WWF’s regional representative in Madagascar has labelled the deforestation situation in the country following the coup d’état last year as ‘out of control’.

Up to 20,000 hectares have been affected in Madagascar’s Northeast protected areas, which are some of the most rich in biodiversity in the country. The rosewood logs have mostly been felled within the boundaries of Masoala and Marojejy National Park, a World Heritage Site, as well as Mananara Biosphere Reserve.

Although the logging is selective, not only rosewood trees are cut. In order to transport the very heavy rose wood, around 5 or 6 trees need to be cut to help float the logs down the various rivers towards Vohemar.

Recent reports confirm that the situation is worsening.

Niall O’Connor WWF’s Regional Representative in Madagascar explains: “The number of wood exploiters has suddenly more than doubled from formerly 13 to currently 31 or 32.”

While the damage being done to the forests is of immediate concern to WWF, they are also worried about the message that is being sent out if this activity is allowed to continue.

“We fear and know that the ongoing export of these stock piles of illegally felled logs only further encourages wood operators to cut more wood,” said O’Connor.

International donors have become impatient with the unsolved situation and fear that decades of vital conservation work in the region is now being undone by the lack of good governance within the environmental sector, led by the state.

An estimated amount of 1000 containers of rosewood has been stocked in the port town of Vohemar waiting for the next opportunity to leave the country.

According to operators, rose wood sells for $4 000 to $5 000 per ton.

The impoverished villagers who actually cut the wood and pull it from the forests earn about $2.50 a day.

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