The destruction of the world’s forests has many causes. Corruption, failures in accountability and transparency, as well as non-existent or insecure land tenure rights are chief among them. Tackling these issues - and ensuring that forests are managed justly and sustainably - requires structural change. And this means giving a voice to those historically denied one, including forest communities. Specific emphasis must be put on supporting those often denied power within communities, including women, and Indigenous Peoples.

Fern and our partners recommendations

To ensure that forest communities have stronger rights to their forest and benefit from transparent and inclusive forest management practices and processes.

What are we doing? 

Working with partners in tropical forested countries to strengthen forest governance. Our main focuses are: The Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs), timber trade deals, that give forested countries privileged access to EU markets if they reform their forest laws, and implement them properly. And Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the climate pledges countries made under the Paris climate agreement.

What needs to happen to achieve our goals? 

The EU needs to strengthen its resolve to implement the VPAs and support forest governance measures in the NDCs.

Fern’s aim is to ensure EU policies reduce illegal logging and deforestation by improving the way forests are managed and recognising communities’ land rights.

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What do NGOs think about EU’s response to the COVID-19 crisis?

Find out how the European Green Deal can strengthen partner countries' recovery from the COVID-19 crisis:

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Alexandra Benjamin

Alexandra Benjamin

Forest Governance Campaigner

Tyala Ifwanga

Tyala Ifwanga

Forest Governance Campaigner

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