4 Rationale for the policy
Before we introduce our approach it is helpful to explain how we have reached our goals and objectives. This rationale provides an understanding of where we think New Zealand can realistically make a difference.
CAUSES OF ILLEGAL LOGGING
Table 4.1 shows causes of illegal logging, organised under the following main headings:
-
governance;
-
legislative and policy;
-
market;
-
capacity and technical ability.
The examples of causes are grouped into causes we feel New Zealand is able to influence positively through our proposed policy approach, and other causes.
OUTCOMES OF NEW ZEALAND INVOLVEMENT
The impact or outcomes of our intervention to address causes of illegal logging is what we, with the support of other countries, non-governmental organisations, industry and the public, aspire to achieve by our work in this area. To reach these desired outcomes we are proposing to implement our policy approach as prescribed by the policy goals in section 6. We are interested in listening to your views on these goals, and where or how you think we can improve on our approach.
Table 4.1: Causes of illegal logging and associated trade, the impact of work to address these and where New Zealand can make the biggest impact to combat this problem
| Causes of illegal logging and associated trade | Specific examples of causes | Impact of intervention to address illegal logging and associated trade | Relevant New Zealand policy goals |
| Governance | Causes New Zealand can influence Limited capacity to develop and enforce laws Other causes Weak judiciary Lack of consultation and involvement with forestry stakeholders Lack of transparency and accountability Lack of money/funding Unclear allocation of responsibilities between government departments Lack of recognition of indigenous rights Weak/absent property rights |
Enhanced governance capacity achieved through
effective forestry laws and enforcement capabilities. Consistent and streamlined international and regional illegal logging efforts achieve practical and achievable outcomes. Regional enforcement cooperation identifies and controls illegal trade in wood products |
Goal 1: To contribute towards international
efforts to find practical solutions to address illegal logging (see
section 6) Goal 2: Regional: To work towards strong regional-based approaches to combating illegal logging and associated trade (see section 6) |
| Legislative and policy | Causes New Zealand can influence Limited capacity to make efficient and effective laws Inappropriate and/or discriminatory regulations Absence of national criteria and indicators in forestry Other causes |
Clear national forestry criteria and indicators
exist to help define �legal� products Forestry legislation is realistic and simple to implement and monitor |
Goal 1: To contribute towards international efforts
to find practical solutions to address illegal logging (see
section 6) Goal 2: Regional: To work towards strong regional-based approaches to combating illegal logging and associated trade (see section 6) Goal 3: To work towards strengthening bilateral arrangements with interested countries on illegal logging and related trade issues (see section 6) |
| Market | Causes New Zealand can influence Consumer demand for hardwoods Consumer demand for cheap wood products Lack of consumer knowledge Other causes |
Sustainable supplies for hardwoods exist to satisfy
market demand
Consumers recognise and appreciate full costs and values of legally obtained wood products Consumers choose to buy legally harvested and trade wood products
|
Goal 4: To increase awareness of the role of
government in addressing illegal logging and related trade issues
(see section 6)
Goal 5: To raise awareness amongst New Zealand consumers and sellers of the role that they can play in addressing illegal logging and related trade issues (see section 6)
|
| Capacity and technical ability | Causes New Zealand can influence Under-funded and resourced customs officials Identification of illegal products is weak Remote places that are difficult to monitor Lack of expertise and/or resources in SFM and sustainable livelihoods-focused policy Other causes |
Legal wood products are easily identified
Forestry expertise and development of sustainable livelihood-focused projects and policies in countries is enhanced by sharing of knowledge and resources between countries Adequate training of customs officials and sharing of information between countries improves knowledge of trade in illegal wood products |
Goal 2: Regional: To work towards strong
regional-based approaches to combating illegal logging and
associated trade (see section 6)
Goal 3: To work towards strengthening bilateral arrangements with interested countries on illegal logging and related trade issues (see section 6)
|
Contact for Enquiries
Senior Policy Analyst
International Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0650
Fax: +64 4 894 0742
Contact this person
