Sensible Limits on LoggingCategory: EnvironmentIndustry Affected: LoggingProposed by: Lexicor
Cognizant of the importance of logging to the economies of certain member nations,
Noting that forests are crucial biomes in absorbing and filtering of greenhouse gases,
Further noting that these biomes contain an extraordinary diversity in flora and fauna,
Troubled by the potential consequences of unsustainable methods of deforestation on ecosystems, biodiversity and the health of national populations,
Realizingthat increases in national populations and population densities will necessitate further deforestation,
Believing that without sensible limits on logging that the damage done to ecosystems, biodiversity and public health may become permanent,
Determined to ensure that the logging industry strike a balance between profitability and sustainability so as to limit the severity of habitat destruction and negative health impacts on citizens,
Seeking to organize the logging industry along the principles of sustainable development,
The World Assembly Hereby,
1. Defines the following terms for the purposes of this resolution;
(A) "Industrial Logging" as "the cutting, skidding and processing and subsequent shipment of trees or logs in the pursuit of profit"
(B) "Old Growth Forests" as "a forest of significant age that has avoided significant disturbance and thereby supports a unique ecosystem"
(C) "Secondary Growth Forests" as "forests that have regenerated naturally after significant removal or disturbance of the original vegetation by sapient or natural causes"
2. Re-affirms member nations rights to engage in logging including by controversial methods such as clear-cutting and slash & burn,
3. Mandates the following sensible regulations to prevent unsustainable logging practices:
(A) The conduction of thorough and impartial environmental assessments, prior to deforestation, to determine if it can be conducted in a sustainable manner,
(B) The maintenance of these environmental assessments as a matter of public record,
(C) The drafting of comprehensive and implementable plans, with the assistance and advice of relevant experts for the replanting and restoration of cleared forest after logging is completed,
(D) The removal of most, if not all artificial nuisances and technologies after logging is complete to minimize disturbances to the environment,
4. Recognizes the unique biological importance of old growth forests,
5. Urges nations to enact further regulations to protect old growth forests,
6. Further urges nations enact a moratorium on the logging of old growth forests, to protect their unique and fragile ecosystems,
6. Prohibits the sale, distribution and use of lumber and other associated products obtained via illegal logging within their nations,
7. Mandates that those engaged in logging respect international borders and the boundaries of wildlife reserves, natural parks and other protected territories as determined by national and international law,
8. Establishes the World Assembly Forest Watch (WAFW) with the mandate to;
(A) Coordinate and conduct geographical surveys of forests across member states for the purposes of furthering knowledge and understanding of ecosystems, by request,
(B) Assess and certify a nation's logging industry as one that operates on the principle of sustainable forest management, by request,
(C) Provide expertise and assistance, including financial assistance, to nations to strengthen and improve reforestation efforts, by request,
(D) Collate and maintain an up to date list of locations of old growth forests, for the purposes of international education,
(E) Educate delegates of the World Assembly about the importance of forests,
). I think that there is still something salvagable before this goes in the proverbial woodpile, concerning the specific protection of old growth forests as places of "universal cultural value" (I guess the enumeration and protection of natural wonders could all be done in one resolution but that seems way too tedious a task for the moment!)
