Companies promoting Genetically Modified Trees open up to scrutiny

Following an information sharing meeting of The Forests Dialogue hosted by Forests Peoples Programme and FERN in November 2013, five major pulp and paper companies have released information about their plans to develop Genetically Modified Trees (GMT). In publicly answering a questionnaire drafted by several NGOs, the companies respond to some of civil society's main concerns about the possible social and environmental impacts and explain how their companies plan to ensure that any GMT pilots and possible industrial-scale operations avoid causing harm. The meeting was the third held by The Forest Dialogue on GMT. From the point of view of Forest Peoples Programme, the information sharing meeting was very helpful in spotlighting the need for much stronger consideration of the rights of forest peoples in any further development of GMT. Our own conclusion is that GMT technologies are likely to stimulate further intensification of forest industries for the production of fibre for pulp and paper. In the past, intensification has led to widespread violations of the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples, as well as extensive clearance of natural forests and peatlands. The companies' answers to the questionnaire show that they are alert to these implications, which indeed have been highlighted in previous meetings of The Forests Dialogue on the theme of Intensively Managed Planted Forests. While the answers to the questionnaire show that the companies are aware of the social implication of GMTs, it is our view that much stronger safeguards are needed to avoid harm. It is even less clear how or whether the technology can be adjusted to benefit forest peoples. Answers to GMT Questionnaire