Subject: Boreal Forest Hotspots
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Forest Networking a Project of Ecological Enterprises
http://forests.org/
1/1/97
OVERVIEW, SOURCE & COMMENTARY by EE
The following article from the Taiga Rescue Network details 14
hotspots for boreal forest conservation efforts. The Taiga Rescue
Network web site < http://www.sll.fi/TRN/ > is our featured forest
conservation link on the Gaia Forest Conservation Archives Forest
Links page at < http://forests.org/forsite.html >. This item is from
their site < http://www.sll.fi/TRN/TaigaNews/News19/hotspot.html >.
Each forest has a brief description including threats, and contacts
are given for campaigns to conserve the forests. TRN has consistently
highlighted the fact that it is a forest crisis (rather than a
rainforest crisis) which now faces the planet.
g.b.
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RELAYED TEXT STARTS HERE:
Taiga Rescue Network
http://www.sll.fi/TRN/
12/1/96
Hotspots in the Taiga
http://www.sll.fi/TRN/TaigaNews/News19/hotspot.html
HOTSPOTS IN THE TAIGA
1. Karelia
2. Yugyd-Va National Park
3. Priobskoye
4. Norilsk
5. Bikin and Samarga River Watersheds
6. Headwaters of the Anui River
7. Bystrinskiy National Park
8. Stora, Nova Scotia
9. Christmas Mountains
10. Nitassinan
11. Lac Barriere
12. Owain Lake Ancient Pine Forest
13. The Lubicon Cree
14. Slocan Valley
15. Clayoquot Sound
16. The last old-growth forests in Scandinavia and Finland
1. Russian Karelia
The green belt of Russian Karelia reaches along the Russian-Finnish
border, from Lake Ladoga in the south to the shores of the White Sea,
some 900 kilometres north. The average width is 20-30 km. This vast
and largely unfragmented forest area may be regarded as one of the
most important biodiversity centres in Europe.
Under the Soviet era the entire border zone was closed, and virtually
no forestry operations were allowed. Today, large scale clear-cutting
operations are being carried out, both by Finnish and Russian
companies. Most of the timber is delivered on the Finnish side of the
border and used by the Finnish forest industry. A large proportion of
the timber originates from old-growth forests. There are even a number
of known cases where timber from logging in existing or projected
conservation areas (such as the Kalavala park) has been exported.
This far, the increased forestry activities in Karelia seems to have
had very limited positive impact on the local economy. Russian NGO's
call upon consumers in Europe not to buy forest products containing
wood from old-growth forests in Karelia or other parts of Western
Russia.
The participants of the 3rd TRN conference adopted a resolution,
calling upon all exporters of timber from northwestern Russia to
withdraw from logging and refuse any timber from the areas that have
been designated by Russian NGO's as potential old-growth, in effect
announcing a moratorium in the region until independent inventories
can be carried out. The moratorium should be made permanent in areas
eventually recognized as old-growth. The resolution points out, that
the Green Belt would be well qualified as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
Further information:
Socio-Ecological Union, Russia, e-mail: soceco@glas.apc.org
Dima Aksenov, Biodiversity Center, e-mail: biodivers@glas.apc.org
Jarmo Pyykk", WWF Finland, e-mail: pyykko@sll.fi
Matti Ikonen, Greenpeace, e-mail: matti.ikonen@diala.greenpeace.org
2. Yugyd-va National Park, Komi
In spite of the fact that the two million hectare Yugyd-Va National
Park in northen Komi republic is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, the government of Komi is planning to allow extensive mining in
the park. The plan might affect 25 % of the park area.
The participants of the 3rd TRN conference adopted a resolution,
calling upon international financial and industrial bodies, as well as
national investors, to refuse funding for projects that would
facilitate exploitation in this area.
Further information:
Save Pechora Committee, Vladimir Chuprov, fax (+7) 82142 52507
or through TRN Russia, e-mail: grig@glas.apc.org
3. Priobskoye oil field
The major oil-producing region of Russia covers a large part of the
central and northern areas of Western Siberia. One of the biggest
undeveloped oil fields in this area is Priobskoye. It has a proven
reserve of 500 million tonnes. Currently two foreign companies, Shell
and Amoco, have received permission to operate in this region.
