Tokyo 2020 fails to stop killing of rainforests, groups say, with equivalent of 10,000 logs cut down in Indonesia and Malaysia
- Seven NGOs say Olympic organisers are still making it easy for suppliers to source tainted wood despite policy revisions
The NGOs released a statement on Thursday accusing the 2020 Olympic hosts of violating promises to stop high-risk timber from being used in the construction of facilities for the Games and continuing to make it easy for suppliers to access tainted wood.
“We are deeply disappointed by the recent revision of Tokyo 2020 Olympics’ timber sourcing policy, which fails to end the use of timber associated with rainforest destruction and human rights abuses that have been repeatedly found in Tokyo 2020’s timber supply chain,” the joint statement said.
“By allowing Tokyo 2020 suppliers to continue sourcing high-risk timber from controversial
companies, without meaningful due diligence, the Olympics will be leaving a bitter legacy for Japan.
“The Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been mired in controversy since the bidding process, and its substantial use of unsustainable rainforest wood to construct several new Olympic venues is a clear case in point, constituting a violation of Tokyo 2020’s commitment to host a sustainable Olympics.”
The NGOs calling out the organisers are Rainforest Action Network, Japan Tropical Forest Action Network, Bruno Manser Fund, Environmental Investigation Agency (US) Hutang Group, Sarawak Dayak Iban Association, TuK Indonesia and Walhi North Maluku Sarawak Campaign Committee.