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CENN - April 1, 2005 Daily Digest
Table of Contents:
1.. "Pipeline Sabotage is Terrorist's Weapon of Choice"
2.. Turkish Admiral: We are Ready to Protect Caspian
3.. SOCAR: No Strikes Only Bad Weather in Georgia
4.. BTC: First Tanker to Sail in September
5.. Ambassador: US Supports Kazakhstan in BTC
6.. Pipes for South Caucasus Pipeline to Reach Place of Consignment
7.. "Lukoil" Drills Second Exploratory Well in Caspian
8.. Turkey: BTC Best Alternative
9.. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Highlights Global Ecosystem
Degradation
10.. Inter-American Development Bank Sets New Environmental Compliance
Policy
11.. Genetically Modified Trees in Chile: A New Forest Conflict
12.. The Second Call for Proposals Under the CEPF regional Programme
13.. EIA Reports
1. "Pipeline sabotage is terrorist's weapon of choice"
Source: Pipeline and Gas Journal, March 2005
The campaign against the world's vulnerable pipeline is likely to continue
to spread new territories. The terrorist have already indicated interest in
the nearly completed 1,000-miles Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, slated
to transport 1 million barrels of oil a day form the Caspian Sea to Western
markets through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. The pipeline is expected to be
operated by the end of 2005 but even before construction ends, terrorist
elements may already be planning attacks on it. According to Azerbaijan's
National Security Minister, Namiq Abbasov, the country special services had
obtained information that regional insurgent and members of al Qaeda are
planning acts of sabotage against the pipeline.
2. Turkish Admiral: we are ready to protect Caspian
Source: Baku Today, March 29, 2005
Turkish is ready to provide assistance to Azerbaijan in ensuring the
security of Caspian oil fields, the visiting commander of the Turkish Navy,
Fleet Admiral Ozden Ornek told journalists on Monday March 28, 2005.
Ozden Ornek said that the issue of ensuring the security of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline will be in focus at his meetings with
Azerbaijani officials. "One end of the pipeline should be safeguarded by
Turkey, while the other one by Azerbaijan," said the Turkish Admiral,
stressing that his country may also assist in ensuring the security of the
Azeri section of the pipeline.
3. SOCAR: no strikes only bad weather in Georgia
Source: Washington Times, March 29, 2005
According to a statement made by State Oil Company of the Republic of
Azerbaijan (SOCAR) President Natiq Aliyev on March 23, 2005 SOCAR continues
to deny reports that workers involved in the construction of the Georgian
section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline are on strike. Aliyev
emphasized: "The construction of the Georgian section is delayed due to poor
weather conditions. However, the Georgian side makes every effort to
complete construction operations by the end of April to receive the Azeri
oil starting on 1 May."
4. BTC: first tanker to sail in September
Source: Oil and Gas Journal, March 30, 2005
Exports of crude oil via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline will began
in September, according to key state officials connected with the project.
Gokhan Cologlu, director general of the Turkish section, announced the
September date to an oil and gas conference in Ankara on March 29, 2005
confirming remarks made on March 23, 2005 by Natik Aliyev, president of
State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR).
"We are trying to stay on a schedule whereby the first tanker will sail from
the Turkish port of Ceyhan in September," Aliyev said.
Explaining that there had been delays due to a harsh winter this year, he
said: "We are doing everything possible to stay on schedule and not to be
late. In Georgia all that remains is to cross the Kura River, but think that
by April we will finis everything."
He said oil will star to flow in the Azerbaijani section in May and from
Georgia in July. "We will complete all mechanical work on the Turkish
section" on June 30, Aliyev said.
5. Ambassador: US supports Kazakhstan in BTC
Source: US Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce, March 30, 2005
The United States backs Kazakhstan's joining to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
(BTC) main export oil pipeline, John Ordway, the US Ambassador to
Kazakhstan, told a news conference in Almaty, Trend reports.
According to John Ordway, Washington continues working on establishment of
conditions for Kazakh oil delivery via the BTC. "Though the talks still
continue, we do all possible to end talk successfully and to enable the
Kazakh oil in this direction," John Ordway stressed.
The diplomat said that Kazakhstan should have alterative routes for oil
transportation.
"We do not regard the issue from the aspect of rivalry. Kazakhstan does not
possess enough capacity to transport its oil, which will be produced within
the next decades," said Ordway.
6. PIPES FOR SOUTH CAUCASUS PIPELINE TO REACH PLACE OF CONSIGNMENT
Source: State Telegraphic Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag,
March 30, 2005
The last consignment of pipes for the South Caucasus pipeline has been
unloaded in the Georgian seaport Poti. The pipes are being carried to the
depots in Azerbaijan. Since the beginning of the pipeline's construction
over 77 thousand pipes have been carried to the places of consignment.
