Zero Deforestation Research Articles

‘greenlash’ and Reactionary Stakeholders in Environmental Governance: an Analysis of Soy Farmers Against Zero Deforestation in Brazil

‘greenlash’ and Reactionary Stakeholders in Environmental Governance: an Analysis of Soy Farmers Against Zero Deforestation in Brazil

Willingness to Pay for Alternative Energies in Uganda: Energy Needs and Policy Instruments towards Zero Deforestation 2030 and Climate Change

With climate change advancing, the world’s target of zero deforestation by 2030 seems like a dream in Africa’s developing nations. This is because over 90% of households depend on wood fuels for their energy needs. Over the years, the decrease in natural rainforest area has been attributed to deforestation and forest degradation due to human activities, including the huge dependence on wood fuel for energy. Policies on clean energy production and imports to adapt to environmental and climatic implications are long overdue. This study hypothesized that Ugandans are willing to pay for alternative energies to conserve natural forests. The study aimed to examine the energy situation in Uganda and the willingness to pay for alternative energies (WTPEA) to reduce deforestation. This study conducted a dichotomous choice (DC) questionnaire for the willingness to pay for energy alternatives (WTPEA). This research used the questionnaire to collect the data, and a total of 1200 responses were collected and analyzed. The survey results showed that 80% of the respondents demonstrated a willingness to pay on average. The average willingness to pay amount (WTPA) was USD 15, and the median WTP was USD 10. Most of the respondents preferred gas and electricity for household cooking. The logistic regression results showed that their socioeconomic characteristics did not impact their hypothetical WTPEA. The willingness to pay for forest conservation (WTPFC) and the knowledge of forest functions and services were found to positively and significantly impact the WTPEA. The majority of the socioeconomic variables were found to very significantly influence the WTP amount. Furthermore, the WTPFC and charcoal fuel use were found to have a positive and very significant effect on the WTP for alternative energies. The Government of Uganda ought to employ policy tools to boost the imports and production of alternative energies in Uganda to save the depleting forests. This would promote and improve the conservation of virgin tropical rainforests, which are on the brink of extinction, and mitigate the dire climatic conditions.

Simulating land use and land cover change under contrasting levels of policy enforcement and its spatially-explicit impact on tropical forest landscapes in Ecuador

This study simulates the future impact of land use and land cover (LULC) change and the enforcement of policy bundles on the multi-functionality of tropical forest landscapes. It focusses on the Northern Ecuadorian Amazonas (NEA) which is characterised by high biodiversity and endemism but at the same time is threatened by deforestation and unsustainable land use practices. Scenario simulations mimic LULC change during 2016–2030 at canton-level (area: 2,146 km²) combining explorative with policy-screening components. Scenarios NATIONAL(+)POLICY, NATIONAL(-)POLICY, REGIONAL(+)POLICY, and REGIONAL(-)POLICY are contrasted by varying deforestation trends (high regional demand for agricultural products vs. national-level structural transformations) and the enforcement/ non-enforcement of policy bundles on forest protection, reforestation and restoration. An indicator-based impact assessment analysed in a spatially-explicit fashion for each scenario in 2030 (i) the evolution of agricultural and forestry-related LULC change trajectories, (ii) future hotspots of deforestation, (iii) remaining forest core zones (FCZ) as key element of habitat integrity, and (iv) the provisioning of long-term carbon sinks. Key findings reveal that only NATIONAL(+)POLICY, as the combination of enforced policy bundles and simulated national LULC change trend extrapolating the long-term reference period 1990–2016, lead to an expansion of forest areas and a 2% carbon stock gain in 2030 compared to 2016. When assuming a linear continuation of this trend, it requires 96 years to reach a similar carbon stock level compared to the reference year 1990. Farm area expansion will continue to affect protected forests in case of scenarios NATIONAL(-)POLICY and REGIONAL(-)POLICY but will be avoided in NATIONAL(+)POLICY and REGIONAL(+)POLICY. The simulated persistence of many farming areas reveals that the likelihood to reforest existing agricultural patches will be rather low. Against expectations, scenario NATIONAL(+)POLICY which assumes net zero deforestation by 2030 led to a high level of FCZ fragmentation contrasting its carbon sink potential (27,971 Mio. Mg ha−1) which performed best among all scenarios. Our study depicts a mismatch of future LULC change realities compared to the anticipated future achievements of the Ecuadorian land use policy framework. The simulated variability of forest change patterns (deforestation, reforestation) and farming trajectories (diversification, intensification, rotation) further suggests to foster more cross-sectoral policy approaches that acknowledges the hybrid role of local stakeholders who can be farmers and forest users at the same time. Our study shows that focusing on preserving carbon stocks and their long-term climate mitigation potential only while neglecting other important ecosystem functions or biodiversity can be a short-sighted policy goal if not accompanied by rural development programmes. We further conclude that scenario-based assessments should become an integral part of multi-stakeholder interactions across relevant levels of decision-making. This can support long-term sustainable land use management which is not only relevant for the case of the Northern Ecuadorian Amazons region but for many other landscapes in transition.

