Tasmanian forestry negotiations: are we any closer to a resolution of forest conflict?

摘要

Evolving community values, economic downturns and market changes have decreased demand for Tasmania's native forest products. Compounded by the decision of the state's leading player, Gunns Ltd (Gunns), to cease native forest harvesting, these changes have forced a significant structural shift in the Tasmanian forest industry.1 Recognising the difficulties and opportunities presented by this shift, a number of conservation and forest industry groups began negotiations aimed at resolving the longstanding conflict and moving towards a more diverse, sustainable and resilient industry. In October 2010, these negotiations resulted in the historic Tasmanian Forests Statement of Principles to Lead to an Agreement (the Statement of Principles). The Statement of Principles addressed a range of issues, including: 1.the need for guaranteed industry access to a sustainable wood supply; 2.an end to harvesting in high conservation value (HCV) forests on public land; and 3.phasing out harvesting in public native forests, and assisting the forest industry to transition into sustainable plantations.