Member nations of the G-8 have been urged to adopt a three point plan to stamp out illegal logging proposed by the Philippine environment and natural resources secretary, Michael Defensor.

In a statement sent to the G-8 environment and development ministers meeting in the UK, Mr Defensor said the Philippines has been among the worst victims of illegal logging worldwide.

He called on the G-8 countries to ban importation of illegal wood into their markets; to halt government’s purchases of illegal wood; and to support enforcement capacity in timber-producing countries and regions.

&#8220By making it illegal to import illegally produced logs, the G8 would send a significant market message. If the peddlers of illicit wood have nowhere to send their products they will be forced to stop their destructive practices
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Philippine environment and natural resources secretary, Michael Defensor

Mr Defensor said other countries have established procurement policies that eliminate illegal wood products and he encouraged other nations to follow suit. He added: “By making it illegal to import illegally produced logs, the G8 would send a significant market message. If the peddlers of illicit wood have nowhere to send their products they will be forced to stop their destructive practices.”