3. Logging activity, the timber ‘mafia’ and its impacts

en route to marojejy.jpg

Reports on the internet reveal ongoing ‘cat-and-mouse’ actions by authorities and hardwood exporters in Madagascar. Logs of rosewood and other hardwoods are hidden, sometimes even buried, until a change in the law or a political crisis provides an opportunity to cash in. The change in government in March 2009 and ensuing political instability created a governance vacuum and opportunists are taking full advantage. The local rosewood traders who supply markets in China are said to be based in Antalaha, a coastal town approximately halfway between Marojejy and the Masoala Peninsula and are referred to locally as the “mafia”.

Normal boat trade along the north-east coast has been disrupted because all available boats are being commandeered by the timber traders. They employ bands of men who are armed and use intimidation tactics. There are reports on the internet that villagers have been threatened with beheading and that a park ranger based in Mananara had both his feet broken.

The areas hardest hit by illegal logging are the lowland rainforest on the Masoala Peninsula, and the montane rainforest and cloudforest at Marojejy. Not only has the logging disrupted tourism activity and caused economic hardship for those who depend on tourism, it has also had an impact on the wildlife: habitats have been disturbed and masses of birds and lemurs have been killed for eating or for sale at local markets.

The social impacts of the threats and intimidation are significant. Anyone who has been to the area will know how wonderfully gentle and peace-loving are the people of this region. Now they are living in fear and communities are divided, with some cashing in on the opportunity to earn a bit of money by working for the log traders, but it is hard and dangerous work and they earn only a little.

It is quite clear that the region’s riches are being plundered, and it is not the local people who are benefitting from it.