essay for illegal logging and mining
Answers
Answer:
Illegal logging is the practice in which loggers, millers, and transporters go against national laws to harvest, mill, and transport timber and wood products illegally, or through corrupt practices (Rhodes, Allen & Callahan, 2006). The illegal trade of timber can involve exporting or importing: tree species prohibited under national or international law; timber or timber products in violation of national bans; the unauthorized movement of timber across borders and the movement of illegally logged timber from forest to market (Callister, 1999). International initiatives are a response to the growing concern of non-governmental agencies, the public, the scientific community and governments about important issues and can include the formation or alteration to organizations, official forums, action plans and conventions (Glastra, 1999). An international organisation attempts to govern the global political economy in relation to some key issue and imposes order through pressures and restraints (Emadi-Coffin, 2002). An international convention is a legally binding agreement to any country that signs it, in which the implementation of national policy or legislation is required to achieve the objectives of the convention
Explanation:
Impacts and Issues
Illegal logging and trade can result in a range of negative ecological, economic and social impacts (Callister, 1999). Environmental costs may comprise of accelerated soil erosion, and illegal logging in protected areas (Callister, 1999). The practice also drives global forest degradation, deforestation and the loss of biodiversity (Dauvergne, 2001; EIA, 2008). Social issues that are caused by this illegal activity can include: land use conflicts, restricted access to food and on local use of timber and large scale job losses (Callister, 1999). Additionally, it is a threat to governments’ regulatory mechanisms, undermines legislation, and can lead to a climate of lawlessness and corruption (Glastra, 1999). It can also provide the financial resources to support rogue regimes, help finance civil wars and undermine democratic reforms (Rhodes, Allen & Callahan, 2006). Associated economic impacts can include vast economic loss for the producer country, reduction of resource capacity and marginalisation other stakeholders (Glastra, 1999). Illegal logging and trade can also depress the market value of timber, and disadvantage those companies and countries that engage in legal logging and trade