The World Bank has published a new report that repeats Green fallacies on global levels of illegal logging.
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Unsubstantiated claims of extensive illegal logging
Greenpeace has claimed for many years that between 70 and 90 percent of timber in PNG is illegally harvested. There is no empirical evidence of that. To the contrary, research published by the International Tropical Timber Organization shows most forestry in PNG is legal. Yet Greenpeace uses these claims to justify attacks on importers of PNG timber products in the UK and Australia and to justify calls for the imposition of trade bans on products suspected ...
Studies identify biodiversity in selectively logged forests
A new study on biodiversity conservation by scientists from the National University of Singapore and the University of California states that selectively logged forests have considerable conservation value and should be included in effective strategies to protect biodiversity. The study supports recent findings that selectively logged forests maintain significant levels of biodiversity. The assessment examined 138 scientific studies across 28 tropical countries, analysing some 2,220 pairwise comparisons of biodiversity values in primary forests and disturbed forests. ...
Greenpeace campaign fails following grass roots pushback
The Greenpeace vessel Esperanza quietly slipped out of PNG waters last week after the ignominy of stoning and protest by hundreds of PNG landowners. Greenpeace claimed it was invited to PNG by landowners objecting to their exclusion from the benefit sharing agreement between the project proponent of a large oil palm development in Pomio, West New Britain and representatives of 121 local clans. Greenpeace could only generate about a dozen local supporters. When it tried to ...
Deforestation Levels Revised Down Again
The estimates for global deforestation have been revised down once again. A new, comprehensive and global satellite survey by the FAO indicates that total forest loss over the past 15 years is 32 per cent lower than previously thought. The new data was released at the UNFCCC meeting in Durban, but with little fanfare. It seems the FAO decided not to highlight the result. The key point is that where the FAO’s Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), ...
SABL Inquiry update
PNG’s commission of inquiry into the special agricultural business leases (SABLs) has continued, examining the lease process around PNG. A large number of accusations have been made against private corporations holding the leases, as well as the process under which leases have been granted. International Timber and Stevedoring, the subsidiary of a US company, has been questioned over its acquisition of SABLs alongside a highway it is building for the PNG Government. The Commission questioned whether ...Australian illegal logging update
The Australian Illegal Logging Bill has been delayed in Australian Parliament again, this time being referred to a Lower House Committee.
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FSC tightens rules for producers
The Forest Stewardship Council’s General Assembly has passed a number of changes to its Principles and Criteria (P&C) which significantly tighten the rules for timber producers. The General Assembly passed the changes with an internet-based vote in late February.
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Danzer sells Congo operations
Embattled Swiss timber producer Danzer has sold off its operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The move comes following years of campaigning by Green NGOs and, crucially, the adoption of FSC certification.
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Australia’s proposed illegal logging bill draws fire
The proposed Australian illegal logging bill has drawn heavy criticism from the private sector and governments alike. Public submissions as part of the Senate Committees consultation have indicated not only serious flaws in the Bill’s drafting, but also international opposition.
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SABL Inquiry update
PNG’s commission of inquiry into the special agricultural business leases (SABLs) has continued, examining the lease process around PNG.
A large number of accusations have been made against private corporations holding the leases, as well as the process under which leases have been granted.
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McKinsey departs PNG, Greenpeace cheers
Greenpeace has welcomed the apparent departure of global consulting firm McKinsey from PNG’s climate change department. McKinsey had been criticised heavily in numerous Greenpeace-published reports for its work on REDD mechanisms for forests in developing countries.
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FSC companies under attack again
Swiss-based forester Danzer has come under attack for its operations in the Congo through its FSC certification.
The company has been accused of involvement in human rights abuses since early 2011. However, the ongoing allegations by both Greenpeace and Global Witness have culminated in an application to have the company stripped of its FSC certification.
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Illegal Logging – Progress or Regress?
A re-drafted version of an illegal logging bill has been introduced into Australia’s House of Representatives. Even with some re-tooling, the Bill seems as problematic as earlier versions.
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Whatever it takes: Greenpeace's anti-forestry campaign in Papua New Guinea
Masalai i Tokaut and Rimbunan Hijau Watch: A political and deceptive campaign against Rimbunan Hijau
The Economic Contribution of Rimbunan Hijau's Forestry Operations in Papua New Guinea
The Economic Importance of the Forestry Industry to Papua New Guinea