Illegal Logging

It is a known fact that illegal logging is a major contributor to global deforestation, which causes enormous environmental damage. Less well known is the fact that the Irish Government is part of the problem.

Government agencies such as the OPW, local authorities, the HSE and semi-state bodies contribute to the problem of illegal logging by failing to require proof of legality or sustainability before they purchase timber. Other countries in Northern Europe have public procurement policies that aim to ensure that public authorities source only legal and/or sustainable timber and wood products. Ireland has no public procurement policy at all.

Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK all have such policies, as well as many other countries outside Europe, such as Japan and New Zealand.

As a significant consumer of tropical timber, estimated at about €100 million every year, Ireland’s unregulated consumption is driving demand for illegal timber. The recent construction boom saw Irish companies import vast amounts of tropical hardwood timber and wood-based products.

As a development NGO we see the irony of the Irish Government directing money to address illegal logging in developing countries, while at the same time Irish public agencies are encouraging this illegal trade by buying timber from uncertified sources. It makes no sense giving aid to developing countries to improve the way they manage their forests, if at the same time we’re importing large amounts of illegal timber.

What is Progressio doing?

Progressio, as a development organisation that works with partners in Central America and Africa who seek to stop illegal logging, believes that the first step for the Irish Government should be the introduction of “green” public procurement policies. That means requiring that timber and timber products used by public agencies, departments, local authorities and all other state bodies must be from legal and sustainable sources.

Read more about Progressio's approach to the issue of public procurement. 
Progressio Report “No more Cut and Run”

Progressio has also benefitted from an analysis on illegal logging completed by International Law Firm Orrick. The report sets out best practice on public procurement in the UK and how we can incorporate similar or better regulations in Ireland. 
Orrick Report - November 2009

Progressio's most recent report on illegal logging and private sector responsibilty is now available. The report details the numbers of printers and timber distribution companies that are certified and the numbers that are not. A list of the printers in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford that are certified or not (those certified are in red) is also presented.

Press Release:
Irish Printing and Timber Companies failing to address Illegal Logging - April 2010

Full Report:
Controlling Illegal Logging - April 2010