How to promote transparency in controls and inspections of timber products? Why are standardised processes and procedures key to preventing corruption in forest management? How to create awareness among forestry staff as well as local and Indigenous communities, encouraging them to play an active role in corruption prevention.

These are some of the questions discussed in a new series of videos that showcase promising initiatives in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.

The videos emerge from two years of technical support for the prevention of forestry-related corruption in these three countries, with funding from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the UK's Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

As the current programme drew to an end, we gathered the authorities we have been supporting to exchange lessons learned and strategies for the future during the first ever Regional Meeting on Corruption Prevention in Forest Management. The event took place on 22–24 October 2024 in Moyobamba in the San Martín region of Peru.

In their own words

In the videos taken during the regional event, representatives of the agencies involved in our programme share their experiences in key areas. The videos are in Spanish, but captions are available in English and other languages. 

• Video 1: What is green corruption? This video introduces the Basel Institute’s Green Corruption programme and the approach we use to assist government agencies in Latin America to prevent corruption in forestry management. Our methodology includes the mapping and prioritisation of corruption risks and then continuous support to help beneficiary agencies in developing and implementing tailored measures to mitigate priority risks. 
• Video 2: Raising awareness of corruption prevention in forest management. This highlights the importance of developing a better understanding among forestry staff as well as local and Indigenous communities, and encouraging their active participation in corruption prevention activities for a better protection of the forest.
• Video 3: Efficient and transparent forest controls and inspections. This video explores ways to promote integrity and improve the efficiency of inspections, which are key to ensuring responsible management of forest resources.
• Video 4: Clear processes and technology to prevent corruption. The video emphasises the need to standardise processes and apply technological solutions to reduce discretion in forest management.
• Video 5: Sanctions as a deterrent to illegality. The final video highlights the importance of strengthening sanctioning processes to prevent environmental violations and promote regulatory compliance.

An inspiration for others

This video series aims to create awareness on what it means to apply corruption prevention tools in the forestry sector and the positive impact for forests and people. We congratulate all our government partners for their commitment and the impressive changes they are pioneering to protect the Amazon rainforest.

We hope these videos can be an inspiration for other countries. See the full YouTube playlist here.