Sustainability and New Zealand's indigenous forests

Abstract

In order to gain a picture of what sustainable development means, it is necessary to examine the concept at a broad level. This is broken into anthropocentric terms, equity (or fairness) in both spatial and temporal terms, and the need for a holistic view of the system. Spatial equity reinforces the need for justice under current use regimes, taking account of current inequalities in resource distribution and in distribution of the costs and benefits associated with resource use. Temporal equity requires that future generations be accounted for in current resource use decisions.

When applied globally to forests, matters of particular importance are identified as: global species diversity, pollution, and living standards. Narrowing this view further to New Zealand indigenous forest use, similar but more localised implications are drawn. The sustainable development of this resource will require that a balance is struck between preservation and utilisation, so that both industries and communities, and ecological systems remain viable. The production and utilisation patterns of timber must alter, and market reorganisation is seen as a way of achieving this. This market reorganisation is necessary to encourage greater recognition of non-market values in forest products, and discourage the view that indigenous forests represent a ‘free’ resource.

Further implications which arise include the requirement that past and present breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi are addressed, and that there will be a need for increased financial commitment and provision of Government services. International implications include the flow on effect of market alteration on Pacific economies, and the consequent effects on the community viability of the Pacific nations.