A timber harvesting license granted to Prima Colombia Hardwood is allowing the exploitation of colombian rain forest on the Pacific Coast with serious consequences for regional biodiversity. The project is called Los Delfines REM Prima Colombia Hardwood or simply The Timber Agreement, taking place in Bahia Solano, allowing the cutting, harvesting and export of fine woods in over one million cubic meters of forest.The Canadian company REM Forest came to the area in June 2007 and obtained a contract from the local community council "los delfines" ("the dolphins"), who by community law are responsible for the land. The contract granted the company license to commence operations in a section of regional rain forest.REM Forest was bought out by Prima Colombia Hardwood Inc. in September 2010. The company is "a Canadian based forest products company focused on international tropical hardwood timber development, production and marketing," according to a September article on website digitaljournal. The company claims to use sustainable harvesting methods.The contract was endorsed by the Colombian government, but according to local foresters, will have harmful consequences for plants and animals living in the region's jungle. The corporation in charge of ensuring sustainable development in the Choco department, Codechoco, said that it was not in agreement with the license. The company is scheduled to begin commercial operations in May and "intends to explore the opportunity to increase the number of forest licences in Colombia." I am calling everyone to take action right now !!!
