Study of Environmental Criminal Policy and Illegal Logging in Forest Protection in Peru

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of environmental criminal policy against illegal logging in the context of forest production and management issues in Peru.
Method: A qualitative, descriptive, and phenomenological approach was used, employing documentary analysis as both technique and instrument, based on scientific articles indexed in Scopus, SciELO, and Redalyc.
Results: It was concluded that illegal logging is not solely determined by economic factors, but is also related to institutional weaknesses, inter-institutional disarray, and deficiencies in the application of regulations that foster impunity.
Discussion: The results suggest that environmental criminal policy is insufficient when limited to punishment, and that a comprehensive strategy involving prevention, control, and social participation is necessary.
Conclusion: The low effectiveness of environmental criminal policy leads to illegal logging and the resulting environmental unsustainability and risk. Recommendations: Improve inter-institutional coordination, increase the state's operational capacity, implement traceability systems, and effectively implement the sustainable preventive policy.