Rethinking zero deforestation beyond 2020 to more equitably and effectively conserve tropical forests
File(s)
Author(s)
Lyons-White, Joss
Pollard, Edward
Catalano, Allison
Knight, Andrew
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Collective targets set by private, government and non-government organisations to achieve global “zero net deforestation” by 2020 have been missed. Here, we explore the limitations of zero deforestation (ZD) targets and commitments. We review the origins of the ZD concept and explore conceptual and practical challenges with attaining ZD. Conceptual challenges include problems with defining “forest”, social equity, and agricultural expansion leaking to non-forest ecosystems. Practical challenges include implementing ZD in highly complex supply chains. We reflect on the framing of ZD and discuss principles to support post-2020 conservation targets and commitments. We emphasise the importance of defining relationships between global goals and targets, national targets, and commitments. We call for research to understand the impacts of ZD commitments on local stakeholders in diverse contexts, including highly-forested landscapes. Reframing ZD will not solve deforestation, but reflecting on its limitations could support more effective and equitable tropical forest conservation beyond 2020.
Date Issued
2020-12-18
Date Acceptance
2020-11-20
Citation
One Earth, 2020, 3 (6), pp.714-726
ISSN
2590-3322
Publisher
Cell Press
Start Page
714
End Page
726
Journal / Book Title
One Earth
Volume
3
Issue
6
Sponsor
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
Natural Environment Research Council [2006-2012]
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590332220305972
Grant Number
FSPA 02/19
NE/L002515/1
Subjects
Commodities
Deforestation free
Equity
Failure
Implementation crisis
No deforestation
Palm oil
Soy
Supply chains
Sustainable business
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ONEEAR 276