Sinking trees
The Goro Nickel project in New Caledonia is catastrophic for the marine environment and coral reefs. The project is also disastrous for the terrestrial environment. The forest fires in New Caledonia demonstrate the insufficient means and techniques at human disposition to fight against the catastrophies. This insufficiency on land also holds true for the ocean and coastlines. The black chemical tides generated by the arrival of raw materials and Goro Nickel mine exportations would not be counteractable. The Polmar plan (Marine Pollution Plan) and means in New Caledonia are laughable.
Whale in the Mud
The New Caledonia project conducted by the Canadian mining company Inco, known in Canada and Central America for infractions against human rights and the environment, must immediately be stopped by the French government, specifically the Minister of Finances, who contributes to the project, as well as the Minister of Ecology, who is responsible for the protection of biodiversity in New Caledonia.
The Samaratin Whale
Japan has asked for a new item to be put on the agenda at the 56th International Whaling Commission in Sorrento this week; “future sustainable whaling – full utilization of harvested whales”. The admitted aim of this maneuver – which leaves more than one Party perplexed – is to review the history of past whaling, especially in the Antarctic Ocean, by underlining the possible uses of all whale parts. To do this Japan refers to sustainable development and Article VIII 2 of the founding Convention of the IWC, which stipulates that “any whales taken under these special permits (scientific permits) shall so far as praticable be processed and the proceeds shall be dealt with in accordance with directions issued by the Government by which the permit was granted”.
Condemn or condone ?
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) continues to be one of the most contentious international Conventions of the Parties around. While countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Monaco, France, Italy, the USA and the United Kingdom promote survival of the species, the agenda of it’s Asian contingency focuses on loose ocean governance and industrial fishing success based on their relatively easy pooling of the votes (1) of African, Caribbean and other developing countries.
Caribbean and African States say no to conservation
In 2003 the International Whaling Commission put into motion an important initiative designed to look holistically at the marine environment and how best to conserve marine mammals within this scheme.
The establishment of this Committee has opened up new possibilities for the IWC to promote International cooperation and provide adequate advice for interested national Governments on issues related to cetacean management and conservation.