Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim delivered remarks at the Department of Justice on April 29, 2024, marking the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Timber Interdiction Membership Board and Enforcement Resources Working Group.
Kim expressed gratitude towards the members of the TIMBER Working Group, non-member interagency partners, NGOs, and his staff from the Environment and Natural Resources Division for their contributions and support. He highlighted the importance of combating timber trafficking and deforestation, emphasizing the significant impact these crimes have on the environment, economies, and global security.
Referencing the symbolism of traditional anniversary gifts, Kim likened the significance of paper and clocks to the ongoing efforts of the TIMBER Working Group and its partners in addressing illegal timber trafficking. He underscored the urgency of the situation, noting the alarming rates of deforestation and species loss due to criminal activities.
Acknowledging the global commitment to combatting illegal timber trafficking, Kim stressed the need for continued collaboration and transparency in tackling these transnational crimes. He reaffirmed the group's dedication to transforming timber trafficking into a high-risk, low-reward endeavor and pledged to work closely with foreign partners to enhance global efforts in this area.
As the meeting commemorated the progress made over the past year, Kim expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved and highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation in addressing this critical issue. He concluded by expressing optimism for the future progress of the TIMBER Working Group and its mission to eliminate the profit incentive from illegal timber trafficking.
Kim then handed over the program to Kate Konschnik, the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division, to continue the discussions on the group's achievements and future plans.