Greenpeace's recent report reveals how Herakles Farms had illegally obtained a permit to export timber, most of which was illegally felled to establish a palm oil plantation in Cameroon. Their 'Licence to Launder' report demonstrates the persistent illegalities at the heart of the Herakles Farms project, indicative of a wider problem in the logging sector in Africa. If allowed to persist, this new development will also seriously undermine Cameroon’s Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU aimed at stopping illegal logging. The forests and people of Africa will have no protection if companies such as Herakles Farms are allowed to contravene national laws and ignore the rights of local communities.
This is the second story EarthAction shares in a series of recent articles about the unfolding situation in Cameroon. Click here to subscribe to our RSS Feed so you won’t miss a post.
"The oil palm plantation being developed by Herakles Farms in the southwest region of Cameroon – an area of great biodiversity surrounded by five protected areas – illustrates what happens when irresponsible companies are not held accountable to local laws and processes. The company’s activities pose a serious threat to forested areas and the communities who rely upon the forest for their livelihoods." - Greenpeace
Click here to learn more or here to view the entire 'Licence to Launder' report.
For more on Herakles Farms and palm oil in Africa, click here.
TAKE ACTION Greenpeace has set up a quick and easy way for you to send a message to the Cameroon Minister of Forest and Wildlife and other important policymakers to save this forest.
Image: Greenpeace
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