If it gets through, this is what we've identified can happen - all bad outcomes for biodiversity:

• Conversion of native species plantations to Pine trees or other exotics
• No obligation to restore or maintain pre-harvest composition, structure and diversity
• Limited ability for auditors or other stakeholders to meaningfully challenge the outcome.

There are two Clauses in the draft.

Clause One is fair and reasonable - Logging companies would have to demonstrate evidence that shows replacing a native species area with an exotic species will be able to reestablish the pre-harvest condition (diversity, structure and composition).  We suggest some tweaking to close loop holes.

but...

Clause Two is completely inconsistent with Criterion 10.1 and Principle 10 overall and is unacceptable.

• No mention of any requirement to regenerate to pre-harvest condition
• Allows any native species plantation to be replaced with exotics if growth rates or yields are not met.

Read the full text of our draft submission - We'll add your name before submitting!

Read more about the issues here.