Zero Tolerance to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in Sustainable Forest Management
by Edward Missanjo, Kyushu University
Slavery was abolished at different times in different countries. The historical links between slavery and forest management are well documentedbut the question still exists: Has slavery really ended in this area of economic activity? My participation in the RENKEI workshop that took place from 16th – 26th August 2017 at University of Liverpool partly helped me to answer this question. The main objective of the workshop was to bring together established and early scholars to share and discuss the latest research key challenges in the slavery and slavery-like practices – from historical examples to contemporary challenges around human trafficking and forced labour.
Image: How modern slavery is destroying the environment via CNN
Sustainable forest management (SFM) means the environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of forests for present and future generations. The operations/ activities in SFM includes raising of seedlings, planting, pruning, thinning, felling of trees, production of forest products, transportation of forest products, etc. All these operations involve employment of people. What are the working conditions of these people? During our workshop discussions it became clear that, although slavery has been abolished, it is still happening in different forms. Examples of modern slavery in forest management include: debt bondage, where a person is forced to work for free to pay debt, child labour and forced labour, where victims are made to work through violence and intimidation. Further, research has also identified ways in which modern slavery is destroying the environment, thereby contributing to climate change.
The other major lesson emerged from our discussions during the workshop was that knowing the terrible history of past slaveries can inspire action in the present and help us to form a better future. This is why it is important to have museums deal with this topic, such as the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, and for them to exist all over the world.
In conclusion, in order to promote zero tolerance to modern slavery and human trafficking in SFM, there is a need to continue awareness campaign on the evils of modern slavery and human trafficking in SFM; integrate the anti-slavery and human trafficking policies and apply them to SFM and continue conducting research in modern slavery and human trafficking in SFM. Some of the research questions we need to address include: What is the awareness level of people in modern slavery in carrying out forestry operations? What problems are associated with modern slavery in carrying out forestry operations? How can we combat modern slavery in forestry operations?
Personal Benefits from the RENKEI Workshop
Thanks to my participation in the workshop, I improved my communication and leadership skills, as well as my creative thinking. This was possible because of the valuable opportunities for learning from other participants who came from various background and disciplines. I could broaden my perspective when solving problems by seeing the issue from various approaches. I have also created a great network with other participants which I believe will be extremely beneficial someday. I look forward to being involved in other RENKEI activities in future.
