The APPGs on Global Deforestation and International Conservation joined forces for an event in Parliament to make International Day of Forests.
Zac Goldsmith, Minister of State for the Pacific and International Environment, opened proceedings, stating there is no solution to climate change without addressing nature loss and deforestation. “At COP26 we took forests from the margins of the debate to the heart of climate politics.”
He told Global Witness that although due diligence for financial institutions is not policy at the moment, he believes it will be unavoidable in future. “Unless we change the direction in which money flows, we are going to be fighting a losing battle”
The Global Alliance for Territorial communities represents 5 Indigenous organisations. The alliance shares concerns about the “thin line between legal and illegal” deforestation, explaining that many companies who are deforesting in tropical regions are operating legally.
Lord Goldsmith recognised the importance of listening to and learning from Indigenous peoples. “Indigenous peoples and local communities know that you can’t divide nature from any pursuits that matter […] frankly there is no future for any of us if we continue to derail nature.”
The leader of the Congress of Indigenous Organisations of the Amazon Basin, Gregorio Mirabal appealed to the UK parliament to follow up on the pledges made at COP26 and reminds the event of the importance in all 9 countries across the Amazon taking action against deforestation.
“We must focus on land rights, it’s the only way to fight this battle we have.”Joseph Itongwa Mukumo shares his perspective from the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasising the importance of land tenure and rights for Indigenous communities.
Conservative peer Lord Randall ended the meeting urging consumers to keep keep pressure on companies by asking for deforestation-free products & that transparency in supply chains is essential –
NGO Forest Coalition 