Illegal Logging
Illegal logging
I. Introduction
Introduction to illegal logging
Illegal logging has risen to prominence in international forestry dialogues over the last five years and there is a growing international willingness to combat the problem. There is widespread recognition of its linkages to ineffective governance, social conflict and violence. Illegal logging practices and trade cost the producers of legitimately sourced wood products billions of dollars in lost revenue. Considerable harm to forests and forest ecosystems may also occur.
WHAT IS ILLEGAL LOGGING?
Illegal logging takes place when timber is harvested, transported, bought or sold in violation of national and/or international laws. It is a pervasive problem in many countries where it is undermining authorities’ efforts to manage forests sustainable. It is difficult to give a global definition of illegal logging because much depends on the specific laws of an individual country.
New Zealand accepts that sovereign nations are best placed to confirm the legality of timber operations and timber trade. In cases where forest governance, law enforcement and sustainable forest management (SFM) are weaker than desired, we acknowledge that partnerships involving the sharing of information and best practices may be helpful in ensuring legality.
EXAMPLES OF ILLEGAL LOGGING
Examples of illegal logging are: • logging protected species; • duplication of felling licenses; • logging in protected areas; • logging outside concession boundaries; • logging in prohibited areas such as steep slopes, riverbanks and water catchments; • logging without authorization; • Obtaining logging concessions through bribes; • Transporting illegally harvested timber; • Exporting timber in contravention of national bans; • Declaring lower values and volumes than actually exported; •
I. Introduction
Introduction to illegal logging
Illegal logging has risen to prominence in international forestry dialogues over the last five years and there is a growing international willingness to combat the problem. There is widespread recognition of its linkages to ineffective governance, social conflict and violence. Illegal logging practices and trade cost the producers of legitimately sourced wood products billions of dollars in lost revenue. Considerable harm to forests and forest ecosystems may also occur.
WHAT IS ILLEGAL LOGGING?
Illegal logging takes place when timber is harvested, transported, bought or sold in violation of national and/or international laws. It is a pervasive problem in many countries where it is undermining authorities’ efforts to manage forests sustainable. It is difficult to give a global definition of illegal logging because much depends on the specific laws of an individual country.
New Zealand accepts that sovereign nations are best placed to confirm the legality of timber operations and timber trade. In cases where forest governance, law enforcement and sustainable forest management (SFM) are weaker than desired, we acknowledge that partnerships involving the sharing of information and best practices may be helpful in ensuring legality.
EXAMPLES OF ILLEGAL LOGGING
Examples of illegal logging are: • logging protected species; • duplication of felling licenses; • logging in protected areas; • logging outside concession boundaries; • logging in prohibited areas such as steep slopes, riverbanks and water catchments; • logging without authorization; • Obtaining logging concessions through bribes; • Transporting illegally harvested timber; • Exporting timber in contravention of national bans; • Declaring lower values and volumes than actually exported; •