As India’s economy and demand for natural resources grows, its impact on forests across the globe is also increasing.
What is the link?
Research shows strong links between Indian imports of these forest-based commodities and some of the world’s most high conservation value landscapes.
These commodities go into the making of everyday goods such as paper, tyres, furniture and even FMCG products.
Forests in these countries are home to some of the most endangered species and also among the world’s major ‘deforestation fronts’ i.e., areas which is predicted to witness the highest forest loss and degradation over the next two decades.
Two of the countries that feature prominently across India’s forest-based commodity trade flows reported the highest net loss of annual forest area in the world are Indonesia and Myanmar.
Additionally, countries like Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia are also clocking among the fastest rates of acceleration of tree-cover loss in the world.
What are the steps taken?
Regulatory frameworks such as the Lacey Act in the US and FLEGT and EUTR in the EU have been introduced, aimed at driving greater legality and transparency in global forestry supply chains.
At a global level, the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 recognised and acknowledged the key role that resilient forests and landscapes play in mitigating climate change.
Nearly 80 countries have identified the land sector, which covers agriculture and forestry, in their climate action plans as an area of focus for reducing emissions.
At the corporate level, the 2014 Climate Summit in New York saw 53 of the world’s largest companies sign the New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF), through which they committed to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains.
Since the adoption of the NYDF, the movement to tackle deforestation linked to agricultural commodities has developed rapidly, particularly within the private sector.
What we could do?
Change in India will require a combination of policy and corporate commitment to responsible trade.
Manufacturers of products like furniture must complement growing actions on energy efficiency and renewable energy by also working with their suppliers on deforestation-free sourcing.
Through a more responsible approach Indian industry can play a key role in curbing global carbon emissions and in helping to protect some of the world’s most valuable forests.