There are several social and ecological problems connected with the
restructuring of the energy sector and the exploitation of oil in
Siberia. A major part of the Priobskoye oil field is located below the
flood plain of the Ob River. A main reason why the field has remained
unexploited thus far is because of environmental considerations
related to this situation. Any large oil spill will most likely affect
down stream areas of this important river. There is also an obvious
risk that oil pollution will impact the sea and shores of the Arctic.
The development of the Russian oil and gas fields in Western Siberia,
facilitated by among others the World Bank and the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development, does not only represent a severe
threat to boreal forests and fragile arctic ecosystems. Furthermore,
the Oil Rehabilitation Projects means that donor nations will invest
money to promote greenhouse gas emissions. This direct investment in
global warming will be much larger than the investments by the same
donors and taxpayers to prevent global warming (for example in support
of Global Environmental Facility (GEF) projects, also managed by the
World Bank).
Further information:
Alexei Grigoriev, e-mail: grig@glas.apc.org
4. Norilsk, Krasnoyarsk
The three smelters of the Norilsk Nickel Combine is the biggest single
source of sulphur emission in the world. In 1992 the total sulphur
dioxide emissions were 2,300,00 tonnes - more than, for example, 20
times the entire emissions in Sweden. As a result of this enormous
pollution more than 4,000 square kilometres of larch forest around
Norilsk has died over the last 20 years, and another area of the same
size is seriously affected. In addition, the poisonous air in Norisk
causes severe health problems, including greatly reduced life
expectancy for the population. All in all, this is by far the largest
area in the world damaged by one single source of air pollution.
The Norilsk combines produces 25 - 50 % of the world supply of
platinum. Platinum is, among other things, used in catalytic
converters for automobiles. It is estimasted, that about 40 % of the
world consumption of platinum is for car converters. Mitsubishi,
Toyota and Nissan are trading with and/or using platinum from Norilsk.
There are problably links between Norisk to most other car producers
as well, even if this has not been possible to confirm.
Further information:
TRN Russia, e-mail: grig@glas.apc.org
5. Bikin and Samarga River Watersheds, Primorsk Krai
The Bikin watershed contains the largest intact, western-slope forests
along the Sikhote Alin mountain range. It has the greatest remaining
stands of Korean pine and is habitat for the Amur tiger. The Bikin is
not fully protected. The South Korean company Hyundai has been logging
on the eastern slopes of the Sikhote Alin (estimated 200 000 to 300
000 cubic meters/year) and have been trying to get access to the Bikin
basin.
The Samagara is threatened by the Nelma-Supkai logging road which is
currently being built and will open up ancient forests and indigenous
people's lands to exploitation.
6. Headwaters of the Anui River, Khabarovsk Krai
In the south just above the Samarga River in Primorskii Krai. This
pristine and picturesque area supports a high diversity of animal life
and is under threats from logging and mining. Global Forestry
Management Group (GFMG), consortium of US Pacific Northwest forest-
product companies is logging near Vysokogorniy in south-eastern
Khabarovskii Krai for export to Japan. GFMG is also looking for
potential logging sites.
In general road building is a big threat which is opening up the taiga
in both Primorskii and Khabarovskii Krais. There are plans to develop
the Siziman-Vysokogorniy, Udinsk-Bogorodskoe, Lidoga-Vanino, and
Dolmi-Katen Rivers. The expansion of the Vanino and Sovetskaya Gavan
Ports in the process which will greatly expand the capacity to export
timber from the region.
7. Bystrinskiy National Park, Kamchatka
The proposed Bystrinskiy National Park in Central Kamchatka has
valuable salmon spawning rivers, is habitat for brown bear, sable,
white-tailed sea eagle, and other endangered species. Parts of the
proposed 1 580 000 ha area are under threat from mining.
There are many mining joint-ventures operating in Kamchatka that want
to begin large scale industrial gold mining an the peninsula.
Canadian, US, Australian, and Russian companies are working together
in different joint ventures of gain control of the resources.
