Log export bans fail to curb deforestation, new research shows

Forests continue to disappear—despite a growing number of countries introducing log export bans in an effort to preserve what remains. But the latest research delivers a sobering reality check: in countries that implemented such bans, deforestation actually increased by an average of 22.3%. The study, conducted by researchers at Université Clermont Auvergne in France and other institutions, analyzed data from 124 countries over a 20-year period. Their conclusion is blunt—these policies are failing. But why? Dr. Mohamed Zerbo, one of the lead researchers, explains that while the bans are well-intentioned, they often backfire ...