Solutions for deforestation-free commodities

Background/Question/Methods

Tropical deforestation is a major threat to biodiversity, indigenous communities, and contributes around 15% of global carbon emissions. Reducing deforestation is essential to solving the major environmental and social problems we face today. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that deforestation at a global scale cannot be halted without addressing the demand side activities that drive it.

The drivers of tropical deforestation have change significantly over the last 40 years. Initially, deforestation was mostly driven by government policies that encouraged settlement of tropical forests. These policies led to many hectares of land being cleared for small farms. However, beginning in the early 1990s, large-scale commodity production, namely palm oil, soybean, cattle, and wood products, began to play a major role in deforestation. Demand for these products is growing and they will continue to encroach on forests unless alternative means for production can be identified.

We reviewed the current scientific and economic literature to understand what alternatives exist for businesses to produce deforestation-free goods. In addition, we developed a set a recommended policies and practices for producers, corporate buyers, governments, and consumers to ensure that whenever possible they use and produce deforestation-free products.

Results/Conclusions

Based on our research, we developed a range of recommendations that are applicable to all of the major commodities driving tropical deforestation. First, producers can increase productivity on their existing lands, this can mean using improved strains, for palm and soy, increasing stocking rates for cattle production, and better management practices for plantations and managed forests. However these practices must be coupled with strong zoning regulations. Second, producers can expand onto non-forestlands, such as degraded agricultural lands, lands dominated by invasive species, or natural rangelands.

Corporate buyers should develop strong relationships with their suppliers to ensure their inputs are deforestation free. Makers of processed goods can also use deforestation-free alternatives, such as canola and sunflower seed oils (for baked goods) or turkey and pork (for processed meat).

Governments should ensure that their policies do not encourage deforestation. This can include reducing biofuel mandates to slow demand for vegetable oils, removing subsidies for products that cause deforestation, and implementing strong zoning laws to keep agricultural development out of forest lands.

Finally, consumers can make educated choices about the products they buy and pressure businesses and governments to implement deforestation-free policies and practices.