Equatorial Guinea - Forestry

Timber from Rio Muni is Equatorial Guinea's leading export. Forests cover over 62% of the land area. The Rio Muni area on the mainland produces okoumé and akoga from rainforests of considerable age. Even though the government has given permission to foreign firms, exploitation is difficult due to infrastructural problems. The government enacted a new forestry action plan in 1990 in an effort to strengthen the sector's development. In 2000, roundwood production was estimated at 811,000 cu m (28.6 million cu ft). In 2000, exports of forest products amounted to $97 million.