Illegal Logging - Looking At How NZ Can Help
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is seeking input on ways NZ can contribute to the global fight against illegal logging. The Ministry has released a discussion paper for industry and public feedback.
Globally, illegal logging and its associated trade costs the producers of legitimately sourced wood products billions of dollars in lost revenue. And it can do considerable harm to forests and forest ecosystems. Illegal logging takes place when timber is harvested, transported, bought or sold in violation of national and/or international laws. It is a serious problem in many countries where it is undermining local efforts to manage forests sustainably.
Combating illegal logging is important to NZ as the practice taints the entire forestry industry as being environmentally unfriendly. NZ also faces competition from illegal timber in its export and domestic markets.
The MAF paper is the first step in developing a NZ policy on illegal logging. It provides background on the issue, sets out suggested broad policy goals and actions, and seeks input on where NZ action could make the biggest difference.
The approach taken in the paper is to look at how NZ can contribute through a range of different channels:
- an international focus through global forums and organisations;
- regional work;
- bilaterally with other interested countries; and
- locally through raising awareness of the issue and convincing local sellers and consumers to only use legally sourced product.
The discussion paper can be found at: www.maf.govt.nz/forestry |
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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