African timber trade still in trouble
African foresters want changes in government policy to allow easier trade in timber, utilise existing forests and eliminate exploitative trade routes.
They argue that antiquated laws actually encourage the illegal felling and sale of trees, which in turn costs tax agencies money.
This is because the cross-border timber trade in Africa is dominated by informal operators who often lack the necessary permits, under-declare quantities at the border, and use timber for illegal activities, according to Dr Joshua Cheboiwo, director of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (Kefri). Unregulated and unofficial border points and forged documents often lead to huge losses of forest resources and revenue.
"Globally, the illegal timber trade is valued at $30 to $100 billion. In East Africa, illegal trade in Kenya and Tanzania has resulted in the loss of 70,000 hectares of forest and US$10 million in lost revenue." He said.
