We condemn the proposal because, if implemented, we fear it will lead to increased logging and consumption of ecologically and socially valuable forests around the globe. We also condemn the proposal because of the undemocratic and ecologically irresponsible manner in which it is being developed.

We are deeply worried about the proposal's content: the intention is to eliminate tariffs on wood products. This could stimulate increased production and consumption. Another potential agenda item could be the elimination of non-tariff measures (NTMs) which may make it impossible to maintain environmental safeguards such as third-party certification and eco-labelling, strong phytosanitary controls on imports of wood products that carry exotic pests and pathogens, and regulations to promote local industries.

We call on the members of the WTO to refrain from negotiating a forest products agreement until an independent assessment has been made of the social and environment impacts of trade liberalization, and effective steps have been taken to mitigate current impacts on, and avoid future harm to, forest ecosystems and peoples.

We call on the CSD to fulfil its commitment of developing a framework for assessing environmental and social impacts of trade policies and agreements by its next meeting in April.

We also condemn the forest products agreement for the economic paradigm that it perpetuates: the WTO and its members have ignored the potential adverse effects of trade liberalization on forest ecosystems and forest communities by failing to assess the environmental and social impacts of timber trade liberalization and on liberalization in other sectors that affect forests and forest peoples. The WTO and its members have also failed to adequately involve civil society in timber trade and other liberalization discussions.

The proposal for a forest products agreement reflects an economic agenda which prioritises trade liberalization as an end in itself rather than as a means which, in some circumstances, may be useful for improving environmental protection and quality of life. This agenda does not take into consideration the concerns of the people and communities who are ultimately affected.

We the undersigned look forward to responses from our governments, the CSD a nd the WTO regarding our concerns over the proposed forest sector liberalization.

Fern UK/Brussels
Saskia Ozinga

WWF International
Charlie Arden Clarke

World Rainforest Movement
Ricardo Carrere

Greenpeace International
Patrick Anderson

Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Sarah Tyack

Friends of the Earth, Congo Democratic Republic/CADIC
Swedi Elongo

Friends of the Earth Australia
Leonie van der Maesen

Friends of the Earth France/Amis de la Terre
Helene Ballande

Towards a Different Europe
Olivier Hoedeman

ERA Cameroon
Emile Tanawa

Contact:
Saskia Ozinga
Fern/ WRM
1c The Fosseway-Business Centre
Stratford Road
Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9NQ
United Kingdom

tel: 00-44-1608-652895
fax: 00-44-1608-652878
website: http://www.gn.apc.org/fern