There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of illegal logging in Central America. Concentrating on Honduras and Nicaragua, this study is one of the first attempts to systematically analyse the dynamics of illegal logging, including legal failings, the institutions and policies behind it, as well as the impact on society, the economy and governance.

The result has been the collection and organisation of information on illegal timber trafficking through field studies, analysis of secondary information and talks with stakeholders. This was with the goal of improving the dialogue between government institutions, civil society and donor organisations in order to identify policy options.

The documents produced include:

- Micro-level case studies on illegal timber logging and trade, both for the domestic and the export market. The evidence

- Thematic studies of the economic costs of illegal logging; the legal, policy and institutional ‘barriers to legality’; and the regional flows of clandestine or smuggled timber. The evidence

- A review of emerging best practices for the prevention, detection & suppression of illegal logging (to inform national and regional action plans). Policy options