Can't see the forest for the trees

Friends of the Earth's latest report claims millions of the world's poorest people are at risk from trade rules - called Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) - which threaten forests globally.

32 MPs and 8 researchers attended the launch in parliament of our new report called Can't see the forest for the trees.

The report says over 1 billion people rely on forests for:

• Income
• Shelter
• Medicine
• Food.

Forests also help combat climate change and house 90% of all land-based biodiversity.

And yet, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) wants to increase trade not just in wood but all natural resources. It also wants to remove laws which protect the environment.

The report launch was hosted by Martin Horwood MP and speakers included Oliver Letwin MP, and Friends of the Earth International Trade Campaigner, Ronnie Hall.

Martin Horwood MP, Tony Juniper Friends of the Earth Director, and Oliver Letwin MP at the parliamentary launch of the report.

The launch, on 16 November, proved well timed.

• 1 month before the 6th WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong.
• 2 days after Tony Blair's speech to business people focusing on international trade.
• Immediately after a trade debate in parliament.

In fact, so many MPs said they wanted to attend we changed our booking at the House of Commons for a larger room.

MPs stand in the doorway
to listen

But still all the chairs got taken and some MPs even stood in the corridor to listen!

As a result of Friends of the Earth's campaign on NAMA, Tim Yeo MP has tabled an Early Day Motion.

This parliamentary petition calls on the UK Government to stop the WTO from threatening environmental laws.

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Main image © Friends of the Earth