The report also outlines the negative aspects of the so-called Global Free Logging Agreement, which is designed to eliminate tariffs on timber products. In addition, the report discusses concerns over new rules that are expected to be up for discussion at the next round of talks. The authors of the report strongly recommend that current trade rules as well as new measures before the organization be examined to guarantee that they offer adequate protections for forests before the negotiators proceed. The WTO should not adopt new agreements liberalizing trade in forest products at the Seattle Ministerial meeting or in a new round. Instead, there must be a comprehensive review of the impact of all WTO agreements that impact forest ecosystems and biodiversity, and existing agreements must be reformed to protect forests and our environment before any new agreements are considered.
Invasive species are the second leading threat to forest bio-diversity.
The United States and states in the western United States have banned the export of unprocessed, or raw, logs from public lands. WTO rules prohibit such export bans. Certain WTO rules prohibit different treatment of a product based on the way it is produced. This collides with governments that practice green procurement. Such governments, for example, purchase recycled paper to lower the demand for materials from native and unsustainably managed forests.