Chinese accused of illegal logging in Congo
Mainland firm denies British NGO's claim that gifts to chiefs and misuse of permits were damaging forests in the African nation
China's fast-growing demand for timber from the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in an increase in illegal logging in the African nation.
Mainland and Hong Kong loggers were the likely culprits, Global Witness, a British non-governmental organisation, said.
Congo is the world's second most forested country, with 40 million people depending on them for income, food, building materials and medicines.
Documents obtained by Global Witness indicate a Sino-Congolese company promised US$750 and one motorcycle each to two chiefs in Congo in return for logging concessions. One of those chiefs also received two bottles of whisky, while the other opted for two cases of beer.
Other documents suggested a Hong Kong-based company signed a contract with the chief of Ngambomi village, paying him US$15 per log and gifts including two cases of beer, a carton of cigarettes, a blanket and US$500 in cash. The company reportedly told Global Witness that giving gifts to chiefs was the way things were done in Congo and it was not buying off locals.
Attempts to reach the Hong Kong firm by phone and e-mail were unsuccessful.