Sinks Submissions - Protection of Property Rights

"The property rights of landowners/forest owners in the carbon value of potential forest sinks however is uncertain in light of the contingent liability associated with harvesting and subsequent land-use change, and the intent by Government to retain a percentage of forest sink credits.
The contingent liability associated with the deforestation of forest sinks suggests the forest owner would incur obligations created by the permanent loss of carbon that was originally stored in the forest. Such obligations will preclude many small woodlot owners, whose efforts encompass the largest proportion of Kyoto forests, from exercising their property rights in the management of their lands.
We understand international concerns as to the permanence of forest sinks, but firmly oppose the violation of landowner/forest owner property rights to ensure production forest sinks exist beyond the first rotation.
We believe the protection of the property rights of landowners/forest owners is essential to encourage the creation and sustainable management of New Zealand's forest sinks."

MAF Information Services
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND

Fax: +64 4 894 0721
Contact this person