Corrupt Actions and Forest Loss: A Cross-National Analysis

Abstract

Extant literature documents the negative environmental impacts of corruption on forest loss. More recently, research has shown that both grand and petty corruption are associated with higher levels of forest loss in low- and middle-income nations. However, the extant research neglects to assess how different types of grand and petty corruption impact forest loss. To address the gap in the literature, this article differentiates the effect of various types of corrupt actions on forest loss. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression for a sample of 87 low- and middle-income nations from 2000 is used to test if grand corrupt actions, namely embezzlement and bribes, and petty corrupt actions including theft and corrupt exchanges are related to increased forest loss. The dependent variable uses satellite forest data from 2001 to 2014. Results show that embezzlement, bribes, theft, and corrupt exchanges all impact forest loss, which suggests that policy measures to curb corruption should take a holistic approach to corruption, rather than rely on individual interventions.

Government revenue composition and forest loss: A cross‐national study of low‐ and middle‐income nations

“…This happens because citizens demand accountability and transparency from their government in return for the taxes they pay (O'Shea 2023). In the forestry sector, the government could put a traceability system into place to limit illegal logging, smuggling, and processing of timber (Sommer 2018). There may also be an implementation of a system that improves reporting on concession lessees, taxes paid by lessees, fines levied against lessees, and fines paid by lessees (Harris 2022).…”

Assessing risks and opportunities for tropical forests in the face of sustainable development

“…We considered three targets from SDG 16 relating to matters of high-level governance, including improved law enforcement (target 16.3), reduced corruption (target 16.5) and increased institutional transparency and accountability (target 16.6). These targets are increasingly recognised as providing the enabling conditions necessary to reduce forest loss/degradation due to illegal activities or those which circumvent environmental regulations or safeguards [60][61][62][63][64]. Among all countries considered, current statuses were assessed as 'poor' for large proportions of all three of these targets, including 40 countries for target 16.3 of (95% of those with available data), 44 countries for target 16.5 (96%), and 36 for target 16.6 (86%).…”