The European Union is set to agree a landmark anti-deforestation law, but must make sure it does not get watered down as the final negotiations begin.
Expected to be adopted by end of the year, the law has the potential to stop EU-driven global deforestation by ensuring that no products consumed in Europe are destroying forests around the world.
It could also bring about greater protection for indigenous peoples and local communities, prevent financial institutions in the EU from financing forests’ destruction, and contribute to halting climate breakdown and biodiversity loss.
However, as the European Commission, Council and Parliament work to agree the final law, there is a real risk of the law being weakened, leaving precarious ecosystems and local communities at risk.
Together with over 140 NGOs, Global Witness is calling on EU negotiators to agree a final text that is robust, ambitious and meets civil society demands.- Read the full statement (3.0 MB), pdf
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