March against timber harvesting
The Namibian Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) held a peaceful demonstration against illegal timber harvesting in Windhoek on Saturday.
The demonstration follows reports of illegal timber harvesting in north-eastern Namibia.
“Despite the laws and institutions implemented by government to protect natural resources, to promote sustainable management and to develop a process of assessment and control activities which have significant effects on the environment, illegal timber logging is frequently reported,” NEWS member Ailla-Tessa Iiyambula said. She said it seems this protection “is only valid on paper”.
“Responding to foreign demand for timber and overlooking an ecological dilemma is not sustainable, nor responsible,” Iiyambula said.
She added that if the unsustainable harvesting continues, it will result in an increase in soil erosion and desertification as these species take up to a century to grow to harvest size.
“Over-exploiting trees implies reducing and shortening the environmental, economic and social capabilities that the woodland possess,” Iiyambula added.
Recent local media reports said local rosewood forests, especially in the Kavango regions, are being plundered and exported to benefit the Chinese furniture market.
Iiyambula urged the mandated institutions to be active in patrolling and inspecting to ensure sustainable use of resources according to Namibian law.
She said issuing a permit does not guarantee adherence to its specifications.
“Just as people are arrested and prosecuted for poaching, so there should be penalties imposed for violations of the Forest Act, Environmental Management Act and related regulations,” Iiyambula said.
A statement will be handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry today.
NAMPA
The demonstration follows reports of illegal timber harvesting in north-eastern Namibia.
“Despite the laws and institutions implemented by government to protect natural resources, to promote sustainable management and to develop a process of assessment and control activities which have significant effects on the environment, illegal timber logging is frequently reported,” NEWS member Ailla-Tessa Iiyambula said. She said it seems this protection “is only valid on paper”.
“Responding to foreign demand for timber and overlooking an ecological dilemma is not sustainable, nor responsible,” Iiyambula said.
She added that if the unsustainable harvesting continues, it will result in an increase in soil erosion and desertification as these species take up to a century to grow to harvest size.
“Over-exploiting trees implies reducing and shortening the environmental, economic and social capabilities that the woodland possess,” Iiyambula added.
Recent local media reports said local rosewood forests, especially in the Kavango regions, are being plundered and exported to benefit the Chinese furniture market.
Iiyambula urged the mandated institutions to be active in patrolling and inspecting to ensure sustainable use of resources according to Namibian law.
She said issuing a permit does not guarantee adherence to its specifications.
“Just as people are arrested and prosecuted for poaching, so there should be penalties imposed for violations of the Forest Act, Environmental Management Act and related regulations,” Iiyambula said.
A statement will be handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry today.
NAMPA
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