After the photos finish loading, click on the arrow key below to begin the slide show. You can click on the buttons below to start or stop on any photo.
This photo slide show contains images of the logging industry going strong
in the Chocó region. These photos were taken from the roadsides while
traveling for approximately just 20 kilometers on my way to the community
of Selve Alegre. The amount of cut logs, timber, logging trucks, and heavy
machinery that we see over such a short distance is staggering.
The communities that have agreed to logging contracts on their land do so
out of desperation because of their lack of alternatives for work, income,
or food. However, more and more often, we are hearing of illegal timber extraction
in the area as well. Pressure on community leaders by logging intermediaries
have been increasing intensely since the beginning of 2007. Sometimes these
"pressures" put on community leaders are violent in nature, some
receiving death threats if they do not sign a logging contract.
The Touch The Jungle project, sponsored by the nonprofit organization Earthways
Foundation, is working hard to provide communities with sustainable alternatives
so they do not have to destroy their forests to survive. We are focusing our
strongest efforts on the communities who are committed to preserving their
forests. It is our hope that with our projects in place, this will help empower
community leaders to maintain their stand against the increasing pressures
from the logging companies.
Tracy Wilson
TTJ Project Director
width="600" height="415" border="0">
