Intergovernmental Solutions

Over the past decade, numerous documents have been created, which address the various issues pertaining to global deforestation. Presently, documents like the one being proposed in the current Global Forestry Convention, are still being written to deal with the dilemma about our disappearing forests. One reason for the plentiful number of documents addressing this issue is because the current ones are not adequately accomplishing their goals. There are several circumstances which may contribute to states experiencing difficulty with these documents. One is that they are, for the most part, simply negotiated agreements which can not be inforced other than by another country's word. Another, is that they contain too many exceptions and in some places sound contradictory.
These documents are compiled by a variety of different countries, each with unique interests. This diversity can be a benefit as well as hindrance for the ideas in the final document. This is because the documents must be written in general terms for all individuals to come to an agreement on the issue; and without a comprehensive "definition of terms," these documents can be interpreted various ways. For example, in the The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Principle 19, it says that "States shall provide prior and timely notification and relevant information to potentially affected States...." What makes information timely - days, weeks, months? Different states can interpret this to mean different lengths of time. What makes information relevant? What one country may consider insignificant, another country may consider extremely important. In Combating Deforestation Chapter 11.12 (b), it states "[t]o prepare and implement, as appropriate,...." Again, this is open to interpretation. What makes preparation and implementation of an action appropriate can vary from state. In addition, language its self can be a barrier. Documents need to be translated and, through translation, the meaning may be altered. Consequently, even a broader range of misunderstandings can arise from a document(Penn 131). Like the Bible, various sects or opinions can result from the same document because of differences between people. Of the recent documents, The International Tropical Timber Agreement is the only binding agreement, and the only agreement with a definition of terms.
Despite these problems, some universal concerns seem to arise repeatedly in documents which address forestry. One important issue that plays an overbearing role is the concern for each country's sovereignty. Countries want to have control over their own natural resources which they claimed to be part of their sovereignty. This leads to problems because no country can tell another how to handle their natural resources. Where the relationship between developed and undeveloped countries is concerned, special circumstances may arise. If a developed country is dependent on (and possibly exploiting) a resource from an undeveloped country which is abusing its resources, the developed country may be reluctant to interfere because the undeveloped country might perceive as a violation of their sovereignty. The consequences of this perceived violation could be the loss of the resource from the undeveloped country. As long as the misuse of a resource does not affect another country, the country misusing that resource can claim it has a sovereign right to use its resources in its best interest. These interest may not coincide with those of another country and this is where conflict arises.
Another key factor in the forestry documents is the desire for improving or maintaining economic status while attempting to conserve, preserve, and maintain the forests, in other words, achieve a sustainable development status. This is addressed in the documents in various ways including the mention of trade policy, price trend, and helping developing countries integrate better technology or other methods which allow them to achieve sustainable development status at a faster rate promoting economic growth.
The inclusion of previously neglected groups seems to be a general theme as well. The more recent documents include groups such as: indigenous people, women, the youth, and NGOs. This shows a trend of increasing value and importance towards the ideas and perspectives of everyone who is affected by these agreements. In addition, governments are more and more turning to NGOs for information and support services. In time, these agreements may be more effective due to the involvement of these groups because of pressure on and assistance given to governments.
The general solution all the documents have proposed is sustainable development, even if they don't use that exact term to describe their goal. They see education of all parties involved as the first stepping stone to reaching a sustaining development. The results of the countries progress in this strategy can be recorded and the results made available to the public ( a provision of Combating Deforestation Chapter 11.4).
Overall, the treaties appear to have one major flaw. Everyone is so concerned with the economic suffering their country might feel as a result of a strict binding agreement that , that they are not willing to sacrifice some of their present benefit to achieve a greater future for future generations, their country, the environment, and the earth.

"Human beings are at the center of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature." ( THE Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Principle 1, 1992)

Governmental Solutions

International Agreements

For an accurate assesment of the forests:
Forest Resources 1996-1997.
Annual Review and Assesment of the World Tropical Timber Situation.