Zambia has seen a rise in the demand for its timber, mainly for export. But much of the exploitation of the timber, especially the rare Mukula species is illegal in this southern African nation. But the trade is flourishing because of a lack of clarity in legislation that protects Zambia’s forests.

Commentary of Agus Purnomo, special assistant to the president of Indonesia and head of the secretariat of the National Council on Climate Change.

Activists have launched an urgent appeal calling upon outgoing Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to step up protection of the only ecosystem that houses Sumatran orangutans, rhinos, elephants and tigers.