world news - 17.10.2007
No disaster fund for Swedish forest owners
Forest— and landowners in Sweden cannot hope for any disaster fund.
The Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF) was hoping that the Government
would establish such a fund to provide financing in case of extreme
weather conditions, for example heavy storms and floods.
The committee studying the impact of climate change in Sweden and the
country's vulnerability has recently published its report and the
committee does not propose any disaster fund. Mr Bengt Holgersson,
chairman of the committee, says that forest owners can take out
insurance policies for storm damage.
The work made by forest— and landowners is most important for the
climate, says Mr Lars-Göran Persson, chairman of the LRF. — They are
among the first to feel the effects of climate change. It is most
astonishing that the committee, despite its conclusions, does not
recommend any disaster fund. The study clearly proves the increasing
need for such a fund.
Ms Linda Hedlund, director of LRF Forest Owners, shares the view but is
already looking into the future. – Now it is important for us that the
EU Solidarity Fund could be changed. The fund should also be applicable
for private persons and companies and not just for state as it has been
so far.
See also:
- — Russia to propose solution in EU lumber trade row
- — Engineered Wood Construction Guide Now Available
- — Madagascar: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,have just completed the first vegetation atlas of the country.
- — World Bank unveils new forest carbon funding scheme
- — Belarus to develop international standards for timber
