Campaign to ban exports of controversial Liberian timber vindicated

The timber sanctions follow intense campaigning by Greenpeace and other organisations (particularly the UK-based humanitarian organisation Global Witness) and set an important precedent in combating the root causes of ancient forest destruction in West Africa. However, whilst Greenpeace is encouraged by this important step to ban exports of conflict timber (1) the issues of environmental and social degradation resulting from destructive logging practices must be addressed before a comprehensive sustainable solution is possible.

Since 2000, Greenpeace has repeatedly exposed the links between Liberian logging companies linked with illicit arms trading and timber traders throughout Europe and North America. Through extensive research the environmental organisation presented new and damning evidence to the timber industry (1), and blocked shipments of Liberian timber into many European ports, calling for timber companies to put an end to the trade in conflict timber. A UNSC proposal to impose timber sanctions on Liberia had first been tabled in December 2000 - however this was squashed by France and China - the largest importers of Liberian timber (2).

Up to this point, many traders have chosen to ignore even the new evidence arguing that the UNSC does not seem to think there is enough of a problem to merit sanctions. These include the Dutch logger and trader Wijma, the Danish DLH Group, the Swiss/German Danzer Group and many others. Highlighting the role of such timber companies in driving this devastating trade, Greenpeace is today protesting at the German sawmill Fritz Offermann Sägewerk and Holzimport. The mill saw a similar protest last year, when Greenpeace first presented evidence on conflict timber to Offermann's ED Jürgen Offermann, who refused to suspend any trade Liberian timber.

"These companies have cynically continued to trade Liberian timber for the past two years, while Greenpeace and Global Witness have presented clear and compelling evidence linking Liberia's timber trade to illegal arms trafficking and environmental devastation," said Greenpeace Forest Campaigner, Filip Verbelen. "Today the Security Council has finally recognised this unconscionable trade in conflict timber and will put an end to it in July. Starting from today, any company that continues to deal in Liberian timber does so in the full knowledge that they will be fuelling the regional conflict in West Africa."

Greenpeace is calling for action from consumers, trading partners and governments around the world to end their role in driving the illegal and destructive activities of unscrupulous forestry companies globally.

Notes: 1. "Conflict timber is timber that has been traded at some point in the chain of custody by armed groups, be they rebel factions or regular soldiers or by a civilian administration involved in armed conflict - either to perpetuate conflict or take advantage of conflict situations for personal gain." - Global Witness definition2. Greenpeace International, Forest Crime File - Liberian Timber trade fuels regional insecurity (update) April 2003.3. Pratt D (2001) Sierra Leone: Danger and opportunity in a regional conflict. Report to Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs