Bringing down the axe on illegal logging: an Australian Government policy to eliminate trade an illegally sources forests products

Abstract

In the developing world, illegal logging damages forest ecosystems and cheats governments out of much needed export revenue, as well as depriving local communities of opportunities to improve their quality of life.It promotes corruption, bankrolls regional conflict and discourages legal and sustainable forest practices.Illegal logging also reduces opportunities for forest industries in countries which have worked hard to ensure their operations are environmentally sustainable, such as here in Australia.