7. "LUKOIL" DRILLS SECOND EXPLORATORY WELL IN CASPIAN
Source: State Telegraphic Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag,
March 30, 2005
The Lukoil's semi-submersible rig "Leader" is now engaged in drilling of the
second 4500 meters deep exploratory well, located in the D-222 block in
Yalama structure, the company's Baku office announced. The project costs US
$60 thousand.
8. Turkey: BTC best Alternative
Source: The Messenger, March 31, 2005
Turkey sounded the alarm Monday March 28, 2005 over the amount of oil
transiting the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, warning of an environmental
disaster waiting to happen. "The quantity of oil passing through the straits
has increased by 50% in the past three years, "Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi
Guler told a two-day conference here on energy cooperation in the Caspian
and Black Sea regions.
"If anything were to happen in the straits, it would pose a major problem
for the region, notably for Istanbul, and would affect oil supply for
months." "An environmental accident in Istanbul would be a disaster," he
said.
Hilmi Guler repeated Turkey's view that a new Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil
pipeline, which he said should be operational within months, would be the
best way to transport Caucasian oil towards the West while cutting
congestion in the two northwestern straits.
9. MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT HIGHLIGHTS GLOBAL ECOSYSTEM
DEGRADATION
Source: IUCN, March 30, 2005
The landmark Millennium Ecosystem Assessment released today reveals that
approximately 60 percent of the ecosystem services that support life on
Earth - such as fresh water, capture fisheries, air and water regulation,
and the regulation of regional climate, natural hazards and pests - are
being degraded or used unsustainably. Scientists warn that the harmful
consequences of this degradation could grow significantly worse in the next
50 years. At the same time, eight international conservation organisations
release a joint statement in support of the MEA findings, and pledge their
commitment to conservation action in support of human well-being.
10. INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK SETS NEW ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
POLICY
Source: IUCN, March 31, 2005
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is currently developing a new
Environment and Safeguard Compliance Policy. The World Conservation Union
(IUCN) has participated in several of the regional consultations, including
hosting the European consultation in Brussels. The Union welcomes the IDB's
focus on proactive mainstreaming of environmental concerns in country
programming processes and calls for strengthening the IDB's internal
management capacity and incentives to ensure that the policy is vigorously
implemented. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) is concerned, however, that
the draft IDB policy is too restrictive in its definitions and too narrow in
its approach to protecting conservation areas. Lastly, while the Union
welcomes the IDB's proposals for dealing with instances of "significant
direct" environmental impacts of policy based lending, the IDB should also
establish mechanisms to deal with potential indirect, unanticipated, or
unintentional impacts. In these cases, the Union recommends the use of
participatory monitoring mechanisms linked to adaptive management processes.
11. Genetically Modified Trees in Chile: A New Forest Conflict
Source: Mapuexpress - Mapuche News http://www.mapuexpress.net, (Informativo
Mapuche),
El Hacha (The Axe) is a song written by Patricio Manns and performed by Inti
Illimani on their release Arriesgaré la piel; its final lines refer to
deforestation: "The forest comes before Man, but desert follows him."
Without a doubt, deforestation has seriously affected the balance of forest
ecosystems worldwide, making understandable the fear that paralyzes those
who are aware of this issue; fear that is expressed in different ways, such
as in this song. A second phenomenon negatively affecting the survival of
forests is the creation of extensive single-crop forest plantations, and in
particular, current concerns about new plantations of genetically modified
trees.
To understand the negative effects of extensive single specie tree farming,
we must take into account that countries in the southern hemisphere in
general and southern Chile in particular suffer from a destructive process
that is advancing from the North. Over time, forests have been greatly
impacted by the incremental spread of agriculture and livestock, cutting for
firewood, and the felling and replacement of native forest with pine and
eucalyptus plantations, which have led to topsoil degradation and acacia and
blackberry invasions. As a result, animal habitat has been lost and the
countryside has been altered. Social problems have arisen as well, including
the forced migration of people who find themselves surrounded by huge
plantations of single-crop introduced tree species and the transformation of
the process of the restitution to Mapuche communities of traditional lands
into a matter for the courts.
The first plantations of Pinus Radiata (Monterey Pine) were established in
Chile in 1920. From that date on the forward march of this single-crop
cultivation has gone unhindered and in recent decades, the result has been
environmental change and degradation. Among the many changes are:
environmental homogeneity, evident in the vast and monotonous landscape
vistas of unchanging color and architecture; biodiversity reduction and
changes in the mechanisms that regulate its component parts; increasing
vulnerability from pest invasions and the indiscriminate application of
pesticides to control them; and the use of prime agricultural land for
cultivating tree plantations, resulting in the underutilization of this
important natural resource.
