Discuss how the changes in forest management in the colonial period affected the groups of people Firms trading in timber/forest produce.

Impact of Colonial Forest Management on Firms Trading in Timber/Forest Produce:
1. Commercial Exploitation: Colonial powers promoted timber extraction, creating opportunities for firms in the timber trade.
2. Forest Reserves: Designated areas as forest reserves granted exclusive access to selected firms, monopolizing forest resources.
3. Regulation and Licensing: Implemented regulations and licensing systems structured timber extraction, ensuring compliance and controlled trade.
4. Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure facilitated transportation, benefiting trading firms by improving logistics.
5. Profit and Economic Growth: Expansion of timber trade brought economic growth and profits, contributing to the colonial economy.
6. Impact on Local Communities: However, this negatively affected local communities, leading to deforestation, environmental degradation, and disruption of livelihoods.

These changes favored firms involved in the timber trade, providing structured opportunities for profit and economic growth. However, they often overlooked environmental and social consequences, impacting local communities and ecosystems.