Mortgaged woods
The Indian delegation to the CSD has endorsed the alternative G-77 proposals and almost agreed to a legally binding global treaty on forests. The government's stand is reflected in a statement made to Centre for Science and Environment, by the Indian Spokes person in the delegation, Nirmal Andrews, Joint Secretary, International Co-operation division "The global forest treaty is just a small part of the negotiations at the CSD.
A senior official from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, speaking on the condition of anonymity said, " We are not averse to a global treaty on forest. It is not that we will agree to anything that the treaty has to offer. We will agree only after checking our balance sheets. What do we gain and where do we lose'.
There has been a drastic change since 1992, when India had vociferously opposed all attempts for a global forest treaty at Rio. Malaysia has also changed its position. " What can we do, if the world wants the treaty. We have no option but to agree.' The official stated.
India's bureaucracy has always wanted a forest treaty, as it means a larger role for bureaucracy in forest management. What is surprising is that the I K Gujral-led United Front government known for mouthing platitutdes on people's control over natural resources should take such a stand. Environment minister Saifuddin Soz who is known for his strong views on the sovereign forest rights of the forest rich states like Jammu and Kashmir is also a party to this move. The government's stand therefore speaks volumes on the party's double standards.