Genetic engineering techniques have been used to achieve optimum production
results in both agriculture and forest cultivation, including the genetic
manipulation of commercially important plants. These issues have gone
largely unreported to the public. People might know a little bit about
genetically modified foods, but the development of Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMOs) in the forestry industry is far less well known.
The first genetically modified (GM) trees were planted in Belgium in 1988.
In Chile, projects have been in development since the mid-1990s exploring
the use of biotechnology in trees for industrial and commercial ends, which
focus primarily on exotic species (pine and eucalyptus), with the goal of
improving productivity. These projects have public sector support from such
institutions as INFOR - Forestry Institute, (part of the Ministry of
Agriculture), Fundación Chile (Chile Foundation), and the Universities of
Concepción, Austral and Frontera, as well from the private sector -Bioforest
(controlled by Bosques Arauco). Several million dollars have been paid out
from the national treasury.
The following are some of the risks involved with planting these trees:
a) Long-term unforeseen changes in the altered or "guest" genome.
b) Genetic contamination when plantations or test stands of transgenic trees
are planted near their native forest relatives. The probability for genetic
contamination is high.
c) Changes in productivity and soil degradation (trees modified for rapid
growth are harvested in less time and use the soil more intensively, thus
there is greater demand for water and fewer opportunities for the nutrients
to recycle).
d) Possible effects on human health include resistance to antibiotics and
increased allergies.
In 2000, the New Zealand horticultural institute Hort Research won a
contract from the Chile Foundation (a governmental body) to provide
technical assistance in exchange for financing the development of a
transgenic Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine), one resistant to the moth that
attacks its buds. The goal is to "optimize the use of this natural resource
to increase its productive capacity."
The Chilean government takes a positive view of these practices and
partnerships. In its presidential announcement, made in March 2004 at the
inauguration of the first Global Biotechnology Forum, the spread of these
new trends nationwide was referred to, opening the door for the creation of
a Biotechnology Center in Chile.
According to an article by Dr. María Isabel Manzur published in October 2000
, the planting of genetically modified trees in Chile is in its initial phas
es, but some projects working with transgenic pine and eucalyptus are
already underway:
1. Bioforest, subsidiary of Forestal Arauco, located in the VIII
Region. Its research program is centered on improving pine and eucalyptus
through cloning techniques. The company also works in biological pest
control.
2. Genfor, S.A., a partnership between the Chile Foundation,
Sylvagen of Canada and Interlink of the United States, created in 1999 with
the support of CORFO (Ministry of Manufacturing Development). It utilizes
technology for improving cloning (somatic embryogenesis) and the creation of
genetically modified Pinus radiata, soon to be planted in test fields.
3. INIA IX Región (Institute of Farming and Animal Husbandry
Research), together with the Universities of Chile and Católica, CINVESTAV
Irapuato Labs of Mexico, Department of the Ministry of Agriculture (SEREMI)
of Chile's IX Region, Agrícola Mar Rojo, the Afodegama Foundation and Indes
Salus, are collaborating on a seed transgenesis development project to
enhance resistance to the apple tree scab.
4. Royal Dutch/Shell in Chile and Uruguay: Production of a GM
eucalyptus tree with a different type of lignin, making its removal easier
for the pulp and paper industry.
One incentive for establishing tree plantations in general and transgenic
trees in particular is the market for "carbon credits," which are part of
the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Production Mechanisms (CPMs) that were recently
accepted at the United Nation's 10th Framework Convention on Climate Change,
held last December in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Chile is not averse to the
idea of carbon credits, according to INFOR's Jorge Urrutia, who stated that
CPMs could turn into a very good opportunity for the forestry sector.
It is important to recognize that Chile could become one of the countries
with the greatest number of genetically modified commercial tree plantations
without the legal and environmental safeguards to control them; (currently,
the release of transgenic crops are not subject to environmental impact
studies). One of 4 demands sought by the Foundation for Sustainable
Societies (Fundación Sociedades Sustentables) - that the planting of GM
trees should be subject to Law 19.300, which requires an environmental
impact study - stems from this issue. The other demands seek a moratorium on
GM plantations, the development of a national policy for genetically
modified trees, and an assessment of risks to human and environmental
health. I see no option but to join these demands.
