The Philippines’ export sector is hoping the government will end its logging ban when it launches a new reforestation programme.
Philexport (the Confederation of Philippines Export Foundation) says business is willing to become involved in the government’s new initiative, which it believes will provide a more workable and sustainable forest management policy than in the past.
The country’s furniture industry has warned that a prolonged logging ban could threaten about 500,000 jobs in furniture manufacturing, another 300,000 positions in related trades and up to one million subcontractors.
President Gloria Arroyo’s reforestation initiative, expected to cover five million ha in five years, will allow individuals, groups and companies to profit from what they plant. About 30% of sales from reforested lands will be handed back to the government.
