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'They burn, they cut, they destroy, they steal'

DAVID SMITH - Nov 20 2009 06:00

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The lemur, a furry primate that symbolises Madagascar's unique biodiversity, is under renewed threat from a "timber mafia" pillaging the island's forests for profit.

Environmentalists warn that a political crisis in the impoverished country is reversing conservation gains of recent years and putting "hundreds, if not thousands" of species, many not yet identified, at risk of extinction.

Madagascar, which has been isolated from other landmasses for more than 160-million years, is the world's fourth-largest island and a "conservation hotspot", with thousands of species found only here. These include nearly 100 species of lemur, six of which are critically endangered.

Decades of logging, mining and slash-and-burn farming have destroyed 90% of Madagascar's forests, though the rate has slowed in the past two decades.

The former president, Marc Ravalomanana, was praised for putting six million hectares under protection and backing eco-friendly community projects and sustainable farming. But Ravalomanana was ousted in March in a violent coup that led to a breakdown of law and order and a "gold rush" of armed loggers and poachers. International sanctions have caused the suspension of environmental programmes and could hit 45national parks that are 90% dependent on overseas aid.

Lemurs' natural habitat is under threat from the accelerating deforestation. In addition, they are being hunted for bush meat.

Dr Hantanirina Rasamimanana, a researcher and teacher at Antananarivo University, said: "Deforestation is always a problem, but in these past five months bush meat is also very dangerous. People are desperate because of the lack of rain."

She said: "Here in Madagascar, when there is a political change … it's always like that. They burn, they cut, they destroy, they steal. If they don't stop, I am afraid that some species will become extinct."

Conservationists say that armed gangs are exploiting the security vacuum to pillage rosewood and ebony from supposedly protected forests on behalf of a so-called "timber mafia". This year an estimated $100-million worth of hardwood has been cut down and sold, mostly to China.

CONTINUES BELOW

The government, which levies a 40% export tax, is accused of not only failing to stop the trade but actively encouraging it. It issued an order last month authorising the export of raw and semi-processed hardwood. This supposedly related to trees already felled in cyclones, but environmental activists say it has provided an incentive for more illegal logging.

Niall O'Connor, head of the WWF's Indian Ocean office, said: "This is the legalisation of illegally cut timber. The government stands to make a lot from the tax levied on this timber. The current crisis is setting back the good impacts made in conservation in the past 15 to 20 years."

About half of Madagascar's national budget -- and 70% of investment spending -- comes from outside assistance. But after the coup by Antananarivo mayor Andry Rajoelina, most international donors suspended or cancelled non-humanitarian assistance.

The WWF has been forced to suspend several projects. O'Connor said: "The impact of not having funding is probably greater than the political crisis. If the World Bank doesn't fund Madagascar's national parks, they will run out of money very quickly. We have the potential for losing hundreds if not thousands of species."

Madagascar's $390-million a year tourism industry, of which eco-tourism is the backbone, is down to just 40% of its normal level. - © Guardian News & Media 2009

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Comments

And when they have destroyed everything - cut down the last tree, killed the last animal - will they turn to eating one another?

Ella Hume on November 24, 2009, 7:46 am

@Ella Hume... "Will they turn to eat one another? Hey! you fool! DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THEM? give them a call so they won't forget to send you an invitation card.

pingpong afrijap on November 27, 2009, 4:33 am

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'They burn, they cut, they destroy, they steal'

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