Angkor Plywood’s Official Response: Addressing Allegations of Illegal Timber Trade
Angkor Plywood, a Cambodian enterprise dedicated to sustainable timber production, takes pride in its contributions to the country’s economy and responsible forestry management. Recent allegations made by Mongabay, an environmental news platform, accuse us of illegal logging and international timber smuggling, particularly to Vietnam and China. These claims are baseless, and we reject them unequivocally. This response from the communication team aims to clarify the operations, address each accusation, and question Mongabay’s motives and credibility.
Understanding Angkor Plywood’s Operations
Since its founding in 2011, Angkor Plywood has adhered to the highest standards of legal compliance and sustainable forestry. Our mission is to develop the timber industry responsibly, in line with Cambodia’s laws and international best practices. The company’s operations focus on managing legal concessions granted by the Cambodian government, not on exploiting protected areas.
Legal Framework:
Angkor Plywood operates under the Cambodian Forestry Law, which governs all logging, processing, and exporting activities. This law outlines strict guidelines for forest concessions, sustainable logging quotas, and timber trade, ensuring environmental preservation. Our operations are regularly audited by local and international agencies, confirming our compliance with legal requirements.
Sustainability Efforts:
As a company committed to environmental stewardship, Angkor Plywood actively invests in reforestation and conservation initiatives to promote forest regeneration. We grow timber on over 15,000 hectares of land, with plans for expansion to further support sustainable forestry. We work with local communities by creating jobs, ensuring timber harvesting is conducted responsibly, and respecting biodiversity and land use regulations.
Debunking Allegations of Illegal Logging and Exports
The Mongabay article accuses Angkor Plywood of illegal logging of rare tree species from protected areas like Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary and of laundering timber through associated companies for export. We categorically deny these claims. Below is our response to the major allegations:
a. Illegal Logging in Protected Areas
- Legal Concessions: Angkor Plywood harvests timber solely from legally designated concessions approved by the Cambodian government, not from protected zones like Prey Lang.
- Rare Tree Species: The accusation of clearing rare species like Sralau (Lagerstroemia calyculata) and Chhlik (Terminalia alata) is false. We adhere strictly to restrictions on harvesting these species, and our processes confirm that no such timber is processed or traded by Angkor Plywood.
- Lack of Credible Evidence: Mongabay’s “evidence,” based on anonymous sources and undocumented testimonies, lacks credibility and substantiation. We challenge Mongabay to present verifiable proof of illegal activities.
b. Illegal Timber Laundering and Exporting
- Transparent Exports: Our exports comply with Cambodian export regulations, with documents vetted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and customs authorities. Every shipment has legal export permits, and we have never shipped Grade 1 species, contrary to Mongabay’s claims.
- Compliance with Trade Laws: We partner with reputable firms across borders and strictly follow international trade laws. The insinuation of being part of a “timber cartel” is defamatory and unsupported by facts. We demand a retraction of such claims.
Angkor Plywood stands firm in its commitment to lawful timber trade and sustainable forestry. We reject baseless allegations and invite constructive dialogue to build a transparent and thriving sustainable timber industry that benefits both Cambodia’s economy and its environment.”
Concerns About Mongabay’s Reporting and Potential Bias
While Mongabay positions itself as an environmental watchdog, its reporting often lacks accuracy and impartiality. The latest article on Angkor Plywood follows a similar pattern of biased and sensationalist coverage:
a. Lack of Balance and Verification
- No Fair Response: Mongabay did not offer Angkor Plywood an adequate opportunity to respond before publication, undermining journalistic standards of fairness and balance.
- Anonymous Sources: The report’s reliance on anonymous sources raises questions about its credibility. Given the complexity of the timber industry, accusations should be supported by documented evidence, not unverified statements.
- Selective Reporting: Mongabay often portrays Cambodian timber companies as villains while ignoring broader issues like international demand driving illegal logging. This selective focus suggests an agenda beyond environmental protection.
b. Intent to Degrade Cambodia’s Image
- Undermining Progress: Angkor Plywood believes that Mongabay’s reporting aims to degrade Cambodia’s international image. By selectively targeting Cambodian companies, it overlooks the country’s progress in sustainable development.
- Complex Challenges: Like many developing nations, Cambodia faces challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. Angkor Plywood strives to contribute to both, adhering to sustainability norms.
Angkor Plywood’s Commitment to Transparency and Sustainability
Angkor Plywood remains committed to sustainable forestry and legal operations. We welcome third-party audits and encourage government inspections of our facilities, logging sites, and export procedures.
a. Reforestation and Community Development
- Active Reforestation: We have planted over 1,50,00,000 trees in the past five years, ensuring long-term sustainability of the timber industry.
- Community Engagement: Angkor Plywood employs hundreds of local workers, most of whom are women, providing training and fair wages. The company also runs a clinic to support villagers and has built a school for the local community. Plans are underway to build a hospital to further improve healthcare access.
b. Leadership Commitment
- Mr. Lu Chu Chang’s Vision: Mr. Lu Chu Chang, the owner of Angkor Plywood and Think Biotech, has been a driving force behind the company’s sustainable initiatives. He is dedicated to the socio-economic development of local communities, actively employing locals, particularly women. His initiatives include building healthcare facilities and supporting educational infrastructure, demonstrating his commitment to community well-being.
- Adherence to International Standards: Beyond complying with Cambodian laws, Angkor Plywood aligns its operations with international standards such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) criteria. We are in the process of obtaining FSC certification, further validating our commitment to sustainable timber management.
The Need for Accurate Reporting and Constructive Dialogue
The allegations made by Mongabay are not only false but also damaging to Cambodia’s developing timber industry and to Angkor Plywood’s reputation. We are considering legal options to address the defamatory content of Mongabay’s article. Meanwhile, we urge media outlets to engage in responsible journalism that prioritizes truth, accuracy, and fairness.
Appeal for Constructive Engagement
- Constructive Dialogue: Angkor Plywood invites Mongabay and other environmental organizations to engage in constructive dialogue rather than relying on sensationalist reporting. We believe that collaboration, not confrontation, is the key to addressing challenges in deforestation and sustainable timber production.
- International Support: We also call on international stakeholders to support Cambodia’s legal and sustainable timber trade efforts. By focusing on economic development and environmental conservation, we can create a sustainable future for the country’s forestry sector.
Angkor Plywood reaffirms its dedication to lawful, transparent, and sustainable operations. We ask the public to reserve judgment until accurate, verified information is available. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to preserve Cambodia’s forests while fostering economic growth for the nation and its people.
