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Demonstrating sustainability
Authors: Barbara HockPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2010, Issue N.Z.J.For. 55(1) 2010, pp 3, May 2010
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: The WFC2009 “Forests in development: A vital balance” had over 7,000 attendees and lasted for a week, with at times 14 parallel sessions. Many aspects of international forestry were showcased, including themes focused on sustainable forestry. In my view - in which I gather I’m not completely alone - the quantitative sciences perhaps held too much sway over sustainable forestry in New Zealand as we perceive it. Similarly, decision making in forestry seemed at times unperturbed by this concept of sustainability. If separating environmental from social criteria of sustainability means the perpetuation of powerlessness on the social level, does achieving an environmental gain still constitute a win for sustainability? If so, for whom? If “consulting stakeholders” constitutes being summoned by the forestry decision makers, did the forestry company actually believe consultation was achieved by commands - or was something lost in translation?