Back in Belize, Figueroa's Forest Department has amended the Forest Act to add greater penalties to illegal logging. There's a new schedule of harsher fines and penalties for the illegal harvesting of certain precious trees - such as Rosewood, Mahogany, and Santa Maria. Now, illegal harvesters can be charged up to three times the previous amount.
The amendments also increased fines for the damaging of forest roads and waterways, and possession of counterfeit licenses and stamps. A two week amnesty period will be employed. Anyone in possession of illegal forest produce has the opportunity to hand over the material without fear of fines prosecution during that period. The amnesty period ends on the 20th of February.
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