EU to conclude deal to stop illegal timber extraction from Republic of Congo

First bilateral pact with Congo Basin nation uses power of European Market to curb rise of illegal timber harvests in Africa

		IMAGE: This is timber in different stages of the export process in the Republic of Congo. Click here for more information.

BRUSSELS and BRAZZAVILLE (9 May 2009)—The European Union and the Government of the Republic of Congo today announced a new agreement that for the first time establishes a system to ensure wood products exported from the Republic of Congo to the EU contain no illegally harvested timber and are derived from managed forests that benefit local communities.