Gabon Update: FSC Withdraws Certification of Large African Old-Growth
10/13/97
OVERVIEW, SOURCE & COMMENTARY by EE
Attached is an update relating to the recently distributed Rainforest
Action Network action alert regarding certification of large-scale
logging of virgin forests in Gabon, Africa. The issue of
certification of forest products in old-growth forests, and whether
best management practices justifies their logging, is a highly
contentious issue. My personal take on it is that there are occasions
where the social and economic circumstances may necessitate logging of
old-growth forests under a certified management system. However, my
concern is that the implementation of sound management not be used as
an excuse to log all remaining virgin forests. Certified forestry
needs to be coupled to outright protection for adjoining large blocks
of intact forest. Only then is it realistic to expect that a forest
ecosystem under management can aspire to sustainability in the long-
term. I say this fully realizing the potential for differences of
opinion on this matter.
g.b.
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RELAYED TEXT STARTS HERE:
Title: Gabon Rainforest Gets New Lease on Life FSC Steps Up to Bat
Source: Rainforest Action Network Action Alert Update
Status: Distribute freely, non-commercially and with accreditation
Date: 10/10/97
Action Alert 131 - October 1997
Rainforest Action Network
Attention: Our current Action Alert was a success! Click here for
background info. See below for details!
Gabon Rainforest Gets New Lease on Life FSC Steps Up to Bat
The rain-forests of Gabon, in Africa, may yet provide a place to live
for the rare lowland gorillas. Last month's Action Alert focused on
the case of Leroy-Gabon's logging operations, and highlighted problems
developing with environmental timber certification. The international
body that certifies ecologically sound logging, the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC), has been taking the concerns very seriously.
FSC has decided that the Leroy-Gabon logging operations do not deserve
to be certified and that the certification "should be withdrawn
immediately." In addition, the FSC has taken a number of steps to keep
this from happening anywhere else and to ensure that the certification
company working in Africa cannot make similar mistakes again.
The FSC has put a 6-month moratorium "on all new certificates for
forest management operations that involve timber harvesting in primary
[old growth] forests."
All of this is great news in terms of getting ecotimber into the
marketplace so that consumers have a choice not to buy wood from
destructive logging operations.
What You Can Do!
Please write to FSC and congratulate them for taking such strong
action on this case.
Here is a sample letter that send to FSC and congratulate them for
taking such a strong action on this case:
Ms. Jamison Ervin
Forest Stewardship Council
RD 1, Box 182
Waterbury, VT 05676
Dear Ms. Ervin,
I am writing to thank you and the Forest Stewardship Council for
withdrawing certification for Leroy-Gabon's logging operations in the
old growth forests of Gabon.
This decisive action on your part protects a valuable portion of
Africa's last remaining lowland rainforest, and shows that the FSC is
not going to take a strong stand on logging in old growth forests.
Most importantly, FSC's action demonstrates that certified timber can
indeed be a viable option for consumers who refuse to buy wood from
destructive logging operations.
Sincerely,