Press conference: New Director of Tropical Forest Alliance

TL;DR

Tropical forests are crucial in combating climate change due to deforestation's impact; partnerships with businesses, governments, and communities are vital.

Transcript

I like to welcome everyone in the room and online to the world economics forums impact summit 2018 today we are joined by quite a few people who know a lot about forests and tropical forests and why that's so key and crucial to us tackling the issue of climate change today I'm joined by Justin Adams managing director at global lands but more import... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐠 Tropical forests are essential for absorbing carbon and combating climate change due to the impact of deforestation.
• 💍 Indonesia has implemented policies like forest moratoriums to protect natural forests, with a focus on engaging private sectors for sustainable practices.
• 👨‍💼 Businesses like Unilever are working towards eradicating deforestation from their supply chains by partnering with organizations like the Tropical Forest Alliance.
• 🖐️ Indigenous peoples are crucial in forest conservation efforts, with technology playing a role in empowering them to protect and manage their territories.
• 🏝️ Collaborations between governments, private sectors, and communities can revitalize degraded lands and support economic growth through sustainable practices.
• 🥰 The media, entertainment, and arts have a significant role in raising awareness and driving public engagement in combating deforestation and promoting sustainable practices.
• 🤨 The Tropical Forest Alliance serves as a multi-stakeholder platform to build partnerships and raise ambition in addressing deforestation and promoting forest conservation.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are tropical forests crucial in combating climate change?

Tropical forests are vital as deforestation is a significant source of global emissions, making up over 10% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: How is Indonesia leading efforts in addressing climate change?

Indonesia has implemented policies like moratoriums to protect natural forests and peatlands, while also engaging with private sectors and NGOs to achieve deforestation-free products.

Q: In what ways are businesses like Unilever contributing to combating deforestation?

Companies like Unilever are part of alliances like the Tropical Forest Alliance, working to eradicate deforestation from their supply chains and supporting sustainable practices in their commodity sourcing.

Q: How are indigenous peoples involved in the conservation of forests?

Indigenous peoples play a crucial role as stewards of forest lands, holding rights to significant biodiversity and forest carbon. Technology is being used to empower these communities in mapping and protecting their territories.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tropical forests play a crucial role in combatting climate change, with deforestation contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Indonesia is leading the charge in tackling climate change by implementing policies like forest moratoriums to protect natural forests.

• Businesses like Unilever are working in partnership with organizations like the Tropical Forest Alliance to eradicate deforestation from their supply chains.