COUNTRIES are generally aware of the environme-ntal problems caused by the cultivation of cocaine and ^narl)uana but they may fail to recognize that thege crops also undermine economic growth and development says an expert in environmental law

The economic impact of black market activities like drug production are severe, and they are negative — not I>os4tive said Robert Hous-m.in senior attorney with the non iirofit Center for International Environmental Law In Washington and the author of an u|h omtng book on the social imp.M t of illicit crop pro-d< M t lot I

The How id illicit money into a country isn t development and it - not growth." Housman told participants In a WorldNet televised dialogue sponsored by the US Information Agency May 5. The economic returns "are false returns."

For example, "the influx of drug money into Colombia caused the revaluation of the Cotombian currency " Although that sounds good he said, producers of legitimate goods suffered losses "because their products were not longer competitive."

Furthermore. Housman said, "black markets — illegal drug production — make It more difficult to open your markets effectively' and compete internationally. Countries must stimulate Investment tn capital producing goods and In education and training "to build a first-class labor force. But It s very difficult to Invest when the government has not revenue... Black market activities don't pay taxes '

Furthermore, he said. "If we could dedicate one-tenth of what we will spend this year on controlling drugs and drug-related crime to developmental policies, think of the jobs that could be created. Now that s real growth, not fictional growth."

Asked about glyphosate, a chemical used in eradication of coca, marijuana, and opium poppy as well as for weed con trol In legitimate agriculture. Housman noted that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "classifies it an non-toxic. highly biodegrad able, and generally non-toxic for animals as well."

It can cause mild irritation of eyes and skin, but this is easily avoided if workers use protective clothing according to EPA. The chemicals used in cocaine production, such as sulfuric acid and kerosene "are far more toaic to the environment and humans Housman said. He added that Ms family uses glyphosate for weed control tn their yard According to DEA glyphosate ts also used in some marijuana eradication programs tn the United States that are operated by the slates and partly funded by DEA.

According to the State De partmen t s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, some 50.000 hectares of Colombian rain forest are currently devoted to coca cultivation That is rain forest that is lost for our lifetime, our children's lifetimes. and probably our grand . childrens lifetimes. Housman said

Environmental havoc also occurs when chemicals and fertilizers used In coca cultivation and cocaine production spill onto the land and into the river, he said.

In summary. Housman stressed that "if we eliminate illicit crops we can turn to legal crops and begin a process of sustainable agriculture. We can stop throwing chemicals recklessly on these fields and start moving forward with real development."

Furthermore, we can start putting money to productive use. You'll see foreign direct investment increase, stability will bring more money to your country, local capital will remain — and then you can moveforward with development.

But you’re not going to see that unless we can eliminate the cycle of violence and corruption that occurs with the black market.”