Timber theft prevention : introduction to security for forest managers

As this report makes clear, the susceptibility of forests to illegal logging is a predictable consequence of the poor quality of forest management planning and practice around the world. The report's discussion of the links between good forest management and security against illegal logging highlights the need for attention and effort to focus on the basics of forest planning, resource assessment, and consultation. The report, prepared by a multidisciplinary team of foresters, economists, and criminal justice and security specialists, advocates a deliberate and analytic effort by forest managers to identify and target the most serious threats and to address the most vulnerable parts of forest supply chains. It urges forest agencies and enterprises to build ethical organizations and to address the sources of corrupt and fraudulent behavior internally. This report highlights the need for commercially sound, transparent, and predictable land and timber allocation and sales; and for audits, oversight, and accountability at all levels. Most of all, it puts the obligation for diligent efforts by responsible resource managers at the forefront of the forest law enforcement and governance challenge. The report provides examples of many specific measures and general planning approaches that are directly applicable to developing country forestry. Of special interest to the World Bank are the public policy and investment implications of the proactive protection approach advocated by the authors. Some parts of a theft prevention approach can be implemented without adding to the costs of sustainable forest management. However, several of the proposed measures will involve new costs and require additional sources of finance. In addition, widespread adoption of the innovations urged by the authors will require political will, supportive public forest policies, public and private capacity building, and technical assistance.