Further information on the Russian Far East Hot spots:
Andrei Laletin, Friends of Siberian Fores, e-mail:
laletin@fsf.krasnoyarsk.su
Alexei Grigoriev, TRN Russia, e-mail:grig@glas.apc.org
Friends of the Earth, Japan, e-mail: : foejapan@igc.apc.org
David Gordon, Lisa Tracy or Sarah Lloyd, PERC, e-mail:
perc@igc.apc.org,
percvostok@glas.apc.org, slloyd@igc.apc.org
8. Stora, Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, a subsidiary of Swedish forest corporation Stora uses
forest management practices that the company abandoned long ago on its
own land in Sweden. Large areas of deciduous Acadian forests have been
replaced by plantation-like softwood stands. This summer 2,400
hectares of leased Nova Scotia crown lands were sprayed with
herbicides and insecticides. Local groups have critizised Storas
double standards for several years and call for a halt of pesticide
spraying.
The participants of the 3rd TRN conference adopted a resolution,
demanding that Stora conduct all overseas operations in accordance
with currently accepted Swedish standards regarding forest pesticide
use, henceforth rejecting any further use of pesticides on all lands,
both public and private, that are used to provide timber to Stora
owned mills.
Further information:
Charles Restino, Canada's Future Forest Alliance, e-mail:
restino@atcon.com
9. Christmas Mountains, New Brunswick
Unless clearcutting is stopped now, the last remaining old growth
forest ecosystem in New Brunswick - a 4,500 hectare area in Christmas
Mountains - will be gone within 20 years. The participants of the 3rd
TRN conference adopted a resolution calling for permanent protection
of the remaining 4,500 hectare core area of old growth forest in the
Christmas Mountains and the Logan Lake Study area to the south, and
the creation of a wilderness corridor extending from Mt Carleton
Provincial Park to the core area.
Further information:
Amelia Clarce, Friends of Christmas Mountains, e-mail:
siera@mail.web.apc.org
Also, see article in Taiga-News no 19.
10. Nitassinan, Labrador
The Newfoundland Timber Service and commercial timber companies
continue to carry out clearcut logging on traditional Innu Land
(Nitassinan) in Labrador, in spite of commitments to ecosystem-based
forest use. In addition, the Innu nation is under assault from low
level military training flights and development of the Voisey Bay
nickel mine, which threatens Innu culture and ignores Innu land
rights.
The participants of the 3rd TRN conference adopted a resolution in
support of the Innu Nation in their ongoing work for cultural, social
and ecological justice in Nitassinan.
Further information:
Innu Nation, e-mail: innuenv@web.net
Web-site: http://www.web.apc.org/~innu/index.html
11. Lac Barriere, Quebec
On October 21 the Algonquins of Barrier Lake went on a road blockade
to prevent Domtar and other logging companies of the Algonquin
territory, which they intend to clear-cut. The blockade is the result
of a decision taken by the Minister of Indian Affairs about 10 months
ago, not to recognize the administration of the Algonquins anymore.
This meant the end of a long and very promising process under
atrilateral agreement between the Algonquind and the governments of
Canada and Quebec, aiming at developing and implementing sustainable
management of the traditional Algonquin territory. By recognizing a
dissident group as the legitimate leadership of the Algonquins, the
government in fact abandond the trilateral agreement, thereby opening
the road once again to clear-cutting of Algonquin land.
The Algonquins have tried to solve the conflict by codifying their
customs regarding leadership. and are now urging the government to
respect the outcome of this process, and thus the will of the majority
of the band. This would make it possible to restore the process under
the Trilateral Agreement.
The participants of the 3rd TRN conference adopted a statement in
support of the Algonquins, expressing their concern and manifesting
their solidarity for those who stand up for their rights and for a
socially and ecologically sustainable forest use.
For an extensive background on the Algonquin case, See article in
Taiga News no 16.
Further information:
Algonquins of Barriere Lake, Kitiganik, Rapid Lake, Quebec J0W 2C0.
Fax: +1 819 4496413
Russel Diabo, e-mail: algonkin@sparky.inasec.ca
12. Owain Lake Ancient Pine Forest, Ontario
The Owain Lake Ancient Forest ecosystem. located in the Temagami
district of Ontario, is currently under siege by the logging company
Goulard Lumber. Only 1% of ancient red and white pine ecosystems
remain in North America, and one half of these are located in the
Temagami district. The Owain Lake Ancient Forest is the largest
remaining ancient pine ecosystem in North America.
