A controversial forestry regulation that took effect this month sparked more than a week of protests in the southeastern jungle town of Puerto Maldonado, leaving one person dead and causing damage estimated at more than $1 million. Protesters torched a government storehouse filled with illegally harvested wood that had been confiscated. They also set fire to several offices of government agencies and the non-governmental Peruvian Foundation for the Conservation of Nature (ProNaturaleza). One demonstrator was killed when he was hit in the head by a tear-gas canister fired by police. At issue is a new system governing timber concessions. Supporters—including government agencies, much of the timber industry and green groups—say the new rules will reduce illegal cutting and ensure sustainable management... [Log in to read more]