In the Media
Laos: Forestry management practices need to be toughened up
August 14, 2012
Vientiane Times
The government will put stronger measures in place when it comes to forestry management after establishing that illegal logging and timber businesses are affecting forest recovery in Laos. Prime Minister Mr Thongsing Thammavong was responding to a question from the National Assembly published in a booklet released by the Government Office recently.
An expert from the Government Office Dr Palikone Thalongsengchanh told Vientiane Times yesterday that the government had attached great importance to this issue but the illegal logging and timber business trade has affected its plans to return the country’s forestry coverage to 65 percent by 2015 and 70 percent by 2020.
Lao forests have seen degradation over the past 10 years due to slash and burn cultivation and illegal logging triggered by a strong demand for timber both in Laos and abroad . During the National Assembly session in June, the government announced that it wouldn’t consider any new investment proposals in mining or rubber and eucalyptus plantations until 2015.
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Keywords: Asia, deforestation, degradation, forest law, forest management, Forestry, Lao, Lao PDR, Laos