We must act first, understanding that the reasons used to justified GM
plantations are lies; that genetically modified trees will not reduce
pressure on the remaining native forest, roll back climate change, solve the
problem of pollution from the pulp and paper industry, or reduce the use of
pesticides.
In conclusion, 2 facts about the paper industry underscore the issue of tree
plantations in general and genetically modified trees in particular:
1. International pulp and paper industry earnings are basically
guaranteed by the resources handed to them in the form of subsidies by
southern hemisphere nation governments. Furthermore, these countries run the
risk of dependence on a raw material subject to sharp price swings, with a
high probability of lower prices in the short term, an argument against the
tremendous increase, day by day, of these plantations.
2. The majority of all the paper produced worldwide is consumed by
developed countries, with 40% of the total destined for packaging, and that
doesn't even take into account that most of the paper destined for writing
and printing is used for marketing and publicity.
These facts raise the following questions: Are we prepared to pay the costs
of these export models? Is it worth suffering the social and environmental
impacts caused by plantations to obtain these products? Are we truly
informed about the amount of national resources being used to finance the
research and establishment of genetically modified trees?
Stop Genetically Engineered Trees Campaign
A project of Global Justice Ecology Project
P.O. Box 412
Hinesburg, VT 05461 U.S.
+1.802.482.2689 ph/fax
<[email protected]>
mailto:[email protected]
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org
The Stop Genetically Engineered Trees Campaign includes the Sierra Club,
Rainforest Action Network, Dogwood Alliance, Polaris Institute, Global
Justice Ecology Project, WildLaw, Southern Forests Network, Institute for
Social Ecology Biotechnology Project, ForestEthics, Klamath-Siskiyou
Wildlands Center, Forest Stewards Guild, Northwest Resistance Against
Genetic Engineering and GE Free Maine.
12. the second call for proposals under the CEPF regional programme
Dear Colleagues,
As you are aware, from June 2004 the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
(CEPF) launched its Regional Programme in the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot.
This Programme is intended for the following countries of the Hotspot -
Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Turkey. The main aim of the
Programme is conservation of unique biodiversity in the Caucasus region. The
programme will be continued over four years (June, 2004 - June, 2008).
In the frame of a preliminary stage of the CEPF Programme the document -
``Ecosystem Profile for Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot`` has been elaborated.
This is the key document, which defines priority species, sites and
corridors in terms of biodiversity conservation in the Caucasus Hotspot.
This document determines strategic directions and investment priorities for
biodiversity conservation in the Caucasus Hotspot as well. Exactly these
mentioned priorities will be taken into consideration during review and
selection of submitted proposals. The document - ``Ecosystem Profile for
Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot`` and a relevant application form are
available in English and Russian languages on CEPF`s web-site at
http://www.cepf.net/xp/cepf/where_we_work/caucasus/caucasus_info.xml
In order to ensure successful implementation of the CEPF Programme in the
Caucasus Hotspot, CEPF established a regional coordination mechanism. The
coordination team composes of regional and national coordinators. Regional
Coordinator of the Programme is Nugzar Zazanashvili (e-mail:
[email protected]) - Conservation Director of WWF Caucasus
Programme Office, National Coordinator for Georgia is Maka Bitsadze (e-mail:
[email protected], tel: 33 01 54 /55).
This notification is to announce the second call for proposals under the
CEPF regional programme. Deadline for submission of project proposals is 31
May, 2005.
Project proposals should be submitted to CEPF National Coordinator in your
country. Also, for further detailed information on the CEPF Caucasus Hotspot
programme you can apply to CEPF national coordinator.
WWF Caucasus Programme Office
11, Alexidze street,
Tbilisi, 0171, Georgia
Tel: (995 32) 33 01 54 / 55
Fax: (995 32) 33 01 90
e-mail: [email protected]
13. EIA Reports
Source: "Sakartvelos Respublica" ("Republic of Georgia"), March 11, 2005
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, "Karieri" Ltd. submitted EIA
report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an environmental
permit for the activity of second category - Inert Materials Processing
Enterprise in Khobi Region, Village Nojixevi.
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, "Ozurgeti Tskalkanali" Ltd.
submitted EIA report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category - Water Pipeline on
the base of River Bzhuzhi.
EIA reports are available at the Department of Environmental Permits and
State Ecological Expertise (15 A Tamarashvili Str., Tel: 39 91 81).
Interested stakeholders can analyze the document and present their comments
and considerations until May 24, 2005.
Public hearing will be held on May 24, 2005 at 12:00, at the conference hall
of the Ministry of Environment (68 A, Kostava Str., Tbilisi, VI Floor).
