Protecting Forests From Conversion: The Essential Role of Supply-Side National Laws

Abstract

The growing demand in global markets for commodities like palm oil, soy and cocoa has a disastrous impact on forests, carbon emissions, as well as the lands and livelihoods of forest-dependent people. Governments, private sector, civil society and forest-dependent people have, separately or jointly, committed to voluntary actions to protect forests (e.g., pledges, zero deforestation commitments, certification standards). However, recent research shows that these voluntary commitments and standards have neither halted nor slowed deforestation. This demonstrates that they cannot stand alone. Alongside voluntary action, national legal frameworks that regulate forest conversion are crucial. This research explores the importance of national laws for reducing deforestation from forest-risk commodities and the legal options available to national law-makers to address competing demands for forested lands.

Deforestation as a Cause of Increased Surface Runoff in the Catchment: Remote Sensing and SWAT Approach—A Case Study of Southern Serbia

“…Governments, the private sector, civil society, and forest-dependent people have all committed to taking voluntary actions to protect forests, either individually or collectively (e.g., pledges, zero-deforestation commitments, certification standards). However, recent research shows that these voluntary commitments and standards have not affected deforestation (Haywood and Henriot, 2019). In the absence of land-use planning, or in addition to it, sectoral laws on forestry, land, agriculture, and mining may regulate land distribution; nevertheless, these regulations are frequently inconsistent and subject to competing interpretations (Sartoretto et al, 2017;Haywood and Henriot, 2019).…”

“…However, recent research shows that these voluntary commitments and standards have not affected deforestation (Haywood and Henriot, 2019). In the absence of land-use planning, or in addition to it, sectoral laws on forestry, land, agriculture, and mining may regulate land distribution; nevertheless, these regulations are frequently inconsistent and subject to competing interpretations (Sartoretto et al, 2017;Haywood and Henriot, 2019).…”

“…To deter illegal logging which increases the extent of erosive processes and other environmental stresses, specific legislative measures must be adopted. Efficient law enforcement is essential for translating the legislation on paper into forest protection on the ground, but it requires clear regulatory mandates and adequate financial and human capability (Haywood and Henriot, 2019).…”