“Destroying rainforest for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal.” ― Edward O. Wilson
The Greens (WA) recognise the unique and natural beauty of Western Australia's native forests and woodlands and acknowledge both their intrinsic value as well as their vital role in the protection and production of ecosystem services, such as clean air and water.
They are an important part of our natural heritage, they contain and protect rich biodiversity, they provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities and they sequester large amounts of carbon.
Western Australia's forest and woodlands have developed unique and often complex symbiotic associations and adaptations aimed at efficient nutrient and water use in nutrient-deficient, water-scarce environments.
Studies of these (provided they remain intact) will help us to understand how crop plants, and other plants of economic importance, can produce under increasing nutrient and water stress.
The Greens (WA) seek to end the logging and clearing of native forests and woodlands.
After decades of clearing, over-cutting and general mismanagement, many of our native forest and woodland ecosystems have been left fragmented, degraded and in need of protection and restoration.
The already serious impacts on our forests and woodlands of reduced rainfall and diseases like dieback, Armillaria and marri canker are compounded by logging, mining and inappropriate burning.
With comprehensive protection and good management our native forests can form the centrepiece of a World Heritage listing in recognition of their global significance.
Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC - Member for South Metropolitan Region Legislative Council, Parliament of Western Australia