Earthroots, an Ontario based environmental action group, initiated an
ongoing action camp on August 30th in the area to stop the destruction
of this rare and irreplaceable ecosystem. Earlier this fall, 40
activists have been arrested in defence of these ancient stands.
Further information:
Earthroots, tel. (+1) 416 599-0152.
E-mail: eroots@web.net
Web site: http://www.web.net/~eroots
13. The Lubicon Cree, Alberta
The Lubicon Cree Band in northern Alberta is in a desperate situation.
The Japanese forestry corporation Daishowa has been given a logging
concession that covers the entire trditional lands of the band.
Because of resistance from the Lubicons and pressure from
environmental groups, Daishowa has so far declined from logging in the
area. However, this summer, a Toronto court ruled that the ongoing
boycott against Daishowa was illegal. The Lubicons fear that the
logging operations might start this winter.
The massive oil and gas exploitation in the area has been developed
without any consent of the Lubicons, and the Lubicon community has not
been given any share of the enormous profits. In 1994, a sour gas
plant was established close to the settlement, in spite of Lubicon
protests.
The hunting grounds of the Lubicons have largely been destroyed,
depriving the band of the basis for their livelihood and making it
impossible for them to maintain their traditional lifestyle and
culture. This has in turn caused severe social problems in the
community.
In addition, the Lubicons are facing a new and maybe even bigger
threat. An array of oil company consortiums and corporate investors
are planning to invest 25 billion US dollars into the mining of oil
sands in the northern Alberta. Most of the 10,000 square kilometres of
unceeded traditional territory of the Lubicon Cree is included in the
plans.
Further information:
Lubicon Lake Indian Nation, P O Box 6731, Peace River AB T8S 1S5,
Canada.
Tel: +1 403 629 3945, fax: +1 403 629 3939.
14. Slocan Valley, BC
Environmental groups and residents of Slocan Valley in southwestern
British Columbia are prepares to go on blockade to protect their
community watersheds. The logging planned by Slocan Forest Products on
the New Denver Flats would fragment the only accessible ancient forest
in the main Slocan Valley corridor.
Further information:
Valhalla Wilderness Society, e-mail: vws@web.apc.org.
See also article in Taiga-News no 19.
15. Clayoquot Sound, B.C.
Logging has slowed down in the rainforests of Clayoquot Sound on
Vancouver Island, but watersheds that are still intact are being
damaged by logging and road construction. The recommendations of the
Scientific Panel has lead to marginal improvements of the logging
practices in the area, but it has also in fact increased the threat to
the remaining pristine areas, as a consequence of restrictions on
annual allowable cut in the areas that have been logged earlier.
The Friends of Clayoquot Sound is calling for full protection of all
remaining pristine rainforest areas.
Further information:
Friends of Clayoquot Sound, e-mail: focs@web.apc.org
Web-site: http://diane.island.net/~focs
16. The last old-growth forests in Scandinavia and Finland
In all three Fennoscandian countries, only small fragments of old-
growth forest remain. Forest protection programmes are insufficient.
None of the big forest companies in Scandinavia have made clear
committments to renounce from using wood from old-growth forests,
including habitats for endangered species are still being logged, and
many areas are under threat. Environmental organisations in
Scandinavia ask consumers of Scandinavian paper and sawn-wood to
demand old-growth free products.
Further information:
Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, tel. +46 8 7026500,
e-mail:per.larsson@snf.se
Web-site: http://www.snf.se
Friends of the Earth, Norway, e-mail: noa@sn.no
Nature League, Finland, e-mail: juho.pennanen@helsinki.fi
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This map and list was also published in Taiga-News no 19, December
1996.
In the future Taiga News will regularly publish hot-spot map, at least
twice a year. Help us keep it up-to-date! Our aim is to provide an
opportunity to inform NGO's, media and others all around the world
about the hot-spot in your part of the boreal forest or about your
campaign. Send a short text giving the basic facts and a contact
address to the editor.
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