Public and Private Sector to Zero Deforestation Commitmen in South Sumatra

To address deforestation, South Sumatra Goverment was committed to be the frontrunner in attaining Green Growth 2017. All economic activities related to land use must comply with the regulations. The private sector supports them with some initiatives by several certifications as their commitment toward zero deforestation (ZDC). However, from the land cover data, South Sumatra Province is one of the highest forest cover loss in Indonesia followed by increasing economic activities. This study aims to explain commitments of the public and private sectors in complying toward zero deforestation. We conducted interviews with relevant agencies and collect the data regarding interventions and initiatives. This study used compliance theory to analyze the commitments of both sectors. The results showed that the public and private sectors in South Sumatra have shown their commitment with the type of treaty-induced compliance. The compliance showed how the commitment is integrated into policies, aligned public and private governance arrangements, and a good environmental quality change by reduced deforestation rate. This showed that one of the ZDC’s objectives is at least halve the rate of loss of natural forests globally by 2020 has been implemented by both. Thus, they strive to end natural forest loss by 2030.

Understanding zero deforestation and the High Carbon Stock Approach in a highly forested tropical country

“Zero deforestation” commitments are pledges by companies to avoid deforestation when producing palm oil. Zero deforestation can be implemented using the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA), a tool that distinguishes forests from degraded land which can be developed. In highly forested countries like Gabon, zero deforestation may conflict with national economic goals involving palm oil and other agricultural commodities. We investigated perspectives of stakeholders in Gabon about zero deforestation and the HCSA using Critical Systems Heuristics, a systems thinking methodology. In 25 interviews with government, NGOs, companies, and research institutions, and two focus groups with rural communities, we identified three contrasting perspectives on forest conservation and agro-industrial development: international, national, and local. Zero deforestation represents an international perspective that marginalises issues from a national perspective. This may produce unintended consequences that undermine the legitimacy of zero deforestation, including conversion of Gabon’s savannahs and disincentives for sustainable business. From a local perspective, zero deforestation is embedded in an agro-industrial vision that may marginalise value judgements concerning forests and traditional livelihoods. Gabon’s National Land Use Plan could help reconcile the three perspectives but requires recognition by international standards. Adapting the HCSA to Gabon’s context should also be considered to promote legitimacy. Research is required to ensure proposed institutional arrangements deliver equitable multi-stakeholder participation in land-use planning. Gabon’s case shows the applicability of zero deforestation to all highly forested countries cannot be assumed. Improved international understanding of national contexts, and flexibility in applying “zero deforestation”, is important for designing effective and equitable international standards for sustainable agricultural production.

第2報告 ゼロ・デフォレステーション─国際企業はどんな対応をしているか─（2020年国土緑化推進機構「緑と水の森林ファンド」助成シンポジウム：グローバル森林新時代─森林減少ゼロ・SDGs・循環型社会を目指して─）

第2報告 ゼロ・デフォレステーション─国際企業はどんな対応をしているか─（2020年国土緑化推進機構「緑と水の森林ファンド」助成シンポジウム：グローバル森林新時代─森林減少ゼロ・SDGs・循環型社会を目指して─）

第3報告 熱帯林減少への日本のサプライチェーンと金融による対応状況（2020年国土緑化推進機構「緑と水の森林ファンド」助成シンポジウム：グローバル森林新時代─森林減少ゼロ・SDGs・循環型社会を目指して─）

第3報告 熱帯林減少への日本のサプライチェーンと金融による対応状況（2020年国土緑化推進機構「緑と水の森林ファンド」助成シンポジウム：グローバル森林新時代─森林減少ゼロ・SDGs・循環型社会を目指して─）

