Greenpeace stops shipment of illegally logged PNG timber

comments     Susan Loone     Published     Updated

Environmental organisation Greenpeace which recently accused a Malaysian timber company of illegal logging in Papua New Guinea now claimed that it has prevented a shipment of timber bound for China by stopping the loading of logs at Umuda Island.

In a press statement released today, Greenpeace said that activists, among them 11 Australians, from Greenpeace vessel MV Arctic Sunrise blocked the crane of the log ship, Hua Yang , occupied the log barge and hung a banner reading "Ancient forest crime".

Greenpeace reiterated its accusation

last week that Malaysian logging company Concord Pacific stole these logs from the local landowner communities in Papua New Guinea with complete disregard for the environment and the well-being of citizens.

The logs, Greenpeace added, are then exported mostly to China where they are processed into furniture and plywood for American and European markets.

In an April 2002 report, Greenpeace said the controversial Kiunga-Aiambak road project — spearheaded by a number of high-ranking PNG officials and a Malaysian, Philip Lee (Concord Pacific's general manager) — was "nothing but a ploy" for Concord Pacific to log thousands of hectares of the island's rainforests.

The report titled "Partners in crime: Malaysian loggers, timber markets and the politics of self-interest in Papua New Guinea" claimed that the project was illegal.

"This is modern daylight robbery disguised as a development project," said Bianca Havas, Greenpeace Australia-Pacific Forests Campaigner.

"It is a flagrant example of the ongoing destruction of ancient forests worldwide and the communities who depend on them for their livelihoods."

Greenpeace also claimed that the company has since exported RM60 million worth of logs, and yet there is no functional road in the area.

'Who is Greenpeace?'

Meanwhile, the organisation said that the landowner communities frustrated by the inaction of Papua New Guinea and international governments over the logging of their forests have asked Greenpeace to help save their forest home.

"The Papua New Guinea government must shut down Concord Pacific's scandalous logging operation," Havas said.

"Concord Pacific customers in China and Japan must stop buying ancient forest destruction before more communities lose their livelihoods and one of the last ancient forests is destroyed forever.

"Destruction such as that we are seeing in Papua New Guinea shows how vital it is that international governments, especially Australia, reverse forest loss and tackle illegal logging," she added.

However, an official of Concord Pacific who declined to be named slammed Greenpeace for its report on the company's alleged illegal activities in Papua New Guinea.

"Who says we are illegal? We have licence and permit from the government to carry out these activities. Who is Greenpeace? They are the outsiders," he said.

The official, who refused to disclose the whereabouts of Lee, also declined to confirm if he (Lee) was the company's general manager.

Concord Pacific is controlled by timber tycoon Hiew Teck Seng of Samling Strategic Corporation, which has a listed company, Lingui Developments Bhd, through a reverse takeover.

When contacted, Lingui Development said it had no knowledge of Concord Pacific.



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