WORKERS LOAD CHARCOAL INTO A KILN IN MATANG, 2003-07-29 (photo)

Worker load newly made charcoal from a kiln at 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 RIGHTS FREE REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad BM/PB