By Denitsa Raykova | Donor Relations and Care Specialist
Crimes against nature are among the most lucrative criminal activities in the world. They generate revenues of $280 billion a year. According to Interpol, illegal logging accounts for the largest share of this sum. Statistics show that forest crimes generate financial losses of between $51 billion and $152 billion globally each year.
The consequences of illegal logging
Illegal logging is a problem with serious environmental, social and economic impacts. It damages forests, forest biodiversity, and ecosystems. It is detrimental to the interests of local people and communities, and harms responsible businesses that work with forest resources.
The gray sector in forestry in Bulgaria generates hidden revenues of around BGN 150 million annually through illegal timber harvesting. In addition to causing colossal financial losses, logging hinders forests from effectively performing their natural functions. All this leads to serious environmental consequences such as habitat alteration for protected species, disruption of important biocorridors, species loss, and soil erosion.
More data to come
WWF Bulgaria's forest experts investigate the numerous reports of illegal logging that we receive from all over the country. Over the years, we have responded to hundreds of signals.
The latest analysis, prepared by WWF and officially presented in 2018, shows that the annual volume of illegal logging in Bulgaria reaches 2.4 - 2.7 million cubic meters, or between 1/4 and 1/3 of the total harvest. The report reveals the various illegal logging schemes, covering the period from the calculation of the stock of stands in the inventory, through the marking of trees for logging to the shipment of the harvested timber.
In order to establish the real scale of illegal logging in Bulgaria and its likely negative consequences, WWF Bulgaria has undertaken the difficult task of preparing a new up-to-date analysis on the subject. Work on the document is expected to be completed in mid-2023 and it will be made public.
Illegal logging not only threatens the local economy but puts at risk many of the last old-growth forests in Eastern Europe, which are located in Bulgaria.
We will not stop fighting this criminal activity. Because by fighting it, we are protecting the home of wildlife and making sure bears, lynxes and many more will continue to exist. Ultimately, this is another way to help create a world where animals and people live in harmony.
Stay tuned for more news on forest restoration and protection in Bulgaria!
Thank you for being our supporter!
P.S Check out this video to learn how modern technology can help in the fight with illegal logging.
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