Over the years of being a campaigner, I have witnessed the continual exploitation of our most vital resources. That’s why I have made it my life’s work to be a voice for the voiceless, and to put pressure on corporations and decision makers who are currently destroying the earth for their own personal greed.

This type of destruction is currently being witnessed by all of us on the Rainbow Warrior. We’ve been documenting the destructive logging practices that are taking place in Papua, on the island of New Guinea. This region contains some of the largest intact forest cover found in the world. And at the current rate that these forests are being logged, the World Bank estimates that they could be gone in less than ten years.

What’s driving our forest to the brink of extinction is our growing consumption of wood products through out the world, with the US being the biggest culprit. As an American, I am appalled at the fact that we’re destroying so many forests and displacing many communities whose lives depend on them. About 75 to 80 percent of the timber coming out of this region has been illegally logged, taken from communities without their permission. People are threatened, beaten, raped, murdered, and forced to leave their homes when dealing with the timber mafia, which is running rampant through out this region. And many companies around the world – including a lot in the US – are doing business with these timber barons.

Earlier this week we released an investigative report called Sharing the Blame: Global Consumption and China’s Role in Ancient Forest Destruction addressing forest crimes. We have asked countries and companies to set up policies and make commitments to not purchase wood that comes from illegal and destructive sources. The main wood that they are after in Papua is Merbau, which is a beautiful dark tropical hardwood that’s only found in this region. This wood is in high demand in countries like the US, where it’s used to make furniture and flooring.

A couple of days ago I went for a trek with some local villagers and saw my first Merbau tree. I was completely blown away by its enormous size; it took awhile just to climb around the base of the tree. As I took each step around the trunk I could hide in the huge caverns the tree created. When I glimpsed up into the canopy I could not see the top of the tree, which was hidden by lush green leaves.

I’m glad I had the locals to point out the tree because I would not of been able to identify a Merbau tree in its natural setting. It’s sad to think that up until this point I’ve only been able to identify this wood in stores or log piles at mills along the Papua coast. My hope is that everyone can experience these trees in the forest – not sitting at home, wondering if they’re the source of their furniture or floors.

- Ginger