Sir, - Our country's presence at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg was appropriate. But we must match words with actions.
Sir, - Our country's presence at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg was appropriate. But we must match words with actions. While we in Ireland are conscious of the importance of sustainable development, we are often oblivious to the notion that the concept is universal and our obligations extend beyond our shores. Our use of tropical hardwoods, and their effect upon the forest ecosystems from which they come, is a case in point.
Tropical forests continue to be destroyed at historically unprecedented rates. Only a small proportion of natural tropical forest is under sustainable management of any sort. Most of the high quality tropical hardwood on the market is the fruit of non-sustainable practices.
Ireland cannot claim to be detached from the problem. Our tropical timber imports over the last 50 years represent a sizeable area of forest destruction. Many of the so-called teak windows, doors, shopfronts and interior décor of lounges and hotels that grace the architectural landscape of Ireland stand as a testimony to the trade in tropical timber that has been carried out over the second half of the 20th century. A large proportion of these hardwoods came from the rainforests of West Africa, Asia and Latin America. Ireland is now arguably the highest per capita importer of tropical woods in Europe and has been for a number of years.
Ireland has had a reasonably generous attitude towards developing countries. However, specific aid to the forestry sector has been negligible to date. We owe a debt to tropical forests and the local communities that depend upon them. To put something back now is not only to be consistent with Ireland's declared aim of sustainable development but is a moral imperative in the light of the wood resources we use. It would also be particularly welcome because it is clear that the battle to save some of the richest terrestrial ecosystems on earth is being lost.
The recent report of the Ireland Aid Review Committee recognises the principle of sustainable development but lacks a vision in respect of tropical forestry. Builders, specifiers, architects, the forestry profession and those who trade in and use tropical wood are challenged to partake in an initiative by TEAK 21 to stimulate awareness and become partners in a programme of information sharing and concrete action.
By carrying out positive action, Ireland can repay the depth it owes to the tropical forests and guarantee the long-term future supply of tropical hardwoods to this country on a sustainable basis. - Yours, etc.,
RAYMOND M. KEOGH,
International Co-ordinator
TEAK 21,
The Park,
Cabinteely,
Dublin 18.