第4報告 熱帯アジアの森を取り巻く現状と人びとの暮らし（2020年国土緑化推進機構「緑と水の森林ファンド」助成シンポジウム：グローバル森林新時代─森林減少ゼロ・SDGs・循環型社会を目指して─）

第4報告 熱帯アジアの森を取り巻く現状と人びとの暮らし（2020年国土緑化推進機構「緑と水の森林ファンド」助成シンポジウム：グローバル森林新時代─森林減少ゼロ・SDGs・循環型社会を目指して─）

Rebuilding Tree Cover in Deforested Cocoa Landscapes in Côte d’Ivoire: Factors Affecting the Choice of Species Planted

Intensive cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s leading cocoa producer, has grown at the expense of forest cover. To reverse this trend, the country has adopted a “zero deforestation” agricultural policy and committed to rehabilitating its forest cover through the planting of high-value tree species in cocoa landscapes using a participatory approach. However, little is known regarding the factors influencing farmers’ introduction of high-value tree species to cocoa landscapes. We tested the hypothesis that ten previously reported factors to influence agroforestry system adoption to predict the number and choice of tree species that farmers introduce to cocoa farms. We interviewed 683 households in the cocoa-producing zone of Côte d’Ivoire and counted tree species on their cocoa farms. On average, two tree species were recorded per surveyed farm. Generalized Poisson regression models revealed that, in the cocoa production area, experience in tree planting and expected benefits, including income and food, influence tree species introduction through planting or “retention” when clearing land for cocoa establishment. The age of the farmer also influenced (p = 0.017) farmers’ tree species planting on cocoa farms. Fewer tree species were introduced into current intensive cocoa-production areas than in “old cocoa-loops” and forested areas. The number of tree species introduced to cocoa farms increased with expected benefits and experience in tree planting. The number of planted tree species also increased with farmers’ age. Tree species were mostly selected for the provision of shade to cocoa, production of useful tree products (38%), and income from the sale of these products (7%). Fruit tree species were the most planted, while timber tree species were mostly spared when clearing land for cocoa production.

Comment (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

Comment (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Could Be Halved by Zero Deforestation Commitments

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Could Be Halved by Zero Deforestation Commitments

Opening Address (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

Opening Address (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

1. Forest-related Challenges in International Environmental Governance (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

1. Forest-related Challenges in International Environmental Governance (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

Panel Discussion (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

Panel Discussion (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

Program (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

Program (“The New Epoch of Forestry in Globalization: Toward the Attainment of Zero Deforestation, SDGs, and Recycling Society”, The 2020 Symposium Sponsored by “Green Fund” of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization）

Which forests could be protected by corporate zero deforestation commitments? A spatial assessment

The production of palm oil, soy, beef and timber are key drivers of global forest loss. For this reason, over 470 companies involved in the production, processing or distribution of these commodities have issued commitments to eliminate or reduce deforestation from their supply chains. However, the effectiveness of these commitments is uncertain since there is considerable variation in ambition and scope and there are no globally agreed definitions of what constitutes a forest. Many commitments identify high conservation value forests (HCVFs), high carbon stock forests (HCSFs) and forests on tropical peatland as priority areas for conservation. This allows for mapping of the global extent of forest areas classified as such, to achieve an assessment of the area that may be at reduced risk of development if companies comply with their zero deforestation commitments. Depending on the criteria used, the results indicate that between 34% and 74% of global forests qualify as either HCVF, HCSF or forests on tropical peatland. However, we found that the total extent of these forest areas varies widely depending on the choice of forest map. Within forests which were not designated as HCVF, HCSF or forests on tropical peatland, there is substantial overlap with areas that are highly suitable for agricultural development. Since these areas are unlikely to be protected by zero-deforestation commitments, they may be subject to increased pressure resulting from leakage of areas designated as HCVF, HCSF and tropical peatland forests. Considerable uncertainties around future outcomes remain, since only a proportion of the global market is currently covered by corporate commitments. Further work is needed to map the synergies between corporate commitments and government policies on land use. In addition, standardized criteria for delineating forests covered by the commitments are recommended.