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 75 19 03/04
Fax: ++995 32 75 19 05
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.cenn.org
Table of Contents:
1.. "Pipeline Sabotage is Terrorist's Weapon of Choice"
2.. Turkish Admiral: We are Ready to Protect Caspian
3.. SOCAR: No Strikes Only Bad Weather in Georgia
4.. BTC: First Tanker to Sail in September
5.. Ambassador: US Supports Kazakhstan in BTC
6.. Pipes for South Caucasus Pipeline to Reach Place of Consignment
7.. "Lukoil" Drills Second Exploratory Well in Caspian
8.. Turkey: BTC Best Alternative
9.. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Highlights Global Ecosystem
Degradation
10.. Inter-American Development Bank Sets New Environmental Compliance
Policy
11.. Genetically Modified Trees in Chile: A New Forest Conflict
12.. The Second Call for Proposals Under the CEPF regional Programme
13.. EIA Reports
1. "Pipeline sabotage is terrorist's weapon of choice"
Source: Pipeline and Gas Journal, March 2005
The campaign against the world's vulnerable pipeline is likely to continue
to spread new territories. The terrorist have already indicated interest in
the nearly completed 1,000-miles Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, slated
to transport 1 million barrels of oil a day form the Caspian Sea to Western
markets through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. The pipeline is expected to be
operated by the end of 2005 but even before construction ends, terrorist
elements may already be planning attacks on it. According to Azerbaijan's
National Security Minister, Namiq Abbasov, the country special services had
obtained information that regional insurgent and members of al Qaeda are
planning acts of sabotage against the pipeline.
2. Turkish Admiral: we are ready to protect Caspian
Source: Baku Today, March 29, 2005
Turkish is ready to provide assistance to Azerbaijan in ensuring the
security of Caspian oil fields, the visiting commander of the Turkish Navy,
Fleet Admiral Ozden Ornek told journalists on Monday March 28, 2005.
Ozden Ornek said that the issue of ensuring the security of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline will be in focus at his meetings with
Azerbaijani officials. "One end of the pipeline should be safeguarded by
Turkey, while the other one by Azerbaijan," said the Turkish Admiral,
stressing that his country may also assist in ensuring the security of the
Azeri section of the pipeline.
3. SOCAR: no strikes only bad weather in Georgia
Source: Washington Times, March 29, 2005
According to a statement made by State Oil Company of the Republic of
Azerbaijan (SOCAR) President Natiq Aliyev on March 23, 2005 SOCAR continues
to deny reports that workers involved in the construction of the Georgian
section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline are on strike. Aliyev
emphasized: "The construction of the Georgian section is delayed due to poor
weather conditions. However, the Georgian side makes every effort to
complete construction operations by the end of April to receive the Azeri
oil starting on 1 May."
4. BTC: first tanker to sail in September
Source: Oil and Gas Journal, March 30, 2005
Exports of crude oil via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline will began
in September, according to key state officials connected with the project.
Gokhan Cologlu, director general of the Turkish section, announced the
September date to an oil and gas conference in Ankara on March 29, 2005
confirming remarks made on March 23, 2005 by Natik Aliyev, president of
State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR).
"We are trying to stay on a schedule whereby the first tanker will sail from
the Turkish port of Ceyhan in September," Aliyev said.
Explaining that there had been delays due to a harsh winter this year, he
said: "We are doing everything possible to stay on schedule and not to be
late. In Georgia all that remains is to cross the Kura River, but think that
by April we will finis everything."
He said oil will star to flow in the Azerbaijani section in May and from
Georgia in July. "We will complete all mechanical work on the Turkish
section" on June 30, Aliyev said.
5. Ambassador: US supports Kazakhstan in BTC
Source: US Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce, March 30, 2005
The United States backs Kazakhstan's joining to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
(BTC) main export oil pipeline, John Ordway, the US Ambassador to
Kazakhstan, told a news conference in Almaty, Trend reports.
According to John Ordway, Washington continues working on establishment of
conditions for Kazakh oil delivery via the BTC. "Though the talks still
continue, we do all possible to end talk successfully and to enable the
Kazakh oil in this direction," John Ordway stressed.
The diplomat said that Kazakhstan should have alterative routes for oil
transportation.
"We do not regard the issue from the aspect of rivalry. Kazakhstan does not
possess enough capacity to transport its oil, which will be produced within
the next decades," said Ordway.
6. PIPES FOR SOUTH CAUCASUS PIPELINE TO REACH PLACE OF CONSIGNMENT
Source: State Telegraphic Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag,
March 30, 2005
The last consignment of pipes for the South Caucasus pipeline has been
unloaded in the Georgian seaport Poti. The pipes are being carried to the
depots in Azerbaijan. Since the beginning of the pipeline's construction
over 77 thousand pipes have been carried to the places of consignment.
