Cambodian PM calls for ceiling on logging

Cambodian PM calls for ceiling on logging

Cambodian Second Prime Minister Hun Sen called on July 30 for removal of logging licences from companies which have not yet begun harvesting.

Dozens of foreign companies have been granted massive logging concessions over the last two years.

Hun Sen said logging export bans failed to reduce deforestation, and the rapid expansion of timber mills outstripped Cambodian timber supplies. "Satellite pictures of Cambodia's forests taken in 1992-93 can no longer be used because during 1994-95 so much thick forest was cleared", he said.

Stating that he had only recently become aware that all of Cambodia's remaining forest cover was earmarked for logging, Hun Sen said that companies that had been granted licences but had not yet started operations should have their concessions cancelled.

From GLW issue 243