Paying for Gaia Nova

Kyo Amaral is one of a long line of young men and women sent to the rich planets of the galactic hub to make the money to pay for Earth's greatest environmental project - the recreation of its flora and fauna on an unspoiled planet, Gaia Nova. Kyo adapts to his role in a megacity and is successful, but he has made enemies.
On his way home he is paid to stop on another world and make a report on its environmental problems. It’s a trap. He is targeted for elimination. He is kidnapped from an elite resort and held for ransom in a bandit state. During a battle between factions Kyo steals some valuables and flees across country in a hang glider. Finding refuge in a state that is corrupt rather than lawless he has to trade his valuables for a route off planet. Money of the right sort buys his tickets back to Earth and through its barriers to unwanted entrants.