Further Clampdown on Illegal Logging in the Philippines

Logging Operations in the Philippines (Photo credit: A. Davey)

By Ian R Harlock

The last week has seen the authorities place further focus on the importance of clamping down on the illegal logging activities, suggested to be taking place in the Caraga region of the Philippines.

Following the confiscation of 16 million cut logs in Butuan City earlier this month, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary (DILG), Jesse Robredo, has again reinforced the government's determination to stamp out illegal activity in the region which has had such a significant impact on the sustainable development of genuine logging activities in the country.

Though the logs in question were thought to be owned by Roger Edma, this was denied by the businessman and no charges were brought. In his statement, Robredo confirmed that the DILG had no power to bring a case against Edma and it was discovered that the logs had in fact passed through five Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) checkpoints during transportation, without issue. This was in direct violation of the blanket log ban that is currently in effect on all commercial logs throughout the country.

As a result of this discovery, "show cause orders" have been issued against a number of key personnel inside the DENR as well as the Mayors of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte for their apparent disregard of the activity being undertaken. But the ties between illegal logging and corruption seem to be as strong as ever.

Robredo went on to confirm that the government had been working with national security forces including the Philippine National Police to eliminate illegal activity and enforce existing forestry laws. However, the authorities still seem to be having significant difficulties in curtailing the problem.

In fact, the issues are becoming so engrained that even those reporting on the corruption within the region are now facing death threats for exposing the problems, and national reporters fear for their safety in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao area after recent headline stories were released relating to the Edma case.

As the pressure for further reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) are put on the country, it is more important than ever for the Philippines to be able to effectively control the logging processes in the country and eradicate unlawful logging that invalidates the efforts being made to conform with national and international expectations.

Though historically those identified as being involved in such activity in the region have been arrested and charged whenever possible, the recent reports stating that corruption within the government and the police force remains a major factor shows that the problem is still very much present.

While in his statement Robredo confirmed that he intends to use a 'one strike' policy when it comes to any government official or member of the police who has any involvement in such activity and would be personally recommending to President Benigno Aquino III that all participating individuals be instantly dismissed from duty, the progress required to get the Philippines logging industry on track still has a long way to go.

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Argentina's Iguazu National Park

by Julie R Butler, Expat Daily News Latin America: http://www.expatdailynewslatinamerica.com

Located at the edge of the farthest reaches of northeastern Argentina, they are called Cataratas do Iguaçu in Portuguese, Cataratas del Iguazú in Spanish, and Iguazu Falls in English. In the indigenous Tupí-Guaraní language, the name Yguasu means “big water.” 

Whatever you call them, they are magnificent, worthy of being named one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” on 11/11/2011 as well as being a double UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the existence of the two national parks on the Brazilian and the Argentinean sides of the river.

The Iguazu River begins far to the east of the falls, near the city of Curitiba on the western slope of the coastal mountains called Serra do Mar. It makes its way over 800 miles through dense semitropical forest across the basalt plateau that was formed by a lava flow, over the edge of which the falls cascade so dramatically.

Rather than spanning straight across the river, this ledge stretches for 1.4 miles, bending and curving across a river that, helped by the numerous islands just above the drop-off, spreads itself out in a wide bend, providing for many waterfalls and cascades, all to spectacular effect.

Devil’s Throat, so-named because it is in the form of a narrow chasm that channels an astounding half of the river’s flow, is the highlight for anyone who comes to experience this wonder of the natural world. 

Visitors to Argentina’s Iguazu National Park can ride the tourist train to the farthest station and then follow the catwalk that crosses the placid upper waters from island to island to reach the viewing platform at the very edge of the chasm. As one draws near, the sight of spray rising in a beckoning fog quickens the heart with anticipation. 

Upon arrival, the initial up-close encounter with the power of so much water plummeting at the chokepoint is, indeed, breathtaking. Not only is the cascading water mesmerizing, but the misty spray, the tenacity of the tufts of green clinging to life on the precipices, and grandeur of it all cause the visitor to linger, basking in the amazing energy of this inimitable setting.

The other train stop, named the “Catarata Station,” is the access point for viewing more of the falls via two walking circuits: the Upper Trail and the Lower Trail. If time or ailing knees are a concern, the upper path is the one to go with. 

It offers many views of the long line of cascades from the tops of waterfalls such as Adam and Eve that reveal its vast scope - complete with stunning rainbows, recreating the Garden of Eden (but without any tempting apples, as it’s too hot here).

For the good-of-knee, the lower of the two is well worth the effort, bringing the visitor to the base of several cascades to experience the thrill of the water’s pounding arrival at the termination of its fall. 

This more extensive circuit also leads to a different part of the river, affording unforgettable panoramic viewpoints. Those who have scheduled plenty of time at the park can hop on a launch and head over to explore the wonders San Martin Island for a couple of hours.

To read further, go to: http://www.expatdailynewslatinamerica.com/2012/07/argentinas-iguazu-national-park.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ExpatDailyNewsLatinAmerica+%28Expat+Daily+News+Latin+America%29