Generating Responsible Demand for Reduced Deforestation Commodities

Forests are home to many of the world’s plants and animals; they are vital carbon sinks; and they offer a range of ecosystem services. Despite their importance, these biomes are increasingly threatened. Demand for beef, palm oil, and soy currently drives nearly 70% of deforestation globally. The GEF project “Generating Responsible Demand for Reduced-Deforestation Commodities” safeguards the world’s forests and biodiversity by minimizing demand for commodities linked to deforestation. The project will engage the private sector, consumers, and policy makers in this effort. In addition, project activities will link to the wider program, “Taking Deforestation out of Commodity Supply Chains,” specifically its efforts to promote responsible production and transactions practices. Through these partnerships and linkages, the project—in line with the larger program—will contribute to the improved management of 23 million hectares of forest and grassland and mitigate 117.5 million tons of C02.