The German Environmental movement and B.C. Forestry practices : an analysis of strategy choices
Date
1996
Authors
MacKenzie, Carol Anne
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Abstract
In the past few years, major policy changes have taken place in B.C. forestry practices. These changes can be, in part, attributed to the pressure exerted by both domestic and international environmental groups. The internationalization of the issue has served to heighten awareness for this issue and has played an important role in inspiring change. The aim of this thesis is to examine the strategies used by public interest groups within the international sphere. Through the application of a case study, which examines the means of advocacy utilized by German environmental groups in the campaign aimed at B.C. forestry policy, I offer insight into the tactics and channels used in an indirect pressure campaign.
This study demonstrates that German environmental groups have focused their interests on two main aspects: the issue as a matter of global interest and the importance of changing social values. Lobbying has been carried out with the intention of promoting the development of international regulations in forestry, and in the hopes of influencing trade relations; in addition, public awareness work has been undertaken in order to influence social values, and through consumer education provide market regulation of forestry practices.