Japan calls for global action

The Japanese government will put forward measures for tackling illegal logging at this summer's G8 summit in Scotland.

The country's prime minister Junichiro Koizumi is expected to ask G8 members to buy only legal timber and establish an international system for tracing illegal loggers.

Japan, which is working with the International Tropical Timber Organisation, believes action is necessary to fight global warming and environmental destruction, especially in South-east Asia, South America and Africa.

It is examining funding for a tracing system, which would involve certificates being issued at each level of timber's production process – sawing, processing and distribution.

Japan wants a panel to evaluate the progress of the system in every G8 member nation.

The G8 summit will be held at Gleneagles on July 6-8.