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Causes

This report argues for an end to unsustainable and destructive illegal logging in Burma’s north forests. Whilst the logging itself is mostly managed by relevant authorities in Burma, much of the timber is exported illegally to China. The report argues that China, therefore has the capacity to end the illegal trade.

The document, based largely on investigations carried out in China and Burma, details both the mechanics and scale of logging in Kachin State and the associated illegal crossborder timber trade with China. It also considers the impact that logging is having on the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, and how it is undermining the prospect for future sustainable development in Burma’s northern border areas.

The report details recommendations for the international community, China, the State Peace and Development Council and ceasefire groups in Burma. These include:

• supported moves towards democracy and an end to military rule in Burma
• the international community should ensure its demand for timber and timber products does not provide funding to an oppressive regime
• support of an independent satellite, photographic and ground based assessments of the extent of illegal logging
• timber importing companies should not import timber, or processed timber products, that have been produced from wood illegally exported
• China should suspend the importation of logs over the Burmese boarder pending investigation into their legality and honour commitments made in the September 2001 East Asia Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) Declaration
• ceasefire groups in Kachin state must notify authorities of illegal logging activities, support grassroots initiatives and ensure benefits from development projects are evenly distributed thought the area.

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