Providing access to more tools to help solve forest crimes
Worth almost USD 152 billion a year, the illegal timber industry accounts for up to 90% of tropical deforestation in some countries and attracts some of the world’s biggest organised crime groups. It causes serious economic, environmental and social damage and fuels conflict in forest regions where criminal gangs compete for available market and with […]
Love in the Molecular World: DNA fingerprinting to halt forest crime
By Ken Hickson for Focus on Forests Love at first microscopic sight. That’s definitely one way of describing how Dr Arif Malik felt about getting his first job. “I’ve always dreamed of having a job where I could apply all the molecular techniques that I’ve learned to something that could actually make a difference in […]
Constructive Guidance for European Importers of Myanmar Teak
By Darren Thomas Finally, constructive guidance for European importers of Myanmar Teak, thanks to the judicial system in Sweden: After scrutiny of the facts and evidence, the Swedish courts have ruled that it is possible to mitigate the risk of illegal timber from Myanmar through “appropriate and proportionate” risk reduction procedures. Such procedures can include […]
Vintage oak valued for wine barrels, antique furniture and solid flooring
By Ken Hickson for Focus on Forests “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. While that’s usually applied to the bride’s attire on wedding days, but as these matrimonial events are very restricted around the world these days, why not apply it to a precious wood instead? Oak. Lockdowns or not, it is still […]
DoubleHelix expands its global operations to 13 locations
Darren Thomas, co-Founder and CEO of Double Helix Tracking Technologies (DoubleHelix), the Singapore company which pioneered the use of DNA analysis to verify timber species and origin, relocates back to the United Kingdom this month from where he will continue to manage the global business. He and fellow Englishman Kevin Hill established DoubleHelix in Singapore […]
Withdrawal of DoubleHelix services from Myanmar
Following careful consideration of ongoing developments in Myanmar, and in alignment with EU sanctions imposed on Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) effective 21st June 2021, DoubleHelix will cease all operations in the country on the same day. This decision prioritises the safety and welfare of our staff and demonstrates our commitment to responsible business practices. We […]
How DNA test and trace aims to cut illegal exports of the endangered African cherry
By Ken Hickson The science of DNA testing to check on crimes of a human kind is now being increasingly utilised to help bring an end to environmental crime or at least to reduce the level of illegal trade. The latest focus of attention is the endangered African cherry – officially known as Prunus africana. […]
Joining Forces for Next-Generation Risk Management: Global Timber Supply Chain Risk & Regulatory Compliance
Singapore-based Double Helix Tracking Technologies is joining forces with 11Foundry of the United States to help timber companies all over the world better manage their global supply chain risk and regulatory compliance. Many timber industry professionals are familiar with global regulations such as the US Lacey Act and EU Timber Regulation. Whilst industry professionals have […]
Sourcing Certified Timber for Maldives Sustainable Resort Features
A sustainable timber supply chain for Patina Maldives Resort is one part of the developer’s quest to build for perpetuity By Floyd Cowan Visitors to the Maldives immediately become aware of its precious fragile environment and most guests are sensitive to the need to protect and preserve it. When Pontiac Land of Singapore decided to […]
How to avoid natural forests destruction and meet strict international timber trade rules
By Ken Hickson for Focus on Forests How can importers manage the risks associated with getting timber products from the Amazon? We hear a lot about the damage to the Amazon – the largest rainforest resource in the world – from deforestation, illegal logging and out of control forest fires. But little is said about […]