Transaction Search Form: please type in any of the fields below.
Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 2:34 am
Time: 2:34 am
Results for illegal logging (indonesia)
6 results foundAuthor: Obidzinski, Krystof Title: Timber Smuggling in Indonesia: Critical or Overstated problem? Forest Governance Lessons from Kalimantan Summary: Over the last few years, illegal logging has been at the center of policy debates about the current state and future prospects of Indonesia’s forestry sector. To a significant extent, the policy dialogues as well as public understanding of the illegal logging problem have been influenced by the timber establishment’s view that clandestine timber smuggling is responsible for illegal logging activities in the country. Echoing this sentiment, the Indonesian government has been at odds with neighboring countries Malaysia and Singapore over their perceived lack of cooperation in stemming the illegal flow of Indonesian timber across the border and thus helping to rein in illegal logging. At the same time, timber smuggling has become the focus of forest law enforcement operations in Indonesia. This paper scrutinizes the assumption that timber smuggling is at the core of the illegal logging problem in Indonesia. Taking the border zone between Indonesia and Malaysia on the island of Borneo (Kalimantan) as a sample unit of analysis and complementing it with data from other parts of Indonesia, the paper shows the intensity of timber smuggling was relatively high between 2000 and 2003, but has since declined by over 70%. Despite this decline, illegal logging in Indonesia still continues at a rate of approximately 40 million m3 per year. It seems clear that timber smuggling is not the primary driver of illegal logging in Indonesia. Instead, the core of the problem is the extraction of timber by Indonesian forest concession holders, plantation developers, road construction companies and other ventures that abuse company permits and violate prevailing forestry regulations. The current timber trade system, controlled by the government regulating bodies BRIK and ETPIK, stresses the administrative and documentary compliance of forestry businesses in Indonesia. However, this is not enough because these requirements are relatively easy to manipulate and their enforcement is lax. There is an urgent need for a timber legality standard that would be more difficult to manipulate, simpler to enforce and easier to evaluate – e.g. the standard developed collaboratively by LEI, TNC and other parties. This will require a lot of political will, commitment and sustained effort from a range of government agencies to endorse the legality standard, develop the implementation framework, provide public policy incentives and remove disincentives, allow third party independent verification of legality, and perhaps most importantly develop a comprehensive plan to balance the supply and demand for timber in Indonesia. While this is a lot to hope for, it seems to be the only way to make meaningful and lasting progress on the illegal logging issue in Indonesia. Details: Bogar, Indonesia: Center for International Forestry Research, 2006. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 21, 2010 at: http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/publications/pdf_files/Books/BObidzinski0601.pdf Year: 2006 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/publications/pdf_files/Books/BObidzinski0601.pdf Shelf Number: 120562 Keywords: Illegal Logging (Indonesia)Offenses Against the EnvironmentSmuggling |
Author: Brown, David W. Title: Bridging the Information Gap: Combating Illegal Logging in Indonesia Summary: Spanning around 100 million hectares, the forests of Indonesia constitute 10 percent of the world’s remaining tropical forests and provide people with a variety of benefits or “ecosystem services.” For instance, local communities rely on the forests for food, medicine, fresh water, and building material. The global community relies on them for carbon sequestration, timber, and tourism. In addition, the forests of Indonesia are a biodiversity “hotspot,” with new species discovered every year. In view of the importance of its forests, Indonesia — both on its own and in partnership with donor countries and world experts — has incorporated themes of “sustainable forest management” and “combating illegal logging” into its forest governance since the mid-1990s. Despite these efforts, during the first half decade of the new millennium, deforestation rates increased year on year (from 0.2 million hectares in 2000/2001 to 1.2 million hectares in 2004/2005, the last year such data were reported). The causes of Indonesia’s forest loss are diverse, but it is widely recognized that illegal logging is a major contributor. Estimates of the scale of this illegal activity vary widely. One study found that three quarters or 40 million out of the 53 million cubic meters of logs consumed by Indonesia’s mills (and mostly exported in the form of moldings, sawn timber, plywood, pulp, and paper) in 2003, came from unknown and/ or illegal sources. This equated to $1.4 billion in lost revenue to the government in 2003 alone. Moreover, this estimate did not include the additional volume of logs illegally exported from Indonesia, which another study estimated at 10 million cubic meters per year. In order to pinpoint the identity of the actors perpetrating these crimes, and thereby reduce illegal trade, better information is needed in areas such as: changes in forest cover; timber concession and plantation boundaries; administrative boundaries; and sources of raw material for timber mills. Many stakeholders have recognized the importance of such information and several experts and policymakers have tried to develop such databases. However, forest data continues to be scattered throughout the archipelago and across different government departments and non-government organizations. Where information exists, much of it needs to be updated and improved. Details: Washington, DC: World Resources Institute, 2009. