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Created on Friday, 30 September 2011 06:52

Published on Friday, 30 September 2011 06:52

The EAWLS and Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF) have been running a joint project funded by the European Community through the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) titled “Monitoring of Wood and Wood Products Trade in Kenya and Tanzania Border Points”. This project started recently and has officially kicked off at three border points (Namanga, Holili/Taveta and Tanga/Lunga Lunga). The project will gather information that will lead to better governance, enforcement of laws and regulation of illegal wood and wood products trade in Kenya and Tanzania.

This project comes at a time when illegal exploitation and trade of wood products as a result of poor policy implementation, inadequate law enforcement, poor governance and lack of accountability is highly contributing to degradation of forests and woodlands in the two countries.

Early last month, we carried out a reconnaissance survey aimed at creating mutual understanding and support among government agencies in the trade at the three border points. This survey will be followed by a study that will inform us of the magnitude of the problem. Findings of the study will be shared out in upcoming issues once we have gathered sufficient information. Of importance to EAWLS and TNRF is the impact of the trade on the ecosystems where wood is coming from, and transparency and accountability in its movement. Continue reading our revamped newsletter and we will inform you of the progress of this project in days to come.