Illegal Logging Vatthe Conservation Area

CAMPAIGN for Justice is deeply concerned that illegal logging operations in Vanuatu’s biggest conservation area in Matantas Big Bay, Santo have continued since a report of these illegal operations was completed.

The report was handed over to the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation last September.

A C4J spokesman said as of late October 2018, further C4J surveillance showed that such illegal logging activities have resumed not only without an end in sight, but brazenly.

“And it is not just rosewood but other hardwood timber being milled on a commercial scale,’’ he said.

“The rape of these lucrative timber resources is taking place right now within VATTHE Conservation Area in Big Bay, Santo, most probably right before the eyes of Forestry officers and Environmental Protection authorities.

“It the raises the most serious question yet: what will happen to all of the rest of the conservation areas, if law enforcement agencies and regulators are not prepared to stand up and take punitive action against the law breakers, then it is our respected view that no conservation area stands a chance of being secured and protected.”

On September 5 the C4J completed and ‘handed over on a silver platter’ to the Director of Department of Environmental Protection outlining substantial breaches of the laws following close surveillance of illegal logging operations happening at Big Bay.

The spokesman said the C4J acted following a request from the Department of Environment to conduct the investigation using its own resources because it believed that something must be done to protect the local environment and resources for our future generations.

“But since then, nothing has yet to come out of the report and raises serious questions about the ability of the director and responsible authorities to actually enforce the laws,” he said.

“Some 10 suspects were named and listed. The suspects comprised both public servants, so-called landowners and private interests.”