How advanced genetic testing can be used to combat the illegal timber trade

By Melanie Zacharias, Postdoctoral researcher in forest genetics, Université Laval

According to Interpol, the organization dedicated to facilitating international police co-operation, between 15 per cent and 30 per cent of the world’s traded timber comes from illegal sources. This is an estimated annual value of US$51-152 billion dollars.

Illegal logging has serious consequences for the environment, the climate and the local livelihoods of the people who depend upon the affected forests. In turn, local governments are faced with losses in revenue, rising corruption and…

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