to which Norway relies on forestry and forestry related industries, opens the country up to vast amounts of international competition."

Tags:afforestation, over-used, living, sustainability, coniferous