7. "LUKOIL" DRILLS SECOND EXPLORATORY WELL IN CASPIAN
Source: State Telegraphic Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag,
March 30, 2005
The Lukoil's semi-submersible rig "Leader" is now engaged in drilling of the
second 4500 meters deep exploratory well, located in the D-222 block in
Yalama structure, the company's Baku office announced. The project costs US
$60 thousand.
8. Turkey: BTC best Alternative
Source: The Messenger, March 31, 2005
Turkey sounded the alarm Monday March 28, 2005 over the amount of oil
transiting the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, warning of an environmental
disaster waiting to happen. "The quantity of oil passing through the straits
has increased by 50% in the past three years, "Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi
Guler told a two-day conference here on energy cooperation in the Caspian
and Black Sea regions.
"If anything were to happen in the straits, it would pose a major problem
for the region, notably for Istanbul, and would affect oil supply for
months." "An environmental accident in Istanbul would be a disaster," he
said.
Hilmi Guler repeated Turkey's view that a new Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil
pipeline, which he said should be operational within months, would be the
best way to transport Caucasian oil towards the West while cutting
congestion in the two northwestern straits.
9. MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT HIGHLIGHTS GLOBAL ECOSYSTEM
DEGRADATION
Source: IUCN, March 30, 2005
The landmark Millennium Ecosystem Assessment released today reveals that
approximately 60 percent of the ecosystem services that support life on
Earth - such as fresh water, capture fisheries, air and water regulation,
and the regulation of regional climate, natural hazards and pests - are
being degraded or used unsustainably. Scientists warn that the harmful
consequences of this degradation could grow significantly worse in the next
50 years. At the same time, eight international conservation organisations
release a joint statement in support of the MEA findings, and pledge their
commitment to conservation action in support of human well-being.
10. INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK SETS NEW ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
POLICY
Source: IUCN, March 31, 2005
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is currently developing a new
Environment and Safeguard Compliance Policy. The World Conservation Union
(IUCN) has participated in several of the regional consultations, including
hosting the European consultation in Brussels. The Union welcomes the IDB's
focus on proactive mainstreaming of environmental concerns in country
programming processes and calls for strengthening the IDB's internal
management capacity and incentives to ensure that the policy is vigorously
implemented. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) is concerned, however, that
the draft IDB policy is too restrictive in its definitions and too narrow in
its approach to protecting conservation areas. Lastly, while the Union
welcomes the IDB's proposals for dealing with instances of "significant
direct" environmental impacts of policy based lending, the IDB should also
establish mechanisms to deal with potential indirect, unanticipated, or
unintentional impacts. In these cases, the Union recommends the use of
participatory monitoring mechanisms linked to adaptive management processes.
11. Genetically Modified Trees in Chile: A New Forest Conflict
Source: Mapuexpress - Mapuche News http://www.mapuexpress.net, (Informativo
Mapuche),
El Hacha (The Axe) is a song written by Patricio Manns and performed by Inti
Illimani on their release Arriesgaré la piel; its final lines refer to
deforestation: "The forest comes before Man, but desert follows him."
Without a doubt, deforestation has seriously affected the balance of forest
ecosystems worldwide, making understandable the fear that paralyzes those
who are aware of this issue; fear that is expressed in different ways, such
as in this song. A second phenomenon negatively affecting the survival of
forests is the creation of extensive single-crop forest plantations, and in
particular, current concerns about new plantations of genetically modified
trees.
To understand the negative effects of extensive single specie tree farming,
we must take into account that countries in the southern hemisphere in
general and southern Chile in particular suffer from a destructive process
that is advancing from the North. Over time, forests have been greatly
impacted by the incremental spread of agriculture and livestock, cutting for
firewood, and the felling and replacement of native forest with pine and
eucalyptus plantations, which have led to topsoil degradation and acacia and
blackberry invasions. As a result, animal habitat has been lost and the
countryside has been altered. Social problems have arisen as well, including
the forced migration of people who find themselves surrounded by huge
plantations of single-crop introduced tree species and the transformation of
the process of the restitution to Mapuche communities of traditional lands
into a matter for the courts.
The first plantations of Pinus Radiata (Monterey Pine) were established in
Chile in 1920. From that date on the forward march of this single-crop
cultivation has gone unhindered and in recent decades, the result has been
environmental change and degradation. Among the many changes are:
environmental homogeneity, evident in the vast and monotonous landscape
vistas of unchanging color and architecture; biodiversity reduction and
changes in the mechanisms that regulate its component parts; increasing
vulnerability from pest invasions and the indiscriminate application of
pesticides to control them; and the use of prime agricultural land for
cultivating tree plantations, resulting in the underutilization of this
important natural resource.
