Environmental damage
Environmental studies consistently show that the logging operations of Rimbunan Hijau in PNG are the most environmentally destructive on the planet. Losses to the residual stand have been recoded at more than 100 trees per hectare. What is supposed to be selective logging is effectively clear felling.
The logging often ignores the prescriptions in the PNG Logging Code of Practice. Buffer zones are not respected, logging tracks are bulldozed through streams, poor road construction wastes logs and pollutes water courses, oil and other waste pollution are endemic, standing water attracts mosquitos and increases the incidence of malaria, undersized logs are constantly felled.
Bridges are not made to last
Oil leaks from unprotected storage areas and ends up in local swamps and rivers (two images)
Under sized logs are commonly felled
Tracks are bulldozed through watercourses
