Logging the Rainforest :: science

Logging the RainforestA recipe for local and global disasterIndustrial logging is the main ca commit of forest loss end-to-end the tropics. It is the starting point of a process leading to the forests final death and substitution by agricultural crops, cattle raising or monoculture manoeuver plantations. These atomic number 18 well known facts supported by more than fit evidence.Even more importantly, industrial logging destroys the livelihoods of forest and forest- computeent peoples who, deprived of the resources they depend on, become poor. Contrary to the official discourse, logging does not lead to ontogenesis it results in impoverishment and social disintegration. Women are disproportionately affected by logging activities, which provide them with no employment opportunities while depleting the resources they traditionally use and manage.In equatorial countries, the process begins with the violation of the territorial rights of autochthonous peoples and early(a) traditi onal communities, who are the righteous owners of the forest. As most people confronted with such(prenominal) situation would, they frequently resist the entry of logging companies to their territories, which in spin usually results in state repression to protect the companies legal rights.Forest destruction, valet rights abuses, poverty creation is the local part of the equation. On the other aspect there is wealth creation for transnationals and local elites and an abundant supply of brazen-faced --though very valuable-- raw material to provide rich consumers with elegant tush seats, sumptuous coffins and other equally important symbols of wealth.Some actors are essential to make logging and end-consumers meet, among which the World Bank, the Inter American, African and Asian ontogeny Banks and the International Monetary Fund. The banks provide the necessary funding for the road stand needed to access the forest, while the IMF --as well as the banks-- force tropical countrie s into increasing natural resources exports in order to reassure external debt payments. creation forests one of the main resources available, they are at the front line of exports and are later substituted by other export oriented crops grown in place of the forest. Another very powerful player has now been added to ensure that transnational corporations make wood flow to the consumer markets the World Trade Organization.The unhurt process leading to forest destruction is clearly at odds with the international communitys commitments to protect biodiversity and to counter climate change and desertification, agreed upon in three legally-binding conventions. At the same time, it also violates human rights commitments, including the protection of indigenous peoples rights, and the commitments agreed upon at the 1995 Social Summit and the 1995 Conference on Women.