Corruption is the major factor linking long-term forest harvesting concessions and the government agencies in Guyana, South America, and it is based on the very low forest taxes and high profits on under-declared log exports. Three "rings of power" or social compacts mutually foster the...

Colonial governments asserted sovereignty and property rights gradually over the territory of Guyana, disregarding pre-existing Indigenous Rights. Although a Forest Department modelled on the Indian Forest Service was established, there was no equivalent settlement process to determine the...