The Whitlow forests, a mature forest in Ireland, is being eyed by the Irish authorities as part of sell off scheme to repay IMF debts.
This however, would make Ireland the only country in the world not to own its own forests. This is not like Greece, where islands off the mainland were placed for sale to help lower the debt. This is in the mainland of the Irish island.
Harvesting rights however would only garner Ireland the equivalent of three week's interest on the IMF loan they owe. So why do this?
When the authorities were asked that question, they refused to comment.
However, many Irish are outraged. The last time the Irish forests were destroyed was centuries ago, when the British deforested vast tracts for the timber used in ships and other war efforts. This seems just the same, the rape and pillage of a natural identity.
The other objection raised by people who are contrary to this plan, is that in the long run, this deforestation plan will generate as much loss as it does income, as mature forests cannot be regrown quickly, and new trees must be planted under the legal requirements when the old ones are logged.
This also sets a dangerous precedent. Forests in this case are considered a state asset, a crop if you will, and not a treasure shared by all the citizens of the land.
Source: Al Jazeera 3.14.13
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