Set up co-operative network, says Taib
KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. — Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Taib Mahmud proposed last night the setting up of an Environmental Co-operation Network (ECN) to help developing countries carry out sustainable development particularly in logging and land clearing meant for agriculture activities.
Under the ECN, participating countries are provided service in three areas:
• an environmental index rating on whether land clearing and logging was done excessively or inadequately;
• environmental assessment on whether a country had carried out land degradation using the latest approved scientific methods; and,
• consultations before an environmental project is being carried out to ensure effectiveness.
Taib said the proposals would be presented at the Earth summit in Rio.
The ECN should be "above politics and trade wars" with saving the Earth as the only motivation, he said at a dinner for delegates attending the Second Ministerial Conference of Developing Countries on Environment and Development.
Taib said the ECN was in response to criticisms leveled by certain non-Governmental organizations that Sarawak was carrying out logging activities detrimental to environment.
Despite countering the al. legations and anti-timber campaigns using scientific studies and research, he said the NGOs had refused to listen and continued their confrontational stance against Sarawak.
He warned of the danger of not countering these NGOs effectively because sooner. or later, their views would be reflected in laws enacted by foreign Governments.
Source : New Straits Times, April 30, 1992
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