Stolen wood from Romania’s forests, exported to EU and the US

The largest processor of resinous wood on the Romanian market agrees to buy wood knowing that is was illegally cut down from the forests in Romania, an incognito investigation conducted by an international environmental organization accuses, romanialibera.ro informs.

Environmental activists have issued a recording on Monday in this regard, during a press conference carried out by the EIA executive director Alexander von Bismarck.

“I came to Romania because you have the largest areas of forests and the biggest problem with illegal logging. Romania is in the midst of a critical effort to combat illegal logging of forests with unique value,” he said, referring to the debate around the new forest code.

The accused company replied: “As regards the recent allegations publicly expressed, Holzindustrie Schweighofer will start an internal investigation and will take decisions accordingly. All persons involved in the procurement process are required to sign on their own responsibility that they will comply with the rules of conduct. Our company will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour of its employees. Holzindustrie Schweighofer meets all legal requirements imposed by the Romanian State. Moreover, we are certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and we are permanently monitored by independent auditors that keep track of stocks of raw materials processed in our factories and verify the legality of processed raw material in our manufacturing units. Holzindustrie Schweighofer supports any official and legal action directed towards the protection of natural resources, especially to protect forests,” said the company in a point of view sent to the above mentioned newspaper.