Myanmar- illegal felling and smuggling continues

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ITTO/Fordaq
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Minister - illegal felling and smuggling continues Corruption in the forestry sector and the extent of illegal trade in timber has captured the attention of the Parliament with the submission of a proposal by a member of parliament to strengthen the action to combat the illegal logging. Analysts write that this is aimed at corrupt authorities and weak law enforcement.

The parliament is also debating the new Forest Law to replace the old law of 1992. Some civil groups are requesting greater consultation before the law is submitted to the parliament but this has drawn comments from parliamentarians that they represent all constituents in Myanmar.

U Ohn Win, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation has reported that K53.10 billion was earned from auctions of 50,245 tonnes of seized illegal teak and hardwood during fiscal 2016-17. However, the Minister has said illegal felling and smuggling across the border continues and suggested that local officials must be involved.

A system has been introduced to reward those reporting illegal logging with reports saying informants will get 20% of the auction price of the seized timber and if the information leads to the arrest of illegal loggers then a 30% payout will be made.

But informing on criminals is very dangerous. Between 2002 and 2003 eight people in Myanmar have died, including a Forestry Department Deputy Director, 42 others have been injured confronting illegal loggers and smugglers.

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