A state official in Central Equatoria has expressed concern about illegal logging saying that there is not a legal framework for regulating the use of forest resources.
Samuel Towe, the state Director of Wood, Fuel and Environmental Protection, estimated that in February alone more than 8000 bags of charcoal were brought into Juba, accounting for hundreds of lost trees.
He said the lack of forestry laws is making it difficult to prosecute those who damage forests.
Speaking to Radio Miraya on Friday, Towe said, “Our forests are really in danger. A lot of it has been lost through deforestation and we don’t have the forest policy that has been put in place. The forest policy is still at the Legislative Assembly they have not yet passed it.”
“With the absence of law, it actually gives chance for illegal logging. Even if these illegal loggers are caught, it becomes difficult to pursue them to court because there is no law to punish these people.”
File photo: Charcoal and fuelwood at a market in Darfur, 2007 (UNEP)
Related:
Governor decrees halt to teak lumbering in Central Equatoria (16 Apr. 2014)