Member nations of the G-8 have been urged to adopt a three point plan to stamp out illegal logging proposed by the Philippine environment and natural resources secretary, Michael Defensor.
In a statement sent to the G-8 environment and development ministers meeting in the UK, Mr Defensor said the Philippines has been among the worst victims of illegal logging worldwide.
He called on the G-8 countries to ban importation of illegal wood into their markets; to halt government’s purchases of illegal wood; and to support enforcement capacity in timber-producing countries and regions.
“By making it illegal to import illegally produced logs, the G8 would send a significant market message. If the peddlers of illicit wood have nowhere to send their products they will be forced to stop their destructive practices |
Philippine environment and natural resources secretary, Michael Defensor |
Mr Defensor said other countries have established procurement policies that eliminate illegal wood products and he encouraged other nations to follow suit. He added: “By making it illegal to import illegally produced logs, the G8 would send a significant market message. If the peddlers of illicit wood have nowhere to send their products they will be forced to stop their destructive practices.”