36. Potential for Joint Public and Private Initiatives to Eliminate Deforestation from Global Supply Chains

This chapter aims to give an idea of the complexity around the global discussion about zero-deforestation. The issue of eliminating deforestation from global supply chains involves everybody—from governments in producing and consuming countries, both small and large scale agricultural producers over companies all along global supply chains, to civil society organisations and consumers. Deforestation is associated with environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem integrity, and social issues such as land conflict, environmental justice and food security. About 55–80% of global deforestation is driven by agriculture. A major share of commodities stemming from recently cleared lands is exported, also to the EU. Facing serious operational and reputational risks, many international companies have therefore committed themselves to deforestation-free supply chains. These voluntary self-commitments are usually implemented through the exclusive purchasing of commodities certified according to internationally recognised sustainability standards, among them multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). At the same time, governments of both producing and consuming countries are discussing how to frame supply chain initiatives for forest protection through policies and regulations.