Persistent Illegal Logging in Costa Rica: The Role of Corruption Among Forestry Regulators

Abstract

Costa Rica is known for its environmental accomplishments. However, a high amount of illegal logging has continued to occur across the country, threatening to make wooded areas less viable for harboring biodiversity and supplying lumber. This article examines how corruption among forestry regulators is one important factor that leads them to allow people to log illicitly. Focusing on Limón Province, especially its Amistad-Caribe Conservation Area, this study examines regulators’ corrupt behaviors, how the latter contribute to specific forms of illegal logging, and why regulators act in this manner. Data was collected though in-depth and anonymous interviews with experts from a variety of stakeholder groups. This most detailed look yet at corruption in Costa Rica’s forestry sector provides new understandings. Most importantly, it indicates that a serious failure to satisfy regulators’ material needs, including salary, equipment, funds and staff, is the key issue causing them to fall into corruption. Costa Rica will have difficulty in better meeting regulators’ requirements since it has limited money for these purposes, and other developing countries are likely to face the same problem. As such, they will need to search for less expensive ways to assist regulators, such as having nongovernmental actors act as regulatory staff.