Real estate development and natural resource prospecting permits: Media across Asia have recently focused on corruption between real estate developers and public officials who grant construction permits or oversee impact assessments. Extensive literature shows that natural resource extraction companies often secure preferential access to resource rich lands through bribes.
What to do? Place advertising in local councils and newpapers before granting a construction permit to increase transparency like in Canada, Denmark, and Norway. Also, publish information of land and land ownership so authorities know if certain land parcels have sub-surface resources. This information is vital in pricing permits and in granting licenses.