China’s illegal timber business is logging Suriname’s forests

ANI |
Has been updated: May 22, 2021 15:49 IST

Paramaribo [Suriname]May 22 (ANI): ChinaThe thirst for timber has been stripped away SurinameForest.
Chinese companies own more than half of them Logging National concession. Much of the illegal timber is sold online through companies that are difficult to track, DW News Agency reports.
Carl Holm of the ground report, China For DW News Agency.
“Until a while ago, these logs were rainforest giants 100 years ago, but most of them are now. China..But the former Dutch colony SurinameMore than half do not see economic benefits Logging It’s illegal. Suriname Estimated to lose 100 million euros a year due to illegality Logging.. Money goes directly to the financial resources of the criminal cartel. “
Erlan Sleur of the environmental NGO ProBios has shown Holm a port where these illegal activities are stagnant.

“This is one of the many ports where timber is exported. According to my informant, this is where most timber is illegally shipped and exported,” said Erlan Sleur.
“Every year Suriname It produces about 1.5 million cubic meters of timber. Timber is mainly sold on such websites (illegal), so it is very difficult to track the companies that buy and sell. China “India is our biggest customer,” Holm added.
Authorities are trying to monitor illegal activity using satellite images and drones.But manage millions of hectares of rainforest Suriname It’s almost impossible.And even if they find it illegal Logging, It’s difficult to take action. Corruption is endemic.
Archaeological excavation, Angelic del Castilho, Suriname Opposition politicians said, “Concessionists-people who cut and ship timber, people who inspect at the port here, they are all involved in the illegal chain.”
Holm also reported how authorities were involved in this. Illegal timber trading..
“The recent discovery of 100 containers filled with illegal wood suggests that civil servants may also be involved. Illegal timber tradingAt the time of discovery, customs officers had sealed the export container, “he told Holm.