Ecobreves – GUATEMALA: Battle Against Tree Trafficking

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

GUATEMALA CITY, Oct 11 2003 (IPS) - The environmental investigative office in Guatemala will launch a campaign at the end of October to fight the illegal trafficking in 'pinabete' branches, which Guatemalans traditionally use as Christmas decorations. The government's environmental prosecutor, Héctor Flores, said the battle to end trade in pinabete (Habeas guatemalense), “a tree native to the higher altitude regions of western Guatemala, because it is a species unique in the world, and is in danger of extinction.”

Those found guilty of trafficking will be prosecuted, Flores told Tierramérica, as was the case of Eusebio Puj, sentenced two months ago to five years in prison and a fine of 1,250 dollars.