Forest Ethics: the role of ethical dialogue in the fate of the forests. Comparing and contrasting the international forest policy dialogue with the Earth Charter Initiative

Reports/papers (non-specific)
, 20 pages
PDF (127.6 KB)
13511IIED.pdf
Language:
English
Published: April 2004
Product code:13511IIED

Natural forests are being swept aside in favour of alternative land uses that generate higher revenue per unit area. This paper argues that changes are required to the values that underpin global development if we are to avert the catastrophic consequences of this change. The paper contends that directing ethical dialogue towards a collective global forest ethic is therefore required. A brief synopsis is made of the contrasting processes, outcomes and prospects of a Global Forest Convention through international forest dialogue of the IPF/IFF and latterly UNFF compared with the process of ethical dialogue leading to the Earth Charter Initiative. Four hypotheses are advanced as to why most existing process of forest dialogue have been flawed. The paper concludes with preliminary considerations regarding the process of ethical dialogue that might unveil a cosmopolitan ethic concerning the appreciation, use, monitoring and arbitration surrounding natural forests.

Cite this publication

Macqueen, D. (2004). Forest Ethics: the role of ethical dialogue in the fate of the forests. Comparing and contrasting the international forest policy dialogue with the Earth Charter Initiative. .
Available at https://www.iied.org/13511iied