‘Multi-chain’ solutions to deforestation
It is important to remember that oil palm cultivation is not the only factor responsible for deforestation. Other causes include cattle farming and other plant products such as soybean, paper and timber. It is up to the stakeholders operating in each of these commodity chains to take action to limit their impact in terms of deforestation.
For this very reason, we invited these stakeholders to attend the Convergences World Forum on Sept 8. The workshop entitled ‘Fighting deforestation and climate change: Is sustainable production the answer?’ was attended by more than 130 experts, including producers, manufacturers and distributors from the timber, paper, palm oil, soybean and rubber industries, as well as various NGOs, civil society organisations and public authorities.
The attendees discussed six key themes underpinning the ‘Zero Deforestation’ objective: supply risks management; traceability and certification systems; the African Eldorado; responsible practices among small-scale producers; wildlife conservation; and consumer information.
At the end of the three-hour session, a list of 10 objectives was identified, each united by a common goal: to stop deforestation.
- Create an observatory to guarantee sustainable production.
This objective involves establishing an international platform to monitor the commitments made by companies. This platform, which will be multi-disciplinary, universal, independently funded, assisted by international organisations and supported by scientific research, will help to monitor and communicate about these commitments in a transparent manner, and will provide added reassurance to consumers.
- Develop a single map of all at-risk areas.
This is to give all stakeholders a clear view of the key challenges of deforestation. This will be a shared tool that is accessible to all – NGOs, businesses and investors.
- Create an ‘anti-deforestation’ label.
For use across all commodity chains, it will help to develop a consistent set of sustainability criteria between all industries.
- Develop an informative, explanatory traceability tool for the public.
An educational film about the key challenges of traceability and certification could be produced to inform consumers and to explain these complex issues in simple terms.
- Develop positive journalism.
This is to focus on solutions and best practice, with a view to enhancing the image of the commodity chains.
- Engage in dialogue with governments in the countries of origin.
This could take place within multi-stakeholder projects (e.g. national alliances and Consumer Goods Forum), to call for the implementation and enforcement of stricter practices in their countries.
- Contribute to the development of flexible, interoperable reference systems.
This could be done in conjunction with NGOs that reflect current issues and local stakeholder capacities.
- Develop innovative examples of agricultural best practice upstream of the certification process.
Rather than requiring small-scale producers to obtain certification or excluding non-certified producers altogether, efforts should focus on training these producers and helping them to develop better practices.
- Develop a rapid biodiversity inventory protocol for high- biodiversity areas.
This should include a monitored, recognised and universally accessible methodology.
- Adopt fairer contractual practices.
Under this, buyers should commit to a price, volume, duration and loyalty; while sellers should commit to complying with agricultural best practice criteria. Guillaume Réveilhac President. French Alliance for Sustainable Palm Oil
