Africa-Press – Mozambique. One hundred and sixty forestry companies in Sofala were fined around thirteen million meticais (US$203,665) this year for various irregularities.
The main offenses are cutting timber (logs) with a smaller diameter than the established limit and the forgery of timber transit guides.
According to the delegate of the National Agency for the Control of Environmental Quality in Sofala, Morgado Mussengue, most of the companies penalised are Chinese-owned.
Mussengue says that inspection in the districts with most illegal logging has been reinforced, with the deployment of additional mobile and fixed brigades.
But that alone is not enough, Mussengue says, insisting that the involvement of communities in the fight against the illegal exploitation of forestry resources is essential.
