The World Bank has estimated illegal logging costs producer countries $15 billion a year, it's acknowledged that timber processing and importing countries have a vital role to play in tackling the problem. This briefing assesses the progress made in the past decade, highlighting areas where actions are still needed
The unique forests of Papua are under siege from the rampant spread of plantations. Up to five million hectares of land have been targeted for conversion to grow crops such as oil palm, with the projected global demand for biofuels driving much of this conversion
The consumption needs of developed economies and rapidly expanding developing economies are increasingly driving deforestation. Commercially produced timber, agricultural and livestock commodities are now the number one cause of deforestation and degradation worldwide
A briefing outlined significant flaws in the proposed EU Timber Regulation, warning that in its present form it will not prohibit the import and sale of illegally logged timber, and would result in wood products made from stolen timber remaining on the market
A briefing on serious loopholes in FLEGT VPAs and what needs to be done to close them and prohibit significant volumes of illegal timber from the EU market. FLEGT VPAs are currently the most pro-active and positive initiative in the global effort to stop illegal logging and regulate the trade in illegal timber
A report on the threat posed to the last remaining populations of orangutans by illegal logging and the conversion of forest land to oil palm plantations. The wild orangutan population has crashed by up to 50 per cent in the past decade, leaving only 15,000 -25,000 surviving