BUTUAN CITY – Illegal timber poaching in Agusan del Norte has dropped significantly over the past three years, environmental officials reported Monday.
The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Nasipit (CENRO-Nasipit) recorded a 42-percent decrease in confiscated lumber — from 108,546 board feet in 2022 to 63,105 board feet in 2024.
This year’s January-April period saw 11,672 board feet seized from 10 poaching incidents.
CENRO-Nasipit chief Nelson Caranzo attributed the decline to sustained awareness campaigns and stronger partnerships with local governments and law enforcement.
“These information campaigns helped reduce illegal lumber poaching,” he said.
Caranzo also reported progress in restoration efforts, with 19,835 hectares reforested since 2011 under the National Greening Program. Plantations include timber species (8,628 hectares), agroforestry crops (5,159 hectares) and mangroves.
Caranzo said CENRO-Nasipit, which oversees forest protection in Butuan City and five Agusan del Norte municipalities, expects further improvements through continued monitoring and expanded afforestation projects. (PNA)