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: WRI Forest Note: Accessed September 29, 2011 at: http://pdf.wri.org/bridging_the_information_gap.pdf Year: 2009 Country: Indonesia URL: http://pdf.wri.org/bridging_the_information_gap.pdf Shelf Number: 122961 Keywords: Illegal Logging (Indonesia)Natural ResourcesOffences Against the Environment |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: The Thousand-Headed Snake: Forest Crimes, Corruption and Injustice in Indonesia Summary: This report exposes how corruption and collusion at all stages of the justice system, from the police and prosecutors to judges, conspires to ensure that the main culprits behind illegal logging in Indonesia remain at liberty. Details: London: Environmental Investigation Agency, 2007. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 13, 2012 at http://www.eia-global.org/PDF/Report--THS--forests--MAR07.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.eia-global.org/PDF/Report--THS--forests--MAR07.pdf Shelf Number: 124471 Keywords: Corruption (Indonesia)Environmental Crime (Indonesia)Illegal Logging (Indonesia)Offenses Against the Environment (Indonesia) |
Author: Nellemann, C. Title: The Last Stand of the Orangutan: State of Emergency: Illegal Logging, Fire and Palm Oil in Indonesia's National Parks Summary: Globalization and international trade are generating wealth on an unprecedented scale and lifting millions out of poverty. However, the growth of global markets is also putting pressure on the Earth’s ecosystems or natural assets that in many ways are the foundation of wealth creation in the first place. The planet’s tropical forests are some of these extraordinary and economically important assets – ecosystems playing a vital role in moderating the atmosphere, sequestrating greenhouse gases, delivering watershed management and are home to a rich and biologically important array of plants and animals. This UNEP Rapid Response report, carried out on behalf of the UN-led Great Ape Survival Project, has used the latest satellite imagery and data from the Government of Indonesia to assess changes in the forests in one part of south-east Asia. The results indicate that illegal logging, fires and plantations of crops such as palm oil are now intruding extensively into Indonesia’s national parks which, for example, are the last safe-holds of the orangutan. In the past five years more than 90% of over 40 parks have now been impacted putting at risk national and regional attempts to meet the 2010 biodiversity target. The driving forces are not impoverished farmers, but what appears to be well-organized companies with heavy machinery and strong international links to the global markets. UNEP applauds the Indonesian government’s new initiative focusing on new and specially trained ranger units to win back the national parks. It is starting to show some promising results with illegal logging halted in two parks in 2006. But the authorities need more assistance. National parks represent a common heritage and their protection and enforcement is essential in international conservation. UNEP therefore hopes to work even more closely with Indonesia’s government in the coming years and support them in this vital work that may hold promise for other nations too. Details: Arendal, Norway: United Nations Environment, 2007. 52p. Programme, GRID-Arendal, 2007. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 9, 2012 at: http://www.unep.org/grasp/docs/2007Jan-LastStand-of-Orangutan-report.pdf Year: 2007 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.unep.org/grasp/docs/2007Jan-LastStand-of-Orangutan-report.pdf Shelf Number: 124898 Keywords: Illegal Logging (Indonesia)Offenses Against the EnvironmentWildlife Crime |
Author: Environmental Investigation Agency Title: Testing the Law: Carbon, Crime and Impunity in Indonesia’s Plantation Sector Summary: Systemic law enforcement failings threaten to make a mockery of Indonesia’s pledge to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions by enabling plantation companies to destroy carbon-rich peatlands with impunity, a report released today reveals. Testing the Law, jointly produced by the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Indonesian NGO Telapak, highlights how a well-connected oil palm firm has been allowed to continue operating in Central Kalimantan in clear breach of the law for almost five years. Evidence gathered by EIA/Telapak shows that Government officials have been aware of the activities of PT Suryamas Cipta Perkasa (PT SCP) for years and, despite statements to the contrary, have failed to take action. The crimes committed by PT SCP, part of the BEST Group, have led directly to the destruction of the habitat of hundreds of endangered orangutans and local livelihoods, generating millions of tonnes of carbon emissions in the process. In March this year, EIA/Telapak submitted a dossier of evidence to a range of authorities in Indonesia, detailing how PT SCP had broken numerous laws governing land allocation, access to resources and environmental management. The dossier provided the authorities with sufficient evidence to prompt a criminal investigation into the illegal conversion of more than 23,000 hectares of peatland and peat swamp forest, while giving notice to the Government that its response would be made public. Although the Government has openly admitted the concession is illegal, today the illicit proceeds of the crime continue to flow. Meetings between EIA/Telapak and the authorities have raised serious concerns over the likelihood of any prosecution. Details: London: EIA, 2012. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 9, 2013 at: http://www.eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Testing-the-Law-final-version.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.eia-international.org/wp-content/uploads/Testing-the-Law-final-version.pdf Shelf Number: 128335 Keywords: Corporate CrimesDeforestationEnvironmental CrimesIllegal Logging (Indonesia)Offenses Against the Environment |
