Illegal tree cutting in Timor

Dili, East Timor: The illegal cutting of trees for fire wood is one of the gravest problems being faced by the forestry office here.

The illegal tree cutting activities are taking place in the regencies of Ainaro, Naucau, Manatuto and Viqueqiue, Antara reported yesterday quoting a forestry office source.

Forest fires have also destroyed over 9,893 hectares of forest area in eight regencies in the province, the news agency said.

Forestry officials have blamed the cutting of trees for fire wood and the damage from forest fires for the economic difficulties facing the people living nearby.(bas)