06/06/00 -- Logging Threatens Gabon's Fragile Forest Cover

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WORLDWIDE FOREST/BIODIVERSITY CAMPAIGN NEWS

Logging Threatens Gabon's Fragile Forest Cover

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Forest Networking a Project of Forests.org

http://forests.org/ -- Forest Conservation Archives

http://forests.org/web/ -- Discuss Forest Conservation

06/06/00

OVERVIEW & COMMENTARY

Global Forest Watch has unveiled the first independent assessment of

logging in Gabon's rainforests. Despite the fact that 75% of its

forests have been logged, or are slated to be, Gabon maintains some

of the largest remaining rainforests in West Africa. Not

surprisingly, most logging is by foreign multi-nationals. It's a

damn shame the World's governments haven't mobilized to counter the

ecological tragedy playing itself out in essentially all the World's

remaining rainforest ecosystems. This failure will haunt humanity

for our remaining days. The full report can be found at GFW's web

site at:

http://www.globalforestwatch.org/Publications/GFW_Gabon-internet.pdf

g.b.

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Title: Logging lures Gabon from fragile forest cover

Date: May 31, 2000

Byline: Margot Higgins

The first independent assessment of logging in the forests of Gabon

was recently completed.

Due to its low population density, Gabon is one of few countries in

equatorial Africa that retains its original forest. But this postcard

picture could soon change, according to a report from the World

Resources Institute.

"A First Look at Logging in Gabon" is the first systematic, public and

independent assessment of the logging industry in Gabon.

"Past studies on Gabon's logging industry were carried out by private

consultant groups hired by the industry or the government," said Jean-

Gael Collomb, lead author of the report. "An independent assessment by

local non-governmental organizations assisted by the Global Forest

Watch project is an important tool to promote transparency and

accountability in forest management."

The report focuses on several sets of indicators that measure the

sustainability of Gabon's logging industry. They include groups

logging Gabon's forests, principal logging sites and logging

regulations enforced or ignored by the government of the country.

Robust royalties from oil production have sheltered Gabon's forests

from the pressure of agricultural interests. But as oil revenue

declines, interest in the county's forest resources increases.

In 1957, less than 10 percent of Gabon's forests was allocated for

logging concessions. But in the past decade, wood production has

nearly doubled, according to the report. Today, more than 75 percent

of Gabon's forests have been logged or are slated for logging.

"Most of the rapid increase in logging development has taken place

over the past five years," said Collomb. "As is the case elsewhere in

Africa, foreign interests exert significant control over the logging

sector in Gabon."

According to the report, almost one-third of the total area under

timber concessions is allocated to five companies partially or wholly

owned by interests outside the country.

Outside influence can have positive and negative implications for

Gabon, Collomb explained. "The Gabonese people are losing a lot of

their forest cover, but they are not gaining a lot of capital," he

said.

While foreign companies often have more money to ensure sustainable

logging practices, many of them have poor track records.

Gabon's forestry industry is vulnerable to market swings, the report

also notes. More than 90 percent of the country's logging production

is exported, mostly to Asia. A single timber species, okoum‚, accounts

for 73 percent of Gabon's exports.

Laws designed to protect forests in Gabon are poorly enforced. In

1997, only 100 government agents were available to monitor and inspect

332 logging concessions covering 86,000 square kilometers, according

to the report. Only five of 200 logging companies have forest

management plans.

Many new logging concessions are slated for protected areas, Collomb

noted. "Overall there is no real safety measure to ensure that there

is a decrease in future logging," he said. "The government's main

focus is on using logging resources."

With extensive timberland and low population density - four people per

square kilometer; a total population of 1.3 million (1993) - Gabon has

a unique opportunity to preserve its forest, the report concludes. In

neighboring countries such as Cameroon, population pressures and

economic interests are felling forests for agricultural land.

"There is enough forest in Gabon to practice conservation and develop

logging activities if the laws are properly enforced," Collomb said.

"That is a big 'if,' because so far the laws have not been enforced."

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