ABSTRACT
Forests of intrinsic value and worth. Forests of beauty, of natural harmony, of extraordinary biological diversity. Forests wherein some human beings, adapted to the rigours of high humidity and heat, have shown that they are able to dwell, not in competition with their surroundings but in a state of interdependence with them, causing no irreversible ecosystem destruction. Yet forests whose very existence is now threatened…
Such threat is almost impossible to believe-deriving from ignorance or greed? From malpractices or misguided principles? It seemed appropriate to begin this glimpse into the issues surrounding the destruction of the world’s tropical rain forests with the words ‘intrinsic value and worth’. Our minds are regularly bombarded with media coverage of the desperate plight of our planet’s rain forests, with photographs, documentaries, campaigns, pleas for action and horrifying accounts of destruction statistics and their resultant threats to the world. Literature on the subject has increased at a dramatic rate in recent years and almost always sets the stage for discussion with an overview of sound yet utilitarian reasons for global concern. These will inevitably include the maintenance of biological diversity, climatic stability, protection of food and medical supplies, conserving other forest products and resources, protection of soil and water and the survival of indigenous people. Rarely are ethical perspectives highlighted amongst the myriad of complex suggested solutions to, or issues surrounding, the disappearance of the rain forests.
