Illegal Logging Decimating Bosnia's Forests

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The clearances around Kiseljak are only one of many examples of illegal deforestation in Bosnia, creating the conditions for a future environmental and ecological crisis. Ecologist Nijaz Abazdic says uncontrolled exploitation of Bosnia's natural resources may be responsible for several recent disasters, such as a massive landslide that covered part of the motorway near Kiseljak, or another that changed the course of the river Bosnia. "We must stop turning a blind eye to this alarming situation," he told IWPR. Illegal exploitation of wood is the main cause of soil erosion, although widespread fires and the 1992-95 war also played their part, when woods were chopped down for military needs, heating and illegal export. With forests covering just over 40 per cent of the country, Bosnia comprises the third largest forest reserve in Europe.

Yet the lack of uniform government rules regulating the exploitation of wood, particularly oak, pine and beech, has made the business of looting this precious natural resource painfully easy. Forestry does not fall under the competence of Bosnia's weak state government but is managed by the two entities - the Federation and Republika Srpska, RS.

The Federation, in turn, has devolved the issue to each of its ten cantons, which have made the situation yet more complex by turning the matter over to local companies. Looters take advantage of this bureaucratic muddle. According to Adid Saric, Sarajevo Canton's minister of economy and forestry, the part of the canton bordering the RS has suffered most damage.

"It is difficult to react because it is unclear which authorities bear responsibility," Saric told IWPR. He added that arresting looters, even when they are caught red-handed, is difficult. If forest rangers spot thieves, they must report them first to the authorities. This gives most culprits plenty of time to get away. Moreover, looters are often armed, Saric went on, as well as skilled in their contraband trade.

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http://www.terrelibere.it/terrediconfine/index.php?x=completa&riga=0506