A
move in Kenya to strengthen laws that prohibit illegal logging has
been praised by Forestry Research Associates (FRA). The Kenya
Forestry services is arranging for timber and charcoal dealers across
the globe to work together to outlaw the illegal practise. The Kenya
Forestry Services Act stipulates that anybody engaging in cutting
timber or burning charcoal unlawfully will be fined Kshs 50,000.
Seattle,
United States, September 28, 2012 -- A move in Kenya to
strengthen laws that prohibit illegal logging has been praised by
Forestry Research Associates (FRA). The Kenya Forestry services is
arranging for timber and charcoal dealers across the globe to work
together to outlaw the illegal practise. The Kenya Forestry Services
Act stipulates that anybody engaging in cutting timber or burning
charcoal unlawfully will be fined Kshs 50,000.
FRA
advocates sustainable forestry in all its forms and supports
environmental conservation and the international requirement of ten
per cent tree cover, which Kenya is working towards.
Africa
has made great improvements in its green policies in recent times and
this latest campaign encourages local people to work with Kenya
Forest Services (KFS) and Community Forest Associations (CFA) to
embrace conservation.
Busia
County Forestry Services Coordinator James Were points out that the
Forestry Act amendment of 2005 requires formation of registered
groups to deal in charcoal and timber. "Anyone caught
masquerading in the timber business without a license of origin from
KFS, will face the law non-selectively," he said.
The
Kenya government policy supports commercial forestry either by
individuals or groups as long as green measures are adhered to.
Timber investment is growing in popularity across the globe and FRA
recommends sustainably managed plantations, such as the Greenwood
Management scheme operated in Brazil.
Here,
investors can strengthen their portfolio and snap up a piece of
forestry land for as little as $10,000, which is a lot less than is
involved when buying forestry independently. Greenwood manage these
plantations and support the local community by offering jobs.
"Demand
for timber is rising and this is an investment that can help you beat
inflation," said FRA's analysis partner, Peter Collins.
"Alternative investments are becoming more popular and the
Kenyan government’s green policies prove that it is essential to
work with companies that actively advocate sustainable forestry."
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
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