Additional Context: This information is based on 150 semi-structured interviews conducted by One Earth Partners across five countries selected to represent the diversity of USAID's environmental work. Interview findings were triangulated with a global survey of 175 respondents and external media analysis.

This information was provided by a respondent to the survey from Peru. The authors of the report note that a causal link would not be possible to confirm with the research conducted, but the resurgence of environmentally destructive practices and illicit economies highlight a trend that is worthy of study.

Devex Researcher Note: The number of unauthorized landing strips could not be independently confirmed by The Aid Report. But experts speaking to Mongabay echoed the concern of increased criminal activity, stating that the combined effect of U.S. aid cuts, tariff policies, and the withdrawal from international environmental agreements have left the sector more vulnerable, opening up the space for criminal organizations — that are already either active or in control of two-thirds of Amazonian municipalities — and transnational illicit economies.

Source: One Earth Partners (Full report forthcoming).