asked the Minister for Energy whether he accepts that the destruction of tropical rain forests has serious consequences for the environment; and if so, the steps he is taking at (a) national, (b) EC and (c) GATT level do discourage the importation of tropical timber both into Ireland and the EC.
Written Answers. - Tropical Rain Forests.
17.
It is clear that deforestation can lead to soil erosion, flooding and desertification at local and regional levels. At world level tropical deforestation contributes to intensifying the greenhouse effect and may bear significantly on global atmospheric mechanisms.
The principal causes of tropical forest destruction are: clearance for agricultural purposes; removals for fuel wood and commercial use; public development schemes and, natural phenomena. Only 4 per cent of removals from tropical forests are for commercial use as exported timber.
Ireland is actively contributing to the development of a meaningful Community strategy for the conservation of tropical forests which will deal effectively with the causes of their destruction. While international trade in timber is not a major direct cause of tropical forest destruction, one of the actions being considered is a levy on tropical timber imported into the European Community. The funds thus raised could be used in combination with other incentives to help producer countries to better manage and conserve their forests.