For the last thirty odd years Forestry Tasmania has clearfelled vast tracts of native forest. In all that time it has failed to return virtually any money at all to the people of Tasmania and has been dependent for its survival on subsidies and public hand-outs. We, the owners of these forests have little or no say in the matter. Our World Heritage forests have been decimated mainly for the production of low-cost wood chips, almost entirely for the benefit of private corporations. Much of this original pristine forest has been converted to short-rotation pulpwood plantation after clearfelling.
We have not only lost our money, but we have lost our forests as well. And this is set to continue indefinitely while the current philosophy of ‘jobs for the boys’ is maintained as an excuse by forestry and our complicit leaders.
However, here is an alternative scheme that will both save the Forests and produce a revenue of possibly millions of Dollars per year.
What is the price of a tree? Currently nothing, or worse still, less than nothing. If it cannot be cut and sold at a profit, why cut it in the first place? The simple answer to that problem is, ‘then don’t’!
Would it not be far better if we could sell each individual tree for say $10 each AND leave them standing? Then suppose that we could generate even more income from the same trees by claiming carbon credits for them. Surely that is a much better proposition?
Across the world there are thousands of organisations and millions of people who wish to save the planet and the forests and would make a contribution to this end if they could.
Well, now they can. Here’s how.
If one can get the governments to agree, then they can buy a tree in an area that is marked for destruction and preserve it forever. A plaque will be affixed to it bearing their name and be recorded on a database stating where and when. They then can go and locate their tree if they wish, possibly boosting tourism and awareness among others.
Possibly a scheme in Tasmania that can be administered by the Aboriginal people and which will provide them with an income? At, say, $10 per tree, after costs are deducted, half going to the Aboriginal community and half to the government? Sales could be both local and worldwide with the option of multiple or group purchases. Even, if required, corporate bulk purchase of a whole forest for preservation? And as this ranks as a charity, all donations will be tax deductable.
However, it must be understood that for people to invest, they must be sure of the outcome and that the trees will be protected by law. Violations of this MUST carry heavy penalties or the scheme will falter. Accidental destruction by fire or similar natural causes will require the tree to be replaced by another tree of equal size. Deliberate destruction by any means will need to carry a penalty of at least $10 000 per tree and the scheme must be overseen by an Independent body, like the FSC, for instance.
However, a million trees sold worldwide brings in a total of $10 000 000. That’s a hell of a lot more than we are getting at the moment. And there is the additional benefit that we still have our trees, and also the secondary income from carbon sequestration and eco-tourism etc. And Australia will be seen as a leader in the battle for conservation, instead of the pariah that it is.
There are many ramifications to this, but this contains the basics. The details can be hammered out later if the concept is accepted. It also creates many JOBS, especially for those who have experience in forestry matters!
There is only one body that is going to be unhappy with this proposition, but let them come up with something better if they object!
