Traceability in forest exploitation: A study on sustainable management in concessions of Ucayali and Huánuco, Peru

Sustainable forest management in the Peruvian Amazon faces significant challenges due to illegal logging and inadequate control over timber supply chains. This study evaluates the implementation of forest traceability systems in concessions located in Ucayali and Huánuco regions, Peru, with the aim of improving the legality and sustainability of timber exploitation. Our objectives were to (1) assess the effectiveness of traceability in optimizing timber resource management, (2) measure its impact on reducing illegal logging, and (3) enhance supply chain transparency. We employed a mixed-methods approach combining field data collection with technology integration, utilizing tools such as GPS and RFID for real-time monitoring. Our results showed that the implementation of traceability systems significantly increased operational efficiency, reduced timber loss during transportation, and improved transparency in supply chains. However, challenges such as geographical complexity in Huánuco limited the potential benefits of traceability. These findings highlight the need for tailored strategies that address both technological and operational barriers to ensure sustainable forest management in the region. This study underscores the importance of integrating traceability into broader forest governance frameworks to combat illegal logging and promote sustainable exploitation practices.