Genetic engineering techniques have been used to achieve optimum production
results in both agriculture and forest cultivation, including the genetic
manipulation of commercially important plants. These issues have gone
largely unreported to the public. People might know a little bit about
genetically modified foods, but the development of Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMOs) in the forestry industry is far less well known.
The first genetically modified (GM) trees were planted in Belgium in 1988.
In Chile, projects have been in development since the mid-1990s exploring
the use of biotechnology in trees for industrial and commercial ends, which
focus primarily on exotic species (pine and eucalyptus), with the goal of
improving productivity. These projects have public sector support from such
institutions as INFOR - Forestry Institute, (part of the Ministry of
Agriculture), Fundación Chile (Chile Foundation), and the Universities of
Concepción, Austral and Frontera, as well from the private sector -Bioforest
(controlled by Bosques Arauco). Several million dollars have been paid out
from the national treasury.
The following are some of the risks involved with planting these trees:
a) Long-term unforeseen changes in the altered or "guest" genome.
b) Genetic contamination when plantations or test stands of transgenic trees
are planted near their native forest relatives. The probability for genetic
contamination is high.
c) Changes in productivity and soil degradation (trees modified for rapid
growth are harvested in less time and use the soil more intensively, thus
there is greater demand for water and fewer opportunities for the nutrients
to recycle).
d) Possible effects on human health include resistance to antibiotics and
increased allergies.
In 2000, the New Zealand horticultural institute Hort Research won a
contract from the Chile Foundation (a governmental body) to provide
technical assistance in exchange for financing the development of a
transgenic Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine), one resistant to the moth that
attacks its buds. The goal is to "optimize the use of this natural resource
to increase its productive capacity."
The Chilean government takes a positive view of these practices and
partnerships. In its presidential announcement, made in March 2004 at the
inauguration of the first Global Biotechnology Forum, the spread of these
new trends nationwide was referred to, opening the door for the creation of
a Biotechnology Center in Chile.
According to an article by Dr. María Isabel Manzur published in October 2000
, the planting of genetically modified trees in Chile is in its initial phas
es, but some projects working with transgenic pine and eucalyptus are
already underway:
1. Bioforest, subsidiary of Forestal Arauco, located in the VIII
Region. Its research program is centered on improving pine and eucalyptus
through cloning techniques. The company also works in biological pest
control.
2. Genfor, S.A., a partnership between the Chile Foundation,
Sylvagen of Canada and Interlink of the United States, created in 1999 with
the support of CORFO (Ministry of Manufacturing Development). It utilizes
technology for improving cloning (somatic embryogenesis) and the creation of
genetically modified Pinus radiata, soon to be planted in test fields.
3. INIA IX Región (Institute of Farming and Animal Husbandry
Research), together with the Universities of Chile and Católica, CINVESTAV
Irapuato Labs of Mexico, Department of the Ministry of Agriculture (SEREMI)
of Chile's IX Region, Agrícola Mar Rojo, the Afodegama Foundation and Indes
Salus, are collaborating on a seed transgenesis development project to
enhance resistance to the apple tree scab.
4. Royal Dutch/Shell in Chile and Uruguay: Production of a GM
eucalyptus tree with a different type of lignin, making its removal easier
for the pulp and paper industry.
One incentive for establishing tree plantations in general and transgenic
trees in particular is the market for "carbon credits," which are part of
the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Production Mechanisms (CPMs) that were recently
accepted at the United Nation's 10th Framework Convention on Climate Change,
held last December in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Chile is not averse to the
idea of carbon credits, according to INFOR's Jorge Urrutia, who stated that
CPMs could turn into a very good opportunity for the forestry sector.
It is important to recognize that Chile could become one of the countries
with the greatest number of genetically modified commercial tree plantations
without the legal and environmental safeguards to control them; (currently,
the release of transgenic crops are not subject to environmental impact
studies). One of 4 demands sought by the Foundation for Sustainable
Societies (Fundación Sociedades Sustentables) - that the planting of GM
trees should be subject to Law 19.300, which requires an environmental
impact study - stems from this issue. The other demands seek a moratorium on
GM plantations, the development of a national policy for genetically
modified trees, and an assessment of risks to human and environmental
health. I see no option but to join these demands.
We must act first, understanding that the reasons used to justified GM
plantations are lies; that genetically modified trees will not reduce
pressure on the remaining native forest, roll back climate change, solve the
problem of pollution from the pulp and paper industry, or reduce the use of
pesticides.
