This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from a U4 Partner Agency. The U4 Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International in collaboration with the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre based at the Chr. Michelsen Institute.
Query
Are there any corruption risks in the wetlands (peatland and mangrove) sector or similar areas that prone to corruption? And are there any success stories of corruption prevention in this sector?
Wetlands are vital ecosystems that play a crucial role in carbon sequestration while supporting the livelihoods of communities worldwide. However, they face growing threats from extractive industries, urban expansion, illegal logging and other destructive activities. Protecting these ecosystems requires countering corruption through transparency and accountability measures. In doing so, this can help wetlands continue to sustain local communities and wildlife, and contribute to nature-based solutions for curbing climate change.
Contents
- Background
- Corruption risks that impact the wetlands sector
- Illegal logging
- Illegal fishing
- Poaching
- Urban planning and development
- Land ownership
- Extractive industries
- The (blue) carbon trade
- Mitigation measures
- Citizen-led environmental management and governance
- Sustainable funding
- Regulations and policies
- Cross-sectoral and multistakeholder collaboration
- Enforcement
- References
Authors
Caitlin Maslen
Reviewers
Gvantsa Gverdtsiteli (TI)
Catalina Munera Rey
Aled Williams (U4)
Date
22/04/2025
