Australia Unveils Voluntary Program To Block Illegal Timber Products

[hatrack]

Yeah, that'll work.

THE Federal Government has decided against imposing a blanket ban on products made from illegally logged timber, instead developing voluntary measures for the industry. A blanket ban would also prevent some legal timber entering Australia, Forestry Minister Eric Abetz said as he released a discussion paper on illegal logging. Among other proposed measures is an awareness campaign about illegal logging, developing purchasing guidelines and increased collaboration with other countries to improve forest management.

The industry welcomed the proposals but critics slammed the proposed measures as belated and an attempt to hoodwink the public that the plan would address climate change.

Senator Abetz said illegal logging damaged forest ecosystems and cheated developing world governments out of export revenue. "It promotes corruption, bankrolls regional conflict and discourages legal and sustainable forest practices," he said.

"Illegal logging also reduces opportunities for forest industries in countries which have worked hard to ensure their operations are environmentally sustainable, such as here in Australia."

EDIT

http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,20688509%255E462,00.html

[ThomCat]

1. Right, because corporations who are in the business

of maximizing profit by any means are really going to comply with any voluntary program that cuts into profits.
:eyes:

[eppur_se_muova]

2. "Self-policing" ... why does that sound so self-contradictory? nt

:eyes: Been gagging on that expression since the days of Saint Ronnie the Vacuous.