Funding the U.S. Lacey Act: Curbing the Illegal Timber Trade

While the passage of the Lacey Act Amendment is a landmark step, it is far from the end of the story. The proper implementation of these provisions will require good regulations and long-term engagement by government agencies, civil society and the private sector.

The Lacey Act has the potential to empower communities and civil society around the world in their efforts to combat illegal logging. It provides a critical new tool to bring elusive international criminals to justice.

The more that businesses and government agencies around the world learn about the Lacey Act, the more effective it will be. This signal from the world's largest consumer is sending broad ripples into global markets. It will reward companies that have already invested in legal and sustainable management, tracking systems, independent verification, or certification, and encourage more of these activities.