Help Save Ireland's Forests, Sign the Petition

Sunny

Got sent this, thought it would be a good place to post this.
It is national tree week after all.

Please follow the link and sign the petition using the postal code 1234 at
http://www.woodlandleague.org/

* target: Mary McAleese, The President of Ireland, and the Irish Government.
* sponsored by: The Woodland League Visit us at www.woodlandleague.org & on Facebook
* signature goal: 100,000

The Irish Government is moving closer to a huge sell-off of the public forests, currently managed by Coillte (The Irish Forestry Board), to private investors. An area greater than 1 million acres, equivalent to two medium sized counties, will be lost forever. This will include some of our most valuable native woodlands, wild places and some of the last refuges of our native flora and fauna.

Interest has been expressed by Swiss finance company Helvetia Wealth - who own the International Forestry Fund (IFF) - chaired by Bertie Ahern, (ex-prime minister of Ireland) as well as The China Investment Corporation.

Please sign this petition now to tell the Irish Government that Ireland's Forests are not for sale. These forests are the inheritance of the Irish children and managed wisely can help secure Ireland's social, environmental and economic future. A strong show of support, asserting our rightful ownership of the public forests will make all the difference.

ormondsview · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 11:29 am Post subject:

Depends on where the forests are and how the clear cutting is managed. Russia has been selling wood for furniture made in China sold to Walmart, from forests in which the endangered Siberian Tiger habitat was at risk. Which led to protests resulting in consumer boycot and changes in sourcing. Walmart responded by complying to consumer concern and more ethical product manufacturing sourcing. In Kerry, Gleninchaquin standing timber was completely felled right in the outlaying area close to privately owned fishing lochs resulting in spawning area degradation and lack of fish life. Make sure that the Ministry of the Environment has regulation with "teeth" and that the minister in charge is properly credentialed. Not some portfolioed know nothing who does more damage than good. In tough economic times, a balance needs to be struck with ethical and sound practices of harvesting wood.

medieval knievel · Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2011 12:04 pm Post subject:

FG and labour have both said they're opposed to a sell-off of coillte; the programme for government just published proposes merging bord na mona with coillte, but we may end up in a situation that when they get a full account of the problems of the country, they may change their mind.

there have been rumours going around for the last few days that the sell-off is a done deal; i'd say we'll find out shortly whether or not that is the case. i suspect they're just rumours, or else we'll have tribunals up the wazoo for the next few years.

Geranimus · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 3

Anyone know the latest on this? It's all been a bit quiet lately. Very worrying.

Greengage · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:59 pm Post subject:

Coillte have carried out an inventory of all their forests and have had them valued as well. Good old Bertie is on a board looking to buy it and this Gov have lied on all their promises so far its not as if they didnt know the problems before hand we live in a democracy and they knew as much as the outgoing goverment.
petitions and marches never solved anything............