The Andean Community launches a plan against illegal logging in the Amazon, in response to the growing problem of illicit timber trafficking, which is globally compared to drug trafficking and the illegal wildlife trade.
In a key meeting in Lima, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, along with the Andean Parliament and international organizations, have designed a strategy that transcends national boundaries to address a problem that crosses borders.
Studies presented by the Andean Community indicate that between 15% and 30% of the timber in the global market comes from illegal sources.
This percentage can reach up to 90% in tropical regions, causing significant environmental impact and distorting the economy, affecting local communities and the sustainability of forests.
Illegal logging in the Amazon is not only an ecological threat but also supports a transnational criminal economy.
Through money laundering, wildlife trafficking, and the use of cryptocurrencies, this activity becomes a sophisticated illicit business. Consequently, the Andean Community strengthens measures to combat this practice.
The economic impact is enormous: illegal timber extraction reduces prices in the international market, harming sustainable producers and disrupting supply chains.
According to the United Nations and Interpol, these crimes generate annually between 50,000 and 150,000 million dollars, ranking among the most lucrative in the world.
With the intention to unify efforts, the Andean Community seeks to consolidate the legal frameworks of these four countries into a regional strategy.
The Andean Community
In this context, it is proposed to create an Andean Committee of Forestry Authorities, responsible for coordinating policies, establishing technical standards, and ensuring compliance with common decisions.
Technological innovations play a crucial role. The use of artificial intelligence, wood analysis, and digital traceability systems has proven effective in reducing illegal trade, as seen in Brazil and Indonesia.
The challenge of implementing effective laws persists. Often, regulations are not adequately enforced, so the Andean Community emphasizes moving from theory to effective practice, based on tools like Decision 922.
According to the CAN Secretary-General, Gonzalo Gutiérrez, the fight against illegal logging is not only an environmental issue but also a structural one, requiring cooperation between countries to confront global criminal networks.