In conclusion, 2 facts about the paper industry underscore the issue of tree
plantations in general and genetically modified trees in particular:
1. International pulp and paper industry earnings are basically
guaranteed by the resources handed to them in the form of subsidies by
southern hemisphere nation governments. Furthermore, these countries run the
risk of dependence on a raw material subject to sharp price swings, with a
high probability of lower prices in the short term, an argument against the
tremendous increase, day by day, of these plantations.
2. The majority of all the paper produced worldwide is consumed by
developed countries, with 40% of the total destined for packaging, and that
doesn't even take into account that most of the paper destined for writing
and printing is used for marketing and publicity.
These facts raise the following questions: Are we prepared to pay the costs
of these export models? Is it worth suffering the social and environmental
impacts caused by plantations to obtain these products? Are we truly
informed about the amount of national resources being used to finance the
research and establishment of genetically modified trees?
Stop Genetically Engineered Trees Campaign
A project of Global Justice Ecology Project
P.O. Box 412
Hinesburg, VT 05461 U.S.
+1.802.482.2689 ph/fax
<[email protected]>
mailto:[email protected]
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org
The Stop Genetically Engineered Trees Campaign includes the Sierra Club,
Rainforest Action Network, Dogwood Alliance, Polaris Institute, Global
Justice Ecology Project, WildLaw, Southern Forests Network, Institute for
Social Ecology Biotechnology Project, ForestEthics, Klamath-Siskiyou
Wildlands Center, Forest Stewards Guild, Northwest Resistance Against
Genetic Engineering and GE Free Maine.
12. the second call for proposals under the CEPF regional programme
Dear Colleagues,
As you are aware, from June 2004 the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
(CEPF) launched its Regional Programme in the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot.
This Programme is intended for the following countries of the Hotspot -
Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Turkey. The main aim of the
Programme is conservation of unique biodiversity in the Caucasus region. The
programme will be continued over four years (June, 2004 - June, 2008).
In the frame of a preliminary stage of the CEPF Programme the document -
``Ecosystem Profile for Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot`` has been elaborated.
This is the key document, which defines priority species, sites and
corridors in terms of biodiversity conservation in the Caucasus Hotspot.
This document determines strategic directions and investment priorities for
biodiversity conservation in the Caucasus Hotspot as well. Exactly these
mentioned priorities will be taken into consideration during review and
selection of submitted proposals. The document - ``Ecosystem Profile for
Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot`` and a relevant application form are
available in English and Russian languages on CEPF`s web-site at
http://www.cepf.net/xp/cepf/where_we_work/caucasus/caucasus_info.xml
In order to ensure successful implementation of the CEPF Programme in the
Caucasus Hotspot, CEPF established a regional coordination mechanism. The
coordination team composes of regional and national coordinators. Regional
Coordinator of the Programme is Nugzar Zazanashvili (e-mail:
[email protected]) - Conservation Director of WWF Caucasus
Programme Office, National Coordinator for Georgia is Maka Bitsadze (e-mail:
[email protected], tel: 33 01 54 /55).
This notification is to announce the second call for proposals under the
CEPF regional programme. Deadline for submission of project proposals is 31
May, 2005.
Project proposals should be submitted to CEPF National Coordinator in your
country. Also, for further detailed information on the CEPF Caucasus Hotspot
programme you can apply to CEPF national coordinator.
WWF Caucasus Programme Office
11, Alexidze street,
Tbilisi, 0171, Georgia
Tel: (995 32) 33 01 54 / 55
Fax: (995 32) 33 01 90
e-mail: [email protected]
13. EIA Reports
Source: "Sakartvelos Respublica" ("Republic of Georgia"), March 11, 2005
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, "Karieri" Ltd. submitted EIA
report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an environmental
permit for the activity of second category - Inert Materials Processing
Enterprise in Khobi Region, Village Nojixevi.
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, "Ozurgeti Tskalkanali" Ltd.
submitted EIA report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category - Water Pipeline on
the base of River Bzhuzhi.
EIA reports are available at the Department of Environmental Permits and
State Ecological Expertise (15 A Tamarashvili Str., Tel: 39 91 81).
Interested stakeholders can analyze the document and present their comments
and considerations until May 24, 2005.
Public hearing will be held on May 24, 2005 at 12:00, at the conference hall
of the Ministry of Environment (68 A, Kostava Str., Tbilisi, VI Floor).
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 75 19 03/04
Fax: ++995 32 75 19 05
E-mail: [email protected]
URL: www.cenn.org