A Malaysian worker carries mangrove wood which will eventually be turned
into charcoal Kampung Dapur Arang, or Charcoal Kiln Village, in Matang in
Malaysia's northern state of Perak. Forty tons of mangrove wood are loaded
into the kiln and it takes 26 to 30 days to produce 10 tons of charcoal. The
village industry is more than 70-years-old and the end product is an
expensive high grade charcoal, most of which is exported to Japan where
charcoal is valued as a water filter and moisture absorbant. The mangrove
forests in Matang have been sustainably managed for 100 years and a 30-year
rotational system allows the mangrove to regenerate naturally. Picture taken
July 29, 2003. PP03090130 REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad

BM/PB