China to Crack Down on Deforestation Crimes

In order to crack down on the deforestation crimes and intensify the investigation and prosecution of major cases, the State Forestry Administration will send out 10 inspection groups to 27 provinces and regions, including Guangxi and Heilongjiang,as well as to forestry group companies to supervise the prosecution of the 47 major related cases.

Statistics show that in recent years, some 500,000 cases of destroying forest resources have occurred annually in China, cases of illegal and wanton felling of trees, deforestation for land reclamation and the illegal requisition and occupation of forest lands are especially prominent. Cases such as illegal stealing and selling of timber transport certificates, illegal transportation and unlawful dealing in timber and other conducts continue to occur despite repeated prohibitions. Serious and major deforestation cases have occurred frequently and assumed an upward trend on an annual basis, causing huge losses to China's forest resources and the ecological environment.

In order to launch a concentrated attack on disforestation crimes and related criminals, arouse the extensive attention of various social circles and mobilize the whole nation to protect forest resources according to law, the State Forestry Administration has since this past June launched the "No. 3 Action" nationwide to protect forest resources.

The Action has won wide support and participation. From June 26 to August 31, the Administration received altogether 233 reporting calls and letters, and relevant materials have presently been transferred to local departments concerned for verification and prosecution.

These cases will definitely be looked into thoroughly, no matter who are involved and how complicated the case is, said Ma Fu, deputy director of the Administration, adding that any one or any unit who damages forests for whatever reasons must be investigated and prosecuted for his or her liability.



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