Fight against Illegal Logging Gaining Momentum The fight against illegal logging isn't new, but it's certainly gaining momentum — as international bodies like the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) work with governments, the forest industry and conservation groups to find practical solutions to this complex global problem. According to a study published by the American Forest & Paper Association* (AF&PA), an estimated $5 billion worth of suspicious roundwood, lumber and plywood enters the world market every year — and that's only a small portion of the total, since the vast majority of illegal wood is consumed in its country of origin. The World Bank estimates that illegal logging nets an annual profit of between $12 billion and $15 billion. Although the term "illegal logging" covers a wide range of violations, the main concern is wood sourced from national parks and reserves, wood that's stolen from communities and private landowners, and wood that violates international trade agreements. Impacts: Environmental, Social and Economic Illegal logging is most common in developing countries or those with economies in transition. These include Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, and countries in West and Central Africa — and that's only part of the list. The environmental impacts vary from reduced forest cover and biodiversity, to the loss of entire forest ecosystems. But equally destructive are the impacts on communities, where illegal logging promotes a climate of fear and often results in violence. In Brazil, for example, a 74-year-old American nun, Dorothy Stang, was murdered in February 2005 for trying to protect the Amazon rainforest. A Brazilian congressional panel investigating the murder found evidence that loggers, ranchers and officials were behind a conspiracy of violence directed against peasant farmers and environmental activists. In addition to promoting conflict, illegal logging takes needed income away from poor communities which, through proper resource management, could vastly improve their standard of living. It reduces tax dollars collected by governments and, because of increased supply, lowers the price of forest products on the world market by an estimated 7%-16%. This places unfair stress on companies in North America, Europe and other countries that respect the law and go to great lengths — and expense — to manage their forests sustainably. The AF&PA study reported a close link between corruption and illegal logging, and pointed to "poverty, lack of education, lack of economic freedoms and population growth" all as having an effect. The main motivator is of course profit-specifically the high profit margin associated with taking logs illegally, even when the risk of being caught is factored in. The study concluded that, to be effective, the solution must "reduce the spread between the costs of operating illegally and the costs of operating legitimately." The Solution: A Combined Global Effort According to environmentalist and author Dr. Patrick Moore, "developed countries can contribute to the solution by sharing what we know about sustainability, and by using tropical hardwoods only where it can be demonstrated that they come from sustainably managed forests." To this end, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) funds hundreds of projects designed to teach forest sustainability and strengthen local — and legitimate — forest industries, thus putting pressure on those who operate outside the law. This has the added benefit of helping to address the social and economic factors that contribute to illegal logging in the first place. Another approach is for importing countries to restrict trade and the consumption of suspicious products. It seems relatively easy for customs officers to stop logs or wood products coming from countries known for illegal activities. Unfortunately, it's just as easy for smugglers to forge documents that make the logs appear to come from elsewhere. The ITTO is also active in the collection of import and export data, helping to shed light on illegal activities by keeping track of where shipments are harvested and sold. Countries around the world, through individual initiatives and collaborative agreements, are taking multiple approaches — combining the above strategies with efforts to strengthen laws and enforcement, enhance community involvement, improve technologies and promote sound business practices. The Good News Despite its recent vigor, the fight against illegal logging has been going on for years — with some positive results. The ITTO web site (www.itto.or.jp) spotlights some of the achievements made in Bolivia, Cameroon, Ghana, Malaysia and other countries. In Brazil, the government has taken an increasingly tough stand in recent years, arresting more people, confiscating more logs, imposing stiffer penalties — and, following Dorothy Stang's murder, designating two vast conservation areas in the Amazon rainforest. In Indonesia, a recent crackdown on smugglers is also having some effect, at least in the short term. At a meeting of The Forests Dialogue, a representative from the Indonesian Forestry Department admitted that "illegal logging is devastating the forests of Indonesia," and that "over half the logging in Indonesia is illegal." He said that his country is committed to putting an end to illegal trade but needs international help. These are just a few examples, but they're part of the solution — because they represent steps toward forest sustainability, and because they demonstrate that efforts to stop illegal logging can be successful, which helps to maintain political and popular support. The Last Word The solution to illegal logging is as complex as the problem itself. But making sure that countries have the knowledge and resources to practice sustainable forestry is vital. "One can only hope," said Patrick Moore, "that the more people are able to practice sustainability and receive the economic benefits, the less tolerant they'll be of illegal activities that threaten long term forest health." Choose Tropical Hardwoods Wisely: By purchasing tropical hardwoods that are proven to come from sustainably managed forests, you can encourage improved practices and help to fight illegal trade. Choose certified wood, or visit the International Tropical Timber Organization for a list of countries making real progress toward forest sustainability. Links with more information on Tropical hardwoods: International Wood Products Association The Forests Dialogue United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization