Loopholes in Forestland Conversion Policy and Traditional Consumption of Endangered Timber as Driving Factors of Illegal Logging – The Case in Vietnam

Abstract It is observed worldwide that forestland conversion policies have created serious loopholes enabling illegal logging, especially large-scale illegal logging. Research has also addressed the crime’s various driving factors but little attention has been paid to cultural facets. By conducting secondary data analysis and examining numerous reports, legal documents and newspapers articles, this paper examines two factors driving illegal logging in Vietnam: loopholes in forestland conversion policies, and traditional consumption of rare and endangered timber. It is revealed in this paper that commercial companies or timber barons have sophisticatedly abused forestland conversion policies and flouted relevant legal requirements to harvest large volumes of timber. It also documented that one of the key factors driving illegal logging in Vietnam is the traditional consumption of rare and endangered timber. The consumers are rich Vietnamese who are passionate about products made from endangered timber and are willing to pay enormous amounts of money to purchase these products.