MAKE'S YOUR EARTH HEALTY

Logging plans by Asian timber companies could effect a large area of Suriname's remaining natural rainforest. Economic problems have led the goverenment to seek logging investment, encouraging Malaysia, Indonesia and Chinese companies to bid for 3.6 million ha of concessions. The companies include Berjaya of Malaysia, MUSA and Suri Atlantic of indonesia and two Chinese state companies. The tree larges consessions would increase roundwood production 15-20 times and export volume 300-350 times, al though analysis by the World Resources Institute suggest that the concessions may not produce the hoped-for revenue, amd may end up a net loser once the costs of insuring compliance are factored in.

Opposition to concessions has grwon within the country and opposing MPs have delayed a vote. The MUSA bid has suffered through criticsm of its existing concessions in Suriname. Mean while, the FAO is initiating a project to strngthen the forestry sector and the Ducth goverenment has proposed a US$ 5 million grant aimed at conservation measures.
(Arbor Vitae, September 1995)