Illegal logging generates $15 bn
March 21st, 2012 - 9:18 pm ICT by IANSLondon, March 21 (IANS) Illegal logging generates $10-15 billion around the world, the World Bank has said.
Most illegal logging operations are run by organised crime, and much of the profit goes to corrupt officials, the BBC reported Wednesday quoting the bank’s Justice for Forests report. Countries affected include Indonesia, Madagascar and several in West Africa.
The analysts calculate that an area of forest the size of a soccer pitch is illegally logged every second.
Three years ago the US amended the Lacey Act, and now companies operating in the US are obliged to prove that their wood comes from legal sources. A number of businesses are being investigated under the amendment, notably the iconic Gibson guitar company.
The EU has introduced similar legislation, and a growing number of companies will only buy wood that is demonstrably legal and sustainably harvested, the BBC added.
- Top US guitar maker accused of illegal Indian wood imports - Aug 27, 2011
- US Everglades, Madagascar forests added to UNESCO's endangered list - Aug 01, 2010
- Report: 88 percent of logging in Indonesia is illegal - Jun 23, 2011
- DNA helps curb illegal logging of rainforests - Jul 04, 2011
- Brazil Senate moves to expel lawmaker linked to crime - May 09, 2012
- India records 'modest growth' of forest area despite population boom: FAO report - Feb 03, 2011
- Sumatran tiger kills 5-year-old in western Indonesia - Nov 07, 2011
- Natural teak forests declining worldwide: UN - Apr 26, 2012
- Natural teak forests declining: UN - Mar 27, 2012
- Government to root out Goa mining mafia: Governor (Lead) - Mar 20, 2012
- Craig, AK resident sentenced for illegal take and sale of sea otters - Apr 22, 2010
- Himachal forester resigns after legislator's threats - Mar 25, 2012
- Overcome hurdles to up investment in infrastructure: FICCI - Sep 11, 2011
- 33 firms fined for deforestation in Brazil - Apr 07, 2010
- Canadian businesses show increased optimism: Bank of Canada - Apr 10, 2012
Tags: bbc, corrupt officials, forests, gibson guitar company, illegal logging, indonesia, lacey act, legal sources, legislation, logging operations, london march, madagascar, march 21, soccer pitch, west africa, world bank