In the mountainous municipality of Buey Arriba, located in the province of Granma, Cuban authorities have confiscated more than 3,000 cubic meters of cedar wood lacking legal documentation. This operation has been showcased as a propaganda triumph across social media platforms. The pro-government profile, Entérate con Aytana Alama, which frequently acts as a spokesperson for the regime, announced on Facebook this Monday that the operation was carried out by forest rangers in collaboration with members of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR). They discovered over 60 pieces of cedar wood in an irregular situation.
While the announcement did not provide details about those responsible or the intended destination of the seized wood, it was mentioned that "appropriate measures" were taken, though these measures remain unspecified, as does any information about possible arrests.
The regime's portrayal of this operation as a success conveniently omits the dire circumstances faced by the population, who often turn to the black market due to the inability to legally obtain wood for basic needs such as doors or windows. Despite the government's efforts to curb illegal logging and the clandestine trade of valuable woods, ongoing operations highlight the persistence of these activities across various regions of the country.
Recently, two individuals were detained in the province of Holguín for their alleged involvement in illegal logging and unauthorized transportation of valuable wood. As reported by the pro-regime profile Carretera En La Mira, the operation was executed jointly by the PNR and the Forest Rangers on the Vocational Highway, which links Holguín with Santiago de Cuba's borders.
Previous incidents underscore the scope of the issue: in Sancti Spíritus, the Ministry of the Interior seized a shipment of illegally logged valuable woods; in Ciego de Ávila, a truck was stopped while transporting unauthorized wood; and in Mayabeque, the Forest Rangers confiscated illegal wood from a carpenter who was storing it at his home.
There have also been reports of arrests for the theft of mahogany wood, such as the case where a citizen was caught with more than thirty pieces of this protected species. In this instance, the Ministry of the Interior detained a Cuban national with 33 pieces and six logs of mahogany.
FAQs on Illegal Logging and Wood Trade in Cuba
What is the current situation with illegal logging in Cuba?
Illegal logging remains a significant issue in Cuba, with frequent operations revealing ongoing unauthorized cutting and trade of valuable woods, despite government efforts to regulate these activities.
How does the government address illegal wood trade?
The Cuban government conducts joint operations involving the National Revolutionary Police and Forest Rangers to seize illegally obtained wood and detain those involved in its unauthorized trade.
Why do people resort to the black market for wood in Cuba?
Due to difficulties in accessing legally obtained wood for essential needs like doors and windows, many Cubans turn to the black market as a means of acquiring these materials.