SYPOSIUM: TROPICAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND GLOBALIZATION (fwd)

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TROPICAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND GLOBALIZATION: HOW COMPATIBLE?

The University of Michigan student chapter of the International
Society of Tropical Foresters would like to invite you to a
symposium entitled -

TROPICAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND GLOBALIZATION: HOW COMPATIBLE?

When:	the afternoon of Monday, March 29, 1999 (2 to 6 PM)
Where:	Vandenberg Auditorium, Michigan Union 

The Theme: Globalization and Tropical Forests

Globalization, supported by the major developed nations of the world and
multilateral institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World
Bank, has grown in acceptance, and indeed begun to seem inevitable. In
economic terns, globalization is the homogenization of national
economies
into a single free-market based economy structured on the ideology of
capitalism. On the one hand it implies equal access by all countries to
the global marketplace and its benefits, as countries tear down trade
barriers and investors move capital to emerging markets. On the other
hand, opponents of globalization argue globalization requires other
nations to bow to economic rules that benefit developed countries at
others' expense. 

Some environmentalists argue that this increasing integration of the
global economy is leading to a variety of environmental and social ills,
including tropical deforestation.  Free trade and the "level" economic
playing field demanded by institutions like the International Monetary
Fund have increased forces that lead to tropical deforestation. The need
to meet multilateral loan requirements and raise cash to pay off debts
from previous loans has pressured developing countries to put previously
untapped old-growth timber resources on the world market and commit the
best agricultural land to export crops, driving peasant farmers into
forests.  

Supporters of globalization counter that economic integration raises
international environmental standards; it would be anti-competitive for
some countries to have lower environmental standards than others.
Moreover, the same institutions that support global economic integration
can encourage private sector, voluntary conservation, through efforts
such
as the timber certification movement.  Furthermore, with increased
economic integration and private sector involvement, more financial
resources can be channeled toward forest conservation. 

Purpose of the Symposium
Our symposium aims to increase awareness about the pitfalls and rewards
of
globalization for the conservation of tropical biodiversity and natural
resources. The effects of globalization may not be tangibly present in
our
daily lives, but the consequences will shape our future, both positively
and negatively. We hope the symposium will help students to and
understand
the potential implications of globalization, not only for the
environment,
but also in the larger social and cultural context.

Format
In the interest of generating an informed discussion, we are inviting
speakers with a range of viewpoints on the issue. Four guest speakers
will
make individual presentations, followed by a panel discussion to
encourage
debate and a thought-provoking exchange. 


Invited Speakers 

Confirmed:
David Kaimowitz, Ph.D.  Principal Scientist, Center for International
Forestry Research (CIFOR) in Indonesia 
Gary S. Hartshorn, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of the Practice of Tropical
Ecology, Duke University School of Environment, and Director,
Organization
of Tropical Studies

Bruce Rich, Ph.D. Program Manager, International Program, Environmental
Defense Fund 

Tentative:
Odin Knudsen, Ph.D., Director, Forest Policy Review, World Bank


Contact Information:

CONFERENCE CO-COORDINATORS:

Darci Andresen, Masters Student, School of Natural Resources and
	Environment. 
	Email: 	darcia@umich.edu
	Tel: 	741-0592

Mary Cox, Masters Student, School of Natural Resources and Environment.
	Email:  mccox@umich.edu
	Tel: 	930-9554

Liz DeMattia, Ph.D. Student, Department of Biology
	Email:	mede@ummich.edu
	Tel:	741-9762

Sergio Knaebel, Masters Student, School of Natural Resources and
	Environment; President, UM-ISTF.
	Email:  sknaebel@umich.edu
	Tel:  	913-4593 


REGISTRATION COORDINATOR:

Jesse Buff, Masters Student, School of Natural Resources and
Environment.
	Email: jbuff@umich.edu