The decision taken by Nelson Wong, from the Malaysian Timber Council, to leave this list, should be a matter of concern for those who would rather belong to a truly international, open and democratic forum for the discussion of forest related issues. Nelson has consistently enriched the list with substantive comments, often encouraging further discussion on matters of regional or global interest. Some of you may not always agree with him, but I believe we all have benefited by the point of view of someone with a different perspective on an array of issues of common interest. I share the frustrations that have led Nelson to take this decision. The list has been reduced to a biased and distorted window for the discussion of only certain perspectives on forest issues. The participation from third-world countries is minimal, despite the fact that a very large portion of remaining forest are located there, that these forests affect, or are affected by, an array of variables with international dimensions, or that many of the messages posted to the list refer to forests in developing countries. The very limited proportion of list members from these same countries has been recognized by the list administrator. The need for an open and participatory international forum for the discussion of forest issues is needed today more than ever. A series of issues of international concern, such as deforestation and forest degradation, certification, the international convention on forests, projected world demand for wood products, or the definition of principles and criteria for the sustainable management of forests throughout the world, require a forum for the free flow of messages from all corners of the Earth. I believe this should be the aim of this list. That is not in fact what it is all about. My own sense of frustration with the way the list is managed has led me to abstain from a more active participation in its discussions, as used to be the case. I believe it is not only possible, but also necessary, for the list to open itself up and encourage further participation from developing countries. This is why I proposed to include the use of the other two key languages normally used in international discussions: Spanish and French. My own attempt to send messages in Spanish encountered a rude reaction from the list owner. It came with the threat that, if more postings in such undesirable languages continued, he would have to "take appropriate action". Only English is allowed, or else.. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, English is normally not the main or even one of the main languages of communication in the developing world. I therefore regret to see Nelson leave this list. I still find it useful, at least to receive an impression of what Europeans and North-American thing of forest issues. I only wish that such impressions could be enriched by also allowing the free flow of perceptions and proposals from people in Asia, Africa and Latin America, the large majority of whom do not speak English. On the other hand, I would like to express my support to Nelson's decision to start a new forest list, open and participatory, where English, Spanish and French are allowed on an equal basis and without discrimination. I expect to be one of its members, and would like to encourage others to join as well, both from industrial and developing countries. We must make it a common goal to help close the North-South divide at least in the exchange of ideas on forest matters. So long Nelson, and best wishes. _______________________________________________ Julio Cesar Centeno, PhD Las Tapias, Edif. Carreto Pent House Tel. +58-74-714576 PO Box 750 Fax +58-74-714576 Merida - Venezuela Email: JCenteno@ciens.ula.ve http://www.ciens.ula.ve/~jcenteno/ _______________________________________________
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