New Software Helps to Improve Transparency in Timber Harvesting
The US Forest Service and USAID joined Ucayali regional officials for the first successful application of the prototype at a checkpoint in Pucallpa.
Newly-developed computer software means that officials in Peru will be better able to check chain of custody in timber harvests—which has been difficult until now.
The General Directory for Forestry and Wildlife, under the Ministry of Agriculture of Peru, officially launched the software prototype of Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Information System in February of this year. Multiple stakeholders from national and regional governments, the private sector and academia attended the event launching the software.
The launch marks an important milestone for improved transparency and timber chain of custody. The effort was due to US Agency for International Development (USAID) support to Peru through the US Forest Service International Programs and Chief of Information Office. The prototype is currently being field-tested in Peru’s most complex timber corridor, from harvest in the region of Loreto, to transformation in Ucayali, and transportation over the Andes to the port of Callao (near Lima) for export. At a checkpoint in Pucallpa, Ucayali, officials successfully utilized the prototype to generate its first automated guia de transporte, or transport waybill. At least two more test corridors will follow in the coming months. |
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The prototype entails a central application and database that will enable the Government of Peru to systematically collect and store information, track the origin of harvested trees, and help ensure that they have in fact been harvested legally. Moreover, the prototype, and subsequent software developments will equip federal and state officials with critical, timely information to make informed decisions regarding concessionaires, human resource allocations at checkpoints, and warranting administrative actions.
With funding from USAID, the US Forest Service has been assisting the General Directory for Forestry and Wildlife in the business mapping, planning and design of the system since 2010. Technical and management personnel of both the United States and Peru have made several knowledge transfer trips. The aim of the prototype is to test Peruvian internet connections and other technical infrastructure, develop Peruvian capacity to manage information more efficiently, and ultimately to generate information that will form the foundation of a competitive process in Peru for developing the national forestry information management system. Building on the success of the prototype and subsequent developments, the Government of Peru will use the system for official use, both nationally and in the regions, to improve the transparency of a sector that only benefits from more and better chain of custody information.
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