Mozambique: Over 100 containers of illegal timber seized in Pemba port

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Mozambique: Over 100 containers of illegal timber seized in Pemba port

9:34 CAT | 18 Aug 2020

FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: Lusa]

The timber, of the umbila and jambire species, was destined for China, according to the authorities

Mozambican authorities seized more than 100 illegal containers of timber on a ship in the port of Pemba, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, an official source told Lusa.

“The seizure was the result of a tip off. We went to the scene and it was confirmed. Part of the wood was in containers on the ship and the other still being loaded,” said Arsénio Chelengo, coordinator of the forestry inspection department of the National Agency for Environmental Quality Control (AQUA).

Of the total 102 containers, 78 had logged timber and 24 containers had processed timber, he advanced, adding that in Mozambique the export of logged timber is prohibited.

The timber, of the umbila and jambire species, was destined for China, according to the authorities.

Several national and international reports have indicated that Mozambique is the scene of environmental crimes, including illegal logging, warning of the consequences of high levels of deforestation.

To reduce the pressure on forest resources, some restrictive measures have been implemented in the last five years to reverse the scenario.

Official data said that Mozambique loses at least €140 million annually due to timber smuggling.

Source: Lusa