Forest Ad Trashed

The Independent Television Commission has pulled an advert paid for by the Indonesian Forestry Community (IFC) from UK TV channels, following complaints from viewers and pressure groups. Down to Earth, EarthARC, Environmental Investigation Agency and Greenpeace all complained about the advert and produced evidence against the IFC claims. The ad claimed that clear cutting of forests was not permitted in Indonesia and that 280m acres (79% of the forested land) had been made into a vast permanent forest. The ITC states that "The ad agency responsible for the ads acknowledged that clear cutting is allowed in specified areas, and additionally occurs illegally'' and that the agency could not dispute the challenges which led to the ban.