Considering the Impact of Structural Adjustment Policies on Forests in Bolivia, Cameroon and Indonesia

Abstract

"A preliminary insight into how structural adjustment policies (SAPs) may have affected deforestation and forest degradation in the lowland tropical forests of Bolivia, Cameroon and Indonesia. Developing countries around the world are using similar policies to improve their trade balances, reduce inflation and stimulate economic growth. These include: currency devaluation, export promotion, reduced government spending, tax increases, privatization of public enterprises, trade and financial liberalization and land reform. While specific policies differ between countries and the depth of reforms varies, the general trend towards 'structural adjustment' seems almost universal."