Author: World Growth Title: Wronging Indonesia -The EU's Bait and Switch Illegal Logging Policy and its Impact on Indonesian Enterprises Summary: The EU is delaying implementation of a 'Voluntary Partnership Agreement' (VPA) with Indonesia on illegal timber exports. Indonesia has complied with EU demands at significant cost, but the delays mean Indonesia's exporters will now have to comply with a different, more costly system of regulation. This report examines the implications. Illegal logging first emerged as a campaign issue in 1998. The illegal timber trade was linked to global concerns over deforestation. Action against illegal logging in developing countries was supported by Western industries that were facing increased competition from timber and paper producers, particularly in China. It was also supported by environmental campaign groups that made unsubstantiated claims about the levels of illegal logging taking place globally. However, there has been very little ground-based research on levels of illegal logging in many countries. Indonesia has often been considered a 'worst offender' for alleged exports of illegal timber. This has in part been due to high levels of administrative overlap during the country's transition into a democracy. Despite this, Indonesia has undertaken successful action to reduce levels of illegal logging and been a driving force in taking action against illegal logging internationally. In 2003 the European Union (EU) first announced it would attempt to prevent the sale of 'illegal' timber on European markets through a combination of domestic legal instruments and international agreements. They are the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) and Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPA) respectively. These policy instruments have emerged following a long international campaign based on unsound data and emotive campaigning by Green groups and uncompetitive manufacturers in Europe. Voluntary Partnership Agreements were introduced as the key policy measure for Europe to take action against 'illegal' timber. The VPAs were ostensibly introduced as a means for exporting nations to 'fast track' timber products into Europe from nations that comply with European regulatory demands. The real purpose is to pressure developing countries that export timber products to apply standards determined by the EU to regulate exports, under the threat of import bans. VPAs require the implementation of a licensing system for exporters wishing to export timber products to Europe that verify the legality of the product. For many developing nations this is a costly exercise. VPA uptake has been slow. This has been in part due to a reluctance of developing nations to enter into trade agreements that propose conditions on non-trade items, such as environment and labour. The slow uptake and potential loopholes for non-VPA timber prompted European Greens to press for the introduction of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR). The EUTR is set to come into effect in 2013. It threatens European operators with legal action if they sell 'illegal' timber in European markets and/or do not make efforts to mitigate the risk of selling 'illegal' timber on European markets. This risk can be mitigated with the implementation of tools such as independent third-party verification of timber being exported to Europe, distinct from the VPA licensing system. This is an expensive undertaking for many developing country exporters. Licensed VPA imports were supposed to be exempt from the EUTR and considered risk-free once VPAs were operational. In the case of Indonesia, a VPA has been completed and signed, but is yet to be ratified by the EU. According to Indonesian officials, the EU appears to have stalled the agreement completely. This means Indonesian timber exporters are effectively in policy limbo. They have chosen to have their products verified through the VPA-backed Sistem verifikasi legalitas kayu (SVLK - timber legality assurance system) with the promise of avoiding further costly verification under the EUTR. However, the VPA has stalled, and SVLK is not currently recognised under the EUTR. Indonesia's forest and forest-related industries are significant contributors to Indonesia's economy. There are many large and medium businesses exporting forest products to Europe. There are more than 18 million micro and small forest-based enterprises, producing wooden items, furniture and timber that also export to Europe. Most of these businesses are family enterprises comprising less than four people. For many Indonesian businesses, implementing the systems required under the VPA is prohibitively expensive. The EU's own modelling has indicated it will have a detrimental impact on Indonesia's industry. The new EU policies are likely to have a significant impact on trade with partner nations such as Indonesia. These impacts would ordinarily be obviated by legal obligations under international trade law and/or bilateral trade agreements. However, the legality of these policies under international trade agreements is questionable. The actions by the EU constitute a classic 'bait and switch' strategy. Indonesia has been promised a particular action by the EU; the EU has since reneged. It is now offering Indonesia an inferior agreement, despite securing significant and costly policy actions from Indonesia. Under bait and switch, customers are invited to purchase an item at a low price. The vendor then informs the customer that it is no longer available and must accept a more expensive item. Under European law this type of behaviour is illegal under the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. Indonesia has taken leading action on illegal logging globally. It has negotiated in good faith with Europe. In this case, the 18 million-plus Indonesians dependent upon the forest industry are likely to consider themselves wronged by Europe. Given these grievances, Indonesia has solid grounds to consider action through the World Trade Organization Details: Arlington, VA: World Growth, 2012. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 4, 2015 at: http://worldgrowth.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/WG_FLEGT_2012_final.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Indonesia URL: http://worldgrowth.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/WG_FLEGT_2012_final.pdf Shelf Number: 135506 Keywords: ForestsIllegal Logging (Indonesia)Illegal TimberNatural ResourcesOffenses Against the Environment |