Pro Tropenholz is an association of long-established timber importers and distributors with similar concerns..
A legitimate international timber trade does not lead to the destruction of the vital tropical forests.
A boycott does not address the issue of saving the forests.
The economic use of this precious resource enables the protection of the entire eco-system.
Sustainable use and a sensible afforestation also benefit the people living in or near them.
The international timber trade cannot be held responsible for potentially ruining the tropical forests. Even though the public may think so: the wrecking of the forests – on average between 10 and 15 million hectares are lost annually – is due to various causes. According to figures obtained scientifically by the Federal Research Institute of Forestry and the Timber Trade.
60% of the areas are lost through itinerant peasants burning down the forests, a result of of the population increase in those areas.
30% of the woodlands are lost to agricultural and large-scale projects (e.g. for the cultivation of soy and palm oil) – still rising – and
10% through inefficient and non-sustainable use.