The Documentary Podcast Germany's timber detectives
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Sep 4, 2025 Discover the intriguing world of Germany's timber detectives as they analyze wood samples to uncover their origins. Explore the dire consequences of illegal deforestation in Papua New Guinea, where local communities face economic pressures and inadequate protections. Delve into the struggles of advocates fighting for sustainable forest management against corporate interests. Learn about the complexities of timber regulations in the EU, and how scientists are pivotal in ensuring timber authenticity to combat illegal logging and contribute to global conservation efforts.
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Finding The Timber Detective
- Becca Warner travels to Hamburg to meet Gerald Koch, known as Germany's timber detective. She describes finding his lab inside a gated compound filled with global tree species.
Deforestation Is Increasing Despite Agreements
- Global deforestation rates rose over the last decade despite climate agreements. Reports show a large share of tree loss is driven by illegal logging in some regions.
Return To A Logged Homeland
- Samuel Kimé describes returning to Papua New Guinea and seeing large-scale commercial logging concessions. He names quilla as the dominant, highly valued tree species being cut.