Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

70 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if it was his Department's policy to delay the development of sustainable forest management standards in view of the fact the Convention on Native Bio-diversity was signed seven years ago in Rio; the provisions, if any, his Department has made for non-governmental organisations to consult with the forest service prior to finalising the standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13104/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

My Department is developing a national forest standard, incorporating a code of best forest practice, new and revised environmental guidelines and revised legislation. The new standard is taking into account, not only the outcome of UN Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, but also European ministerial conferences in Strasbourg, Helsinki and most importantly, Lisbon. At the Lisbon conference in June 1998, sustainable forest management criteria and indicators relating to European forests were agreed. The development of the new standard is being managed through the national forest standard committee which is, inter alia, addressing all aspects of sustainable forest management. Representatives of all forestry stakeholders are included on the committee, including non-governmental organisations. Coillte's new framework document on sustainable forest management, launched last week, is a very useful input to work on the national forest standard.