Launched at the IMF–World Bank meetings in Singapore, the report said that, despite the scale of illegal logging, there are few instances of prosecution. Those that are prosecuted are likely to be the poor while large-scale operators carry on regardless.
Anti-money laundering and asset forfeiture laws are important tools in the fight against forest clearing, corruption and organised crime, says the report.
However, it acknowledges that combating illegal logging is dangerous work, with many forest police, park rangrs and members of NGOs injured or killed as they try to stop the activity.
Also highlighted is China’s massive appetite for timber – with imports rising from US$6bn in 1996 to US$16bn in 2005. Many conservation groups believe China is plundering the world’s forests to provide exports to the west – a claim China denies.
On a positive note, illegal logging is now discussed openly by governments – a move underlined by the launch of the G8 Illegal Logging Dialogue in Singapore.
It comprises lawmakers from G8 nations, plus China, India and other top timber producing nations, along with timber companies and NGOs who aim to develop a plan of action. A set of recommendations will be presented to the G8 in 2008.
