Timber Logging

This time I just can’t walk away from the most perilous topic- timber logging. Timber trade is the biggest threat to biodiversity loss. 46.4 % of the world’s forests have been lost in the past 100years. (Source: Nature).

Scenario.
The UK imports 90% of its tropical timber from these countries-

Brazil- 35%
Indonesia- 35%
Malaysia- 20%
Cameroon-3%
Other tropical countries- 7%

(Source: Eurostat) that whopping 90% of import is actually squeezing the lungs of planet earth (I couldn’t stress enough!) making it hard for us to breathe……

Another shocking truth is that, only 1% of the import is legal, the rest is laundered in by false documents. Indonesia has already lost 40 million hectares of forest as a result of timber logging. Illegal logging level in Brazil (often described as the lungs of The earth) is 80%, Indonesia 73% and Malaysia 35% (Source: FOE)

Discussion.
I have given you the scenario, now why is this happening? Why is everyone just closing their eyes at this sensitive issue? Are you not feeling the heat? Haven’t you noticed that summers have gone hotter and humid?

I could imagine the reasons such as poverty probably, easy money, without much labour, or the real issue of corruption. So why aren’t the authorities such as forestry department taking steps to planting trees in this barren land? I have heard policies like, plant a tree when you chop off one, does that work out anywhere? Anyone working in the forestry department in the tropics, please be true to yourself, try and make a difference from now onwards, say no to illegal logging. The Government has to come forward and implement strict policies and also create awareness amongst the local people about the importance of these assets. It is often ignorance and corruption that lead to illegal logging. Campaign programmes should be in full swing in these sensitive areas.

My personal opinion is that, a tree is a life like any other living being on earth, but much more importance to be given, because it replaces the carbon dioxide that we exhale and provide us with fresh O2 through this wonderful process called photosynthesis. Next time you buy a new piece of furniture, ask for the details, like whether the raw material is legally brought in no matter where you reside. So start worshipping your forests, for the count down has already started ………………

Please leave your comments as usual, it means a lot to me, and thanks for your time.