IDH Report to take stock of efforts to halt the relentless destruction of tropical forests

IDH* « the sustainable trade initiative » has just published a report on the “Urgency of Action Report to Tackle Tropical Deforestation“.

This report, linked to commodity production, presents an overview of the current situation of deforestation, the drivers behind the loss of forest in tropical countries, the best present-day mitigation efforts, and future strategies to save our forests.

In the face of the rapidly growing threats of climate change, reducing deforestation stands as a crucial mitigation-step in the battle to preserve our planet. Forests store massive amounts of carbon, provide numerous ecosystem services, and are among the most biodiverse biomes on earth. Despite their value, forests, and especially tropical rainforests, are under siege by human activity. Enormous areas of tropical forest – the equivalent of the landmass of the United Kingdom – are lost every year, and commodity demand in Europe is a significant contributor.

Analysis of the current situation shows that progress on nearly every commodity lags behind commitments and demands an immediate and forceful response. We publish this report to underline the urgency of action required both in European consumer countries and in producer countries, and by actors along the entire value chain.

This report is available for download HERE

*what is HDI:
During the Schokland Accords in 2007, business, trade unions, NGOs and several Dutch ministries recognized the need to join forces to stimulate sustainable trade. Founded in 2008, IDH “the sustainable trade initiative” was developed to bring together public and private partners, (bringing together companies, civil society organisations, governments, etc.) to jointly set ambitious targets and formulate co-investment plans with a large-scale impact on sustainable development goals. Its mission is based on three core values: convening, co-financing and learning/innovation. IDH is supported by many European governments and institutional donors. It works with more than 600 companies, civil society organisations, financial institutions, producer organisations and governments in over 40 countries.

Access here to IDH website