Svetetogorsk takes the lead
Here is an example on how satellite imageries influence a policy decision. New maps produced by Greenpeace and The Biodiversity Conservation Centre showing the decline in ancient forests in Russia based on satellite images have prompted the Svetogorsk pulp and paper mill, a major paper producer in Russia to phase out the use of ancient forest wood in its production entirely. The mill owned by a Swedish company, Tetra Laval, produces 180,000 tonnes of printing paper per year. 70% of the production is exported to Europe and America. The Svetogorsk Mill, located in the Leningrad region will introduce a major provision in its policy to ensure that no wood from ancient forests is processed. The information provided by Greenpeace GIS mapping project is startling. At a glance, anyone can see that ancient forests in Western Russia are getting smaller and more fragmented every day. Greenpeace has used the Remote Sensing technology and on-the-ground verification to produce detailed maps showing forest areas down to 20,000 ha in size. It is planning to provide this information to companies using wood products in Russia and Europe so that they can demand ancient forest-free products from their supplier. The decision of the Svetogorsk mill shows that it is possible to protect these forests and continue industrial production. In fact, there is in an urgent need to carry out such studies using GIS to give a graphical presentation to fast reducing forest areas of India and also for the industries to respect the needs of environment and understand the importance of forest. Are industries in India ready to take initiatives on the lines similar to Svetogorsk?
For details:
www.greenpeace.org/pressreleases/forests/1998dec17.html
