Compliance of Brazilian forest concession system with international guidelines for tropical forests

Abstract

Although forest concessions have the potential to regulate the use and conservation of forest resources and protect the rights of traditional populations, international experiences have been controversial. In 2018, the Food and Agriculture Organization established 39 guidelines for tropical concession systems based on UN Agenda 2030. In this study, we compared the Brazilian experience in forest concessions with these guidelines, classifying the compliance as satisfactory, unsatisfactory or non-compliance. As means of compliance verification, we use objectively verifiable Brazilian system instruments (legal framework, contracts, and documents). The results indicated compliance with 69% of the guidelines, emphasizing transparent and inclusive governance; independent audits; social control; and a system of indicators. The weaknesses were due to an unsatisfactory intersectoral relationship and post-contract management; social inclusion; operational complexity; competition with illegal timber; and the lack of a specific credit system. It is concluded that the Brazilian experience met most of the proposed guidelines, although still with room for relevant improvements. Some are suggested herein.