Copyright © 2001 The Earth Times 
August 28, 2001
By AUSTIN RIPLEY

Canada's long-term commitment to woodlands is important to global forest resources. Canada's role in forestry management has taken center stage especially after the United Nations Environment Programme released a report this week, "An Assessment of the Status of the World's remaining closed Forests.

"The report was welcomed August 27 by David Anderson, Minister of the Environment of Canada and President of the Governing Council of the United Nations. The fact that 15 countries control 80 percent of the world's forests makes cooperation essential, Anderson said. "Canada's ongoing stewardship of its forest resources puts it in the forefront in this group of countries, with a correspondingly key role to play in conserving global forest resources," he said.

Healthy woodlands are critical to maintaining global biodiversity by housing animals and plants, regulating water cycles and absorbing excess carbon dioxide. Rising global temperatures and dangerous weather systems can all be held back by managing forests well. By hosting 10 percent of the world's forests, Anderson underscored Canada's importance in any international decision regarding the industry.

Canada led the way at the Global Change Conference in Bonn, Germany this July in developing an agreement to give credit to countries that protect their forests. Canada depends on forestry for its economy and controls 20 percent of the global trade in the area. The industry creates 373,000 Canadian jobs in 300 communities and the industry is clearly a top priority for maintaining a stable economy.

A conference in The Hague, Netherlands scheduled for April 2002, will seek to work out a program focusing on forest biological diversity. In outlining Canada's role at the conference, Anderson said, "I am also looking forward to discussing the state of Canada's forests, among other pressing issues, with UNEP Executive Director Klaus Topfer, who I hope will have an opportunity to visit Canada in the near future."

International recognition of the importance of managing forests is the goal of the UNEP report. With global climate change the biggest environmental threat facing the planet, the protection of forests is essential, Anderson said.

"Nearly 10 years after Rio, Canada is well-positioned to make a real difference in the preservation of the world's vital forests, while maintaining our economic objectives," he said. Error: Unable to read footer file.