Consumer goods and deforestation

Analysis of the extent and nature of the illegality in the conversion of forests to agriculture and timber plantations

Here is some information from the FORESTTrends report in partnership with UKAid from September 2014.

The data presented in this report indicate that the phenomenon of commercial agriculture and associated exports have continued at an alarming rate since at least the beginning of the 21st century.
Indeed, this problem has worsened and is growing even faster than the conservative estimates from this analysis show.
As rising global incomes and demand for agricultural products continue to rise, we are currently responding with an inappropriate development model.

It is increasingly clear that much of the conversion of forest land for large-scale agricultural purposes violates some of the most basic laws and regulations of producing countries, also resulting in significant social and environmental costs.
These illegalities will become more and more numerous in these producing countries which encourage agricultural investments to catalyze growth. Deforestation is likely to increase further in areas such as the Congo Basin, unless we ensure that forest land is converted into an agricultural area legally and sustainably.