
This policy brief highlights evidence of approximately 14,000 cubic meters of ekki harvested in 2018/19, in the name of ‘road alignment’, under a permit that should have expired in 2012. It was researched and written by CS-IFM, SDI and NUCFDC. Documents suggest at least 9,000 m3 were exported in 2019, a volume worth nearly US$2.5 million in the international market. An official investigation into the case was commissioned by the Ministry of Justice. Two years since the logging took place, there is no news that any individual or company responsible for illegal logging has been brought to justice. The official investigation concluded a year ago, so the Ministry should immediately release its report.