The Lower Mekong basin is a globally important ecoregion that encompasses an incredibly high diversity of forest habitats. Loss and degradation of natural forests in the middle-income countries of the region have displaced the growing demand for timber to the least developed countries of the region, and illegal logging practices and actors have followed. COVID-19 may also create an opening to relax law enforcement to the extent of enabling large-scale illegal activities and fraudulent practices, while the attention is focused on immediate economic impacts. The session features a lively discussion around forest crime and the pressure on forests in the region.

This session hosted by UNREDD aired on June 5th, 2020 at the GLF Bonn Digital Conference.