Environmental crime is growing at an alarming pace – at a rate that is two to three times faster than global GDP. Illegal logging, due to corruption and organised crime, tops the ranking with an estimated value of $50-152 billion annually. Deforestation as a result of illegal logging is accelerating climate change, displacing communities and endangering ecosystems.
Transparency International and four of its national chapters (Cameroon, Ghana, Zambia and Zimbabwe) are currently implementing a project funded by the European Commission, REDD+ Governance and Finance Integrity for Africa. This project assessed anticipated corruption risks for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) in these countries. The chapters all produced national reports, which are included in a combined final report highlighting findings and useful policy recommendations.
Transparency International will present the main findings of this work at the European Parliament, with EU and international policy makers, and representatives of other civil society organisations.
Kindly hosted by MEPs Catherine Bearder, Benedek Javor, Eva Joly.
With the participation of key speakers from TI Zambia and TI Ghana, representatives from the United Nations, FERN, Global Witness and the European Commission, to discuss forest governance and anti-corruption.
WHERE: European Parliament, Room A5E1, Brussels
WHEN: 12th October 2016, 11:30 – 14:00
RSVP by 9th October at this link
Draft agenda available here.
A light lunch will be provided.
With the support of the European Commission: