<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read the summary<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n- <\/i><\/span> Casino Group is present in Colombia through its subsidiary \u00c9xito, leader in the retail sector with a 28 percent market share of the domestic market<\/span>\u00a0(source : Presentaci\u00f3n corporativa Grupo \u00c9xito, 2021<\/a>)<\/span>. The group\u2019s purchases of beef meat range from 6.4 to 10 percent of the total volume produced in the country. <\/span> <\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span> A study carried out by EIA (Environmental Investigation Agency) has shown <\/span>a link between the Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary (grupo \u00c9xito) and the deforestation of 400 hectares in 2019 inside the Chiribiquete National Natural Park. <\/b>Chiribiquete NNP, established in 1989 and declared a mixed World Heritage site by UNESCO since 2018, is the world\u2019s largest tropical rainforest national park with an outstanding universal value, providing <\/span>both exceptional biodiversity and cultural value<\/a><\/span>. The EIA investigation has also revealed indirect links between Casino Group and the financial support of armed groups in the area.<\/b><\/span> <\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span> Thanks to several<\/span>\u00a0unique ecosystems<\/span>, Colombia is the second richest country in biodiversity on the planet. The Amazon covers nearly 40%<\/a> of the country<\/span>. With 166 000 hectares<\/a> of primary forests lost in 2020, Colombia is also the sixth country with the highest rate of deforestation in the world; this rate increased by 44% from 2019 to 2020. Cattle ranching was the<\/span>\u00a0third main driver of deforestation<\/a> \u00a0in Colombia in 2018 with other disastrous consequences, including human rights abuses. <\/span><\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span> Although it is subject to the duty of care law for all its subsidiaries worldwide, Casino Group has not included Colombia in its vigilance plan arguing that, <\/span>from its point of view<\/a>, the responsibility of cattle ranching in deforestation is not supported by sufficient evidence in reports on deforestation in Colombia<\/i>. It considers traceability as a maximum target and not as a basic requirement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span> E<\/strong>nvol Vert calls for immediate actions from Casino to stop offering products coming from deforestation by 2022.<\/strong> In the meantime, Casino Group shall implement a moratorium for some areas and suppliers involved in deforestation fronts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/div><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read the summary<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\n- <\/i><\/span> Casino Group is present in Colombia through its subsidiary \u00c9xito, leader in the retail sector with a 28 percent market share of the domestic market<\/span>\u00a0(source : Presentaci\u00f3n corporativa Grupo \u00c9xito, 2021<\/a>)<\/span>. The group\u2019s purchases of beef meat range from 6.4 to 10 percent of the total volume produced in the country. <\/span> <\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span> A study carried out by EIA (Environmental Investigation Agency) has shown <\/span>a link between the Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary (grupo \u00c9xito) and the deforestation of 400 hectares in 2019 inside the Chiribiquete National Natural Park. <\/b>Chiribiquete NNP, established in 1989 and declared a mixed World Heritage site by UNESCO since 2018, is the world\u2019s largest tropical rainforest national park with an outstanding universal value, providing <\/span>both exceptional biodiversity and cultural value<\/a><\/span>. The EIA investigation has also revealed indirect links between Casino Group and the financial support of armed groups in the area.<\/b><\/span> <\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span> Thanks to several<\/span>\u00a0unique ecosystems<\/span>, Colombia is the second richest country in biodiversity on the planet. The Amazon covers nearly 40%<\/a> of the country<\/span>. With 166 000 hectares<\/a> of primary forests lost in 2020, Colombia is also the sixth country with the highest rate of deforestation in the world; this rate increased by 44% from 2019 to 2020. Cattle ranching was the<\/span>\u00a0third main driver of deforestation<\/a> \u00a0in Colombia in 2018 with other disastrous consequences, including human rights abuses. <\/span><\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span> Although it is subject to the duty of care law for all its subsidiaries worldwide, Casino Group has not included Colombia in its vigilance plan arguing that, <\/span>from its point of view<\/a>, the responsibility of cattle ranching in deforestation is not supported by sufficient evidence in reports on deforestation in Colombia<\/i>. It considers traceability as a maximum target and not as a basic requirement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span> E<\/strong>nvol Vert calls for immediate actions from Casino to stop offering products coming from deforestation by 2022.<\/strong> In the meantime, Casino Group shall implement a moratorium for some areas and suppliers involved in deforestation fronts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/div><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>
In Colombia, Casino destroying national park and UNESCO site<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>In 2020, Envol Vert<\/a> and its local partners in Brazil<\/a> were pointing out the responsibility of Grupo P\u00e3o de A\u00e7\u00facar, a Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary in Brazil, in the deforestation of the Amazon and the Cerrado<\/span>. Further to these revelations, an alliance of eleven non-governmental organisations and representatives of indigenous peoples has sued Casino Group<\/a> claiming the non-respect of the duty of care law for parent companies<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\nAt present, the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is showing evidence of deforestation and human rights abuses in another major market for Casino Group in South America, Colombia, within the supply chain of Grupo \u00c9xito (Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary). With this paper, Envol Vert presents the key findings of the investigation provided by EIA, the latest exclusive breaking news. As a NGO based in Colombia, Envol Vert is developing a critical analysis and seeking the commitment of Casino Group to enhance efforts to stop deforestation in Colombia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>In 2020, Envol Vert<\/a> and its local partners in Brazil<\/a> were pointing out the responsibility of Grupo P\u00e3o de A\u00e7\u00facar, a Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary in Brazil, in the deforestation of the Amazon and the Cerrado<\/span>. Further to these revelations, an alliance of eleven non-governmental organisations and representatives of indigenous peoples has sued Casino Group<\/a> claiming the non-respect of the duty of care law for parent companies<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\nAt present, the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is showing evidence of deforestation and human rights abuses in another major market for Casino Group in South America, Colombia, within the supply chain of Grupo \u00c9xito (Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary). With this paper, Envol Vert presents the key findings of the investigation provided by EIA, the latest exclusive breaking news. As a NGO based in Colombia, Envol Vert is developing a critical analysis and seeking the commitment of Casino Group to enhance efforts to stop deforestation in Colombia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>Colombia a double-faced country : unique biodiversity and skyrocketing deforestation<\/h2><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Unique and irreplaceable ecosystems are under urgent threat of deforestation. WWF has identified more than 9 deforestation fronts<\/a> in South America and among them, 2 are located in Colombia. In 2020, Colombia was ranked the sixth most deforested country in the world by Global Forest Watch<\/a>. From 2000 to 2019, Colombia lost a total of nearly 2.8 millions hectares of forests<\/a>, which is the equivalent surface of Belgium. According to IDEAM (Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies), cattle ranching is one of the main drivers of deforestation<\/a>. In addition, this activity is a critical link with land grabbing whose process consists of illegal land acquisition, land-use change to turn into a lucrative asset, and then speculation in the land market.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/envol-vert.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Infographies-article_EN_frise-deforestation-speculation-600x232.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Land grabbing process in Colombia<\/span><\/i><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>The northwest sector of the Amazonian basin in Colombia is essential for the preservation of rainforests and biodiversity. This area is an ecological corridor between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest and provides a critical habitat for unique and endangered species<\/span>. Protection of these natural resources has led to two National Natural Parks : Chiribiquete and Macarena, Chiribiquete National Natural Park being the world\u2019s largest tropical rainforest national park.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/envol-vert.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Infographies-article_EN_parc-national-de-chiribiquete-562x400.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The EIA report Tainted Beef<\/em> <\/a>is based on research conducted at the heart of the arc of deforestation, in the northern and\u00a0 northwestern part of the Chiribiquete National Natural Park. It highlights a strong correlation between the increase in deforestation and the increase in cattle movement. However, it shall\u00a0 be stressed that the park regulations state very clearly the prohibition of land-use changes and, last but not least,\u00a0 <\/span>the prohibition of cattle ranching.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/envol-vert.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Infographies-article_EN_elevage-et-deforestation-600x227.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Deforestation and cattle ranching follow the same trend in the arc of deforestation in the northwest Colombian Amazon<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>The cattle sector is a key sector in Colombia, representing around 3.6% of national GDP and 7% of national jobs<\/a><\/span>. The cattle herd reached a total of 28 millions heads<\/a> in 2020<\/span>. <\/span>97%<\/a> of beef meat produced in the country is consumed at a national level<\/b>. The beef sector can be divided into two parts: cattle ranching on one side, meat processing and distribution on the other side. Processed meat products are mainly distributed through the food retail channel. According to the Animal Slaughter Survey (ESAG – DANE 2019), supermarkets\u00a0 had a 23%<\/a> market share for the first quarter 2019 <\/span> (<\/span>Viancha et al., 2020<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>As the leader in the retail sector in Colombia (28% market share in 2020)<\/span> Casino Group plays a major role<\/span>
- <\/i><\/span>Casino Group is present in Colombia through its subsidiary \u00c9xito, leader in the retail sector with a 28 percent market share of the domestic market<\/span>\u00a0(source : Presentaci\u00f3n corporativa Grupo \u00c9xito, 2021<\/a>)<\/span>. The group\u2019s purchases of beef meat range from 6.4 to 10 percent of the total volume produced in the country. <\/span> <\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
A study carried out by EIA (Environmental Investigation Agency) has shown <\/span>a link between the Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary (grupo \u00c9xito) and the deforestation of 400 hectares in 2019 inside the Chiribiquete National Natural Park. <\/b>Chiribiquete NNP, established in 1989 and declared a mixed World Heritage site by UNESCO since 2018, is the world\u2019s largest tropical rainforest national park with an outstanding universal value, providing <\/span>both exceptional biodiversity and cultural value<\/a><\/span>. The EIA investigation has also revealed indirect links between Casino Group and the financial support of armed groups in the area.<\/b><\/span> <\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
Thanks to several<\/span>\u00a0unique ecosystems<\/span>, Colombia is the second richest country in biodiversity on the planet. The Amazon covers nearly 40%<\/a> of the country<\/span>. With 166 000 hectares<\/a> of primary forests lost in 2020, Colombia is also the sixth country with the highest rate of deforestation in the world; this rate increased by 44% from 2019 to 2020. Cattle ranching was the<\/span>\u00a0third main driver of deforestation<\/a> \u00a0in Colombia in 2018 with other disastrous consequences, including human rights abuses. <\/span><\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
Although it is subject to the duty of care law for all its subsidiaries worldwide, Casino Group has not included Colombia in its vigilance plan arguing that, <\/span>from its point of view<\/a>, the responsibility of cattle ranching in deforestation is not supported by sufficient evidence in reports on deforestation in Colombia<\/i>. It considers traceability as a maximum target and not as a basic requirement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
E<\/strong>nvol Vert calls for immediate actions from Casino to stop offering products coming from deforestation by 2022.<\/strong> In the meantime, Casino Group shall implement a moratorium for some areas and suppliers involved in deforestation fronts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/div><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>Read the summary<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
\n- <\/i><\/span>Casino Group is present in Colombia through its subsidiary \u00c9xito, leader in the retail sector with a 28 percent market share of the domestic market<\/span>\u00a0(source : Presentaci\u00f3n corporativa Grupo \u00c9xito, 2021<\/a>)<\/span>. The group\u2019s purchases of beef meat range from 6.4 to 10 percent of the total volume produced in the country. <\/span> <\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>
A study carried out by EIA (Environmental Investigation Agency) has shown <\/span>a link between the Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary (grupo \u00c9xito) and the deforestation of 400 hectares in 2019 inside the Chiribiquete National Natural Park. <\/b>Chiribiquete NNP, established in 1989 and declared a mixed World Heritage site by UNESCO since 2018, is the world\u2019s largest tropical rainforest national park with an outstanding universal value, providing <\/span>both exceptional biodiversity and cultural value<\/a><\/span>. The EIA investigation has also revealed indirect links between Casino Group and the financial support of armed groups in the area.<\/b><\/span> <\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
Thanks to several<\/span>\u00a0unique ecosystems<\/span>, Colombia is the second richest country in biodiversity on the planet. The Amazon covers nearly 40%<\/a> of the country<\/span>. With 166 000 hectares<\/a> of primary forests lost in 2020, Colombia is also the sixth country with the highest rate of deforestation in the world; this rate increased by 44% from 2019 to 2020. Cattle ranching was the<\/span>\u00a0third main driver of deforestation<\/a> \u00a0in Colombia in 2018 with other disastrous consequences, including human rights abuses. <\/span><\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
Although it is subject to the duty of care law for all its subsidiaries worldwide, Casino Group has not included Colombia in its vigilance plan arguing that, <\/span>from its point of view<\/a>, the responsibility of cattle ranching in deforestation is not supported by sufficient evidence in reports on deforestation in Colombia<\/i>. It considers traceability as a maximum target and not as a basic requirement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
E<\/strong>nvol Vert calls for immediate actions from Casino to stop offering products coming from deforestation by 2022.<\/strong> In the meantime, Casino Group shall implement a moratorium for some areas and suppliers involved in deforestation fronts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/div><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>In Colombia, Casino destroying national park and UNESCO site<\/h2><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>In 2020, Envol Vert<\/a> and its local partners in Brazil<\/a> were pointing out the responsibility of Grupo P\u00e3o de A\u00e7\u00facar, a Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary in Brazil, in the deforestation of the Amazon and the Cerrado<\/span>. Further to these revelations, an alliance of eleven non-governmental organisations and representatives of indigenous peoples has sued Casino Group<\/a> claiming the non-respect of the duty of care law for parent companies<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
At present, the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is showing evidence of deforestation and human rights abuses in another major market for Casino Group in South America, Colombia, within the supply chain of Grupo \u00c9xito (Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary). With this paper, Envol Vert presents the key findings of the investigation provided by EIA, the latest exclusive breaking news. As a NGO based in Colombia, Envol Vert is developing a critical analysis and seeking the commitment of Casino Group to enhance efforts to stop deforestation in Colombia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
In 2020, Envol Vert<\/a> and its local partners in Brazil<\/a> were pointing out the responsibility of Grupo P\u00e3o de A\u00e7\u00facar, a Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary in Brazil, in the deforestation of the Amazon and the Cerrado<\/span>. Further to these revelations, an alliance of eleven non-governmental organisations and representatives of indigenous peoples has sued Casino Group<\/a> claiming the non-respect of the duty of care law for parent companies<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n
At present, the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is showing evidence of deforestation and human rights abuses in another major market for Casino Group in South America, Colombia, within the supply chain of Grupo \u00c9xito (Casino Group\u2019s subsidiary). With this paper, Envol Vert presents the key findings of the investigation provided by EIA, the latest exclusive breaking news. As a NGO based in Colombia, Envol Vert is developing a critical analysis and seeking the commitment of Casino Group to enhance efforts to stop deforestation in Colombia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span>Colombia a double-faced country : unique biodiversity and skyrocketing deforestation<\/h2><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Unique and irreplaceable ecosystems are under urgent threat of deforestation. WWF has identified more than 9 deforestation fronts<\/a> in South America and among them, 2 are located in Colombia. In 2020, Colombia was ranked the sixth most deforested country in the world by Global Forest Watch<\/a>. From 2000 to 2019, Colombia lost a total of nearly 2.8 millions hectares of forests<\/a>, which is the equivalent surface of Belgium. According to IDEAM (Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies), cattle ranching is one of the main drivers of deforestation<\/a>. In addition, this activity is a critical link with land grabbing whose process consists of illegal land acquisition, land-use change to turn into a lucrative asset, and then speculation in the land market.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Land grabbing process in Colombia<\/span><\/i><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>
The northwest sector of the Amazonian basin in Colombia is essential for the preservation of rainforests and biodiversity. This area is an ecological corridor between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest and provides a critical habitat for unique and endangered species<\/span>. Protection of these natural resources has led to two National Natural Parks : Chiribiquete and Macarena, Chiribiquete National Natural Park being the world\u2019s largest tropical rainforest national park.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The EIA report Tainted Beef<\/em> <\/a>is based on research conducted at the heart of the arc of deforestation, in the northern and\u00a0 northwestern part of the Chiribiquete National Natural Park. It highlights a strong correlation between the increase in deforestation and the increase in cattle movement. However, it shall\u00a0 be stressed that the park regulations state very clearly the prohibition of land-use changes and, last but not least,\u00a0 <\/span>the prohibition of cattle ranching.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/a><\/span><\/div>Deforestation and cattle ranching follow the same trend in the arc of deforestation in the northwest Colombian Amazon<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
The cattle sector is a key sector in Colombia, representing around 3.6% of national GDP and 7% of national jobs<\/a><\/span>. The cattle herd reached a total of 28 millions heads<\/a> in 2020<\/span>. <\/span>97%<\/a> of beef meat produced in the country is consumed at a national level<\/b>. The beef sector can be divided into two parts: cattle ranching on one side, meat processing and distribution on the other side. Processed meat products are mainly distributed through the food retail channel. According to the Animal Slaughter Survey (ESAG – DANE 2019), supermarkets\u00a0 had a 23%<\/a> market share for the first quarter 2019 <\/span> (<\/span>Viancha et al., 2020<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>
As the leader in the retail sector in Colombia (28% market share in 2020)<\/span> Casino Group plays a major role<\/span>
- <\/i><\/span>
- <\/i><\/span>