The IMF funding deforestation: how International Monetary Fund loans and policies are responsible for global forest loss

Report which alleges that International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans and policies have caused extensive deforestation in each of the 15 countries of Africa, Latin America, and Asia studied.This forest loss, the author claims, has occurred both directly and indirectly through:the IMF's promotion of foreign investment in natural resource sectorsausterity measures that cut spending on environmental programsprograms that have unwittingly worsened the conditions of povertythe IMF.s insistence upon export-oriented economic growth.The report finds that:IMF induced cuts have impeded:Promotion of responsible forestry and sustainable development Enforcement of forest and wildlife protection measures Prevention of mining disasters Demarcation of indigenous lands Inadequate funding for regulatory agencies has created conditions for: Widespread illegal logging, including in national parks and protected reservesCorruption in regulatory schemesThe inability to respond rapidly to natural disasters Extensive poaching of imperiled speciesIndirect contributory factors include:displacement of communitesdevaluation of currencieselimination of social servicesother downward pressures on the living standards of the poor caused by austerity measures