FRA
has claimed that the modern-day timber scavengers and
'treasure-hunters' prove that timber is growing in demand and value.
Seattle,
United States, July 25, 2012 -- Forestry Research Associates has
claimed that the modern-day timber scavengers and 'treasure-hunters'
prove that timber is growing in demand and value.
Reports
into the increase in people searching for lost tropical rainforest
timbers that fell to river and sea beds years ago, has prompted
experts to use this as evidence of the ongoing demand for timber. A
recent report in the Bangkok Post about the activity shows that there
is a growing number of timber 'treasure-hunters' who search for
long-lost logs of timbers no longer widely available due to logging
restrictions.
Peter
Collins of FRA, the research and analysis consultancy, said, “Many
of these so-called treasure hunters are in operation in South-East
Asia where a large number of exotic hardwood logs were lost during
the period when logging of rainforests was more common and legal,
back in the 1980s and 1990s."
The
article in the Bangkok Post described how the exotic lumber is in
demand in Asia in particular, where it is used for the construction
of everything from bar tops to pianos.
“The
populations of many Asian countries are growing increasingly wealthy
and want fine things made of beautiful timbers. However, the logging
of many of these timbers is now illegal and the only way to get hold
of them is to rescue logs that have been sitting on river beds for
several years,” explained Mr Collins. He added, "The
alternative, of course, is to source timber from sustainable
plantations, such as those run by firms like Greenwood
Management in Brazil and Canada.”
FRA
supports sustainable timber plantations that allow investors to buy
up sections of timberland while receiving returns from when the
timber is harvested, processed and sold on. Timber demand in general
is high at the moment, particularly in China, India and Japan, which
is making timberland investment even more attractive.
About
Forestry Research Associates
Forestry
Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that
focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry
investment around the globe.
Media
Contact:
Peter
Collins
Forestry
Research Associates
620
Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge
Island, WA 98110
(206)
316 8394
