Publication - 18 June, 2000
The few ancient forests in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region are under threat. In Laos, Vietnam and Taiwan, Thailand, Burma and Cambodia, at least 90 percent of large ancient forest has already been destroyed. Malaysia has lost 85 percent, and Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have lost 72 percent and 60 percent respectively. Much of this is due to excessive cutting for timber, a high proportion of which is illegal. Despite claims to the contrary by the G8 governments, a significant part of the trade in illegal timber is fuelled by demand from the international market. Greenpeace is calling on all governments to stop their role in this trade.