The environmental impacts of industrial tree monocultures have been widely documented, as have the effects of this industry on local communities in the countries of the South. However, relatively little is known about the working conditions of those who are employed on these plantations and the effects of this work on their health.
Publications
Until now the debate over genetically modified organisms – also known as transgenic organisms – has mainly focused on agricultural crops, and only to a much lesser extent on genetically modified trees. This is understandable, given that transgenic crops such as corn and soybeans are already being commercially grown and will be directly or indirectly eaten by human beings, posing a potential threat to their health.
Transgenic Trees
Impacts of Eucalyptus Monocultures on Indigenous and Afrobrazilian Women in the State of Espírito Santo.
By Gilsa Barcellos and Simone Ferreira
Women and Eucalyptus. Stories of Life and Resistance
Also available in Portuguese
By Chris Lang and Timothy Byakola
Selection of articles published in the monthly electronic bulletin of the World Rainforest Movement, addressing the impacts of the oil palm plantations in the forestss.
Oil Palm. From Cosmetics to Biodiesel, Colonization Lives On
By Patricia Granda
Through various government programmes and initiatives, with the support of international cooperation agencies, monoculture tree plantations have been established in Ecuador’s three mainland regions.
By Rivani Noor and Rully Syumanda
By Chris Lang and Bruce Shoemaker.
Contents:
· Background: Forests and Rural Communities in Laos
· The Failure of the ADB’s First Plantation Project in Laos
· The ADB’s New Plantations Project in Laos: Repeating the Same
Mistakes?
BOX: The impacts of industrial tree plantations are being increasingly felt by rural communities. Eyewitness reports describe some of these impacts.
· Conclusion
By the World Rainforest Movement
Proponents of industrial tree plantations argue that the plantations are “reforestation”, increasing the area of forest, providing jobs for local people, or reducing pressure on natural forests. This report examines these companies’ operations in Cambodia, the impacts observed to date on the local populations and the environment, and the associated human rights violations.