Habitat loss, extinction predictability and conservation efforts in the terrestrial ecoregions

The destruction of natural habitats is causing loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although a “zero deforestation” is targeted, agriculture expansion caused by increasing human population and per capita consumption might boost the destruction of natural habitats in the coming decades. Here, we estimated the current and future extinction crisis in terrestrial ecoregions caused by habitat destruction and related this pattern with the current conservation efforts. We applied an Endemics-Area Relationship to assess vertebrates' potential extinctions in 513 ecoregions based on current land cover data and a future scenario of habitat loss. We compared our predictions to the proportion of the ecoregions' area formally protected, testing the concordance between threat distribution and conservation efforts. Finally, we evaluated how the distribution of threat relates to the biodiversity hotspots delimitation. We found that 2134 endemic vertebrates are currently threatened due to accumulated habitat loss, which is consistent with the assessment of the IUCN Red List. Further, this threat could overtake 4209 species when considering habitat loss projections to 2040. Our findings indicate a high concentration of threat in a few megadiverse localities, some of them outside the biodiversity hotspots. We found little overlap between our predictions of extinction and current protected areas distribution. This study supports current biodiversity crisis diagnoses and the expected recrudescence of Anthropocene defaunation in the future when considering scenarios of further habitat destruction. Our analysis also contributes to the definition of global priorities to prevent further biodiversity loss.

Using supply chain data to monitor zero deforestation commitments: an assessment of progress in the Brazilian soy sector

Zero deforestation commitments (ZDCs) are voluntary initiatives where companies or countries pledge to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains. These commitments offer much promise for sustainable commodity production, but are undermined by a lack of transparency about their coverage and impacts. Here, using state-of-the-art supply chain data, we introduce an approach to evaluate the impact of ZDCs, linking traders and international markets to commodity-associated deforestation in the sub-national jurisdictions from which they source. We focus on the Brazilian soy sector, where we find that ZDC coverage is increasing, but under-represents the Cerrado biome where most soy-associated deforestation currently takes place. Though soy-associated deforestation declined in the Amazon after the introduction of the Soy Moratorium, we observe no change in the exposure of companies or countries adopting ZDCs to soy-associated deforestation in the Cerrado. We further assess the formulation and implementation of these ZDCs and identify several systematic weaknesses that must be addressed to increase the likelihood that they achieve meaningful reductions in deforestation in future. As the 2020 deadline for several of these commitments approaches, our approach can provide independent monitoring of progress toward the goal of ending commodity-associated deforestation.

Traceability matters

Purpose Sustainability certification of agricultural commodities might be one measure to ensure deforestation-free supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to add to previous assessments of soy certification systems with respect to “zero deforestation” criteria by focusing on the aspect of traceability. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework for assessing certification systems is proposed based on a literature review. This concept is applied to 16 soy certification systems, considering previous studies and available chain-of-custody certification options. Findings Among the sample, five certification systems may contribute to ensuring deforestation-free soy supply chains, as they have relatively high “zero deforestation” and assurance requirements and support at least segregation. Other chain-of-custody systems are insufficient in terms of traceability, but still dominate the market. Research limitations/implications The assessment considers only certification systems that have been benchmarked according to criteria developed by the European feed industry. Regular updates and further assessments of certification systems for other commodities are recommended. Practical implications Supply chain actors and policymakers are informed about certification systems that may ensure deforestation-free sourcing. However, different factors influence the implementation of zero deforestation commitments, such as adverse effects, economic trade-offs and new certification and traceability concepts. Social implications The implementation of deforestation-free supply chains should contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. Potential adverse social effects need to be considered. Originality/value This study focuses on the so far rather neglected but essential aspect of traceability, which is required for ensuring deforestation-free sourcing along the whole supply chain.

Greenpeace, Corporations and Deforestation Crimes: A Case study of Hongkong Shanghai Bank Corporation (HSBC) in Indonesia

As a political actor, non-governmental organizations have an essential role in the environmental sector. This paper aims to discuss the role of Greenpeace in driving HSBC’s non-deforestation policy in Indonesia. To address deforestation in Indonesia, Greenpeace is pressing HSBC to stop funding and implement a “zero deforestation” policy. In conducting the analysis, the researcher utilized the concept of NGOs and green theory. The concept of NGOs was used to classify Greenpeace as an organization and analyze the role of the organization in the process of making HSBC’s non-deforestation policy. While the green theory was used to see the urgency of the problems of deforestation and the values championed by Greenpeace.