Water and forest. The forest: a tool for water management

The role of forest cover on the behavior of watersheds has log been a matter of debate, in France as well as in the rest of the world. This paper presents the main conclusions of a scientific synthesis, prepared on request of GIP ECOFOR. It lists and priorities the positive and negative side-effects of forest growth and forest management practices on the water cycle. It also reviews the possibilities for a better integration of forest management and water management guidelines, and makes practical recommendations for further actions on the legislative, technical and research sides.