Global Witness - Breaking the links between natural resources, conflict and corruption
Cameroon: Global Witness details cases of illegal logging
Press Release – 05/02/2003
Global Witness has been working in Cameroon as the Independent Observer in Support of Forest Law Enforcement since May 2001, uncovering cases of illegal logging by working with Government officials as well as independently in the forest.
Global Witness, in its capacity of the Independent Observer released on 31st January 2003 field investigation reports detailing cases of illegal logging. The main conclusions of the 15 reports were supported by the government of Cameroon, concerned Donors and the Independent Observer. Although publication of all reports took place as per the Terms of References of the Project, the publication of 13 were supported by the Cameroonian Ministry of Environment and Forests (MINEF) and 2 were not – reports no 022 and 023.
An increase in transparency is the first step along the road to better governance in the forest sector. The release of these reports points to the more efficient functioning of the project in support of forest law enforcement and shows the commitment of the Cameroon government to improving governance in the forest sector. However, some reports detail significant cases of illegal logging that have been known to MINEF for more than a year but were not followed by any significant action.
Global Witness’ relationship with the government has not always been easy but as the difficult and sometimes confrontational work continues more serious legal and administrative sanctions are being imposed on some of the companies logging illegally.
A number of Cameroonian as well as internationally based logging companies have been sanctioned or are involved in ongoing legal cases brought by the MINEF. Some of these cases result from the documentation of illegal logging by Ministry staff supported by Global Witness.
Points to Note
Field Investigation Reports released on 31/01/2003: Report No’s 013 – 026
All Reports are currently in French and can be found at:
http://www.globalwitness.org/projects/cameroon/field_reports.php
– English translations will be provided as soon as possible.
Contacts:
Stuart Wilson, Cameroon Project Supervisor
Global Witness Ltd. London Office
Tel: Mobile: 07870 240 372
Office: ++ 44 (0) 20 7272 6731
Fax: ++ 44 (0) 20 7272 9425
Email: swilson@globalwitness.org
Latest Publications
September 2010
Global Witness stands by findings on Sudanese oil data
Global Witness today refuted claims that it had apologized for the findings of its September 2009 report, Fuelling Mistrust, on the lack of transparency in Sudan's oil sector. The organisation said that although very important commitments on improving transparency were made recently by the Government of National Unity (GoNU), the full disclosure of oil revenue data and the results of an independent audit remain necessary to prove the concerns were unfounded.
August 2010
Global Witness welcomes Norwegian government disinvestment from predatory loggers Samling
Global Witness welcomes the Norwegian Government Pension Fund's decision to disinvest from the notorious Malaysian timber giant Samling. Global Witness has previously exposed illegal logging by Samling in Cambodia as well as evidence of legal breaches by two Samling-associated companies in Liberia.
Global Witness welcomes new commitment to transparency in Sudan
Global Witness has participated in a landmark seminar on oil revenue transparency in Khartoum, organised by the Sudanese government and attended by foreign oil companies. We welcome the commitment to increase transparency, including an audit of the oil sector and publication of key production and revenue figures.
Global Witness applauds RBS penalty over terrorist financing
Global Witness welcomes the decisive action taken by the UK financial regulator, the FSA, which has fined the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) £5.6 million for failing to check whether its customers were on the UK terrorist sanctions list.
Campbell testimony shines light on blood diamonds and the importance of international justice
Global Witness is attending the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor in The Hague as supermodel Naomi Campbell is called to testify. The event offers a useful reminder of the role of natural resources in funding conflict, and of the importance of pursuing justice for the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
