Applying systems thinking to improve “zero deforestation” policies in highly forested tropical countries

Abstract

Tropical deforestation is associated with climate change, biodiversity loss, and the loss of ecosystem services. In response, dozens of companies have adopted commitments to “zero deforestation” when producing agricultural commodities such as palm oil. However, zero deforestation commitments have proven challenging to implement, and inequitable in some situations. Targets set by international coalitions of organisations to achieve zero net deforestation globally by 2020 have been missed.

Here, I investigate options for improving the implementation of zero deforestation commitments to support more effective and equitable forest conservation in the palm oil sector. I focus on highly forested countries where zero deforestation commitments can conflict with national development goals involving agriculture. My research applies Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH), a systems thinking methodology that is novel in forest conservation. CSH can help identify options for improving “wicked” problems like tropical deforestation, which are characterised by complexity and diverse perspectives. I begin by reviewing conceptual and practical problems with attaining zero deforestation, before presenting two qualitative case studies examining stakeholders’ perspectives on zero deforestation commitments in Gabon and Liberia. In both cases I apply CSH and focus on the High Carbon Stock Approach, a tool for implementing zero deforestation in palm oil production. I then reflect on the utility of CSH for conservation research. Finally, I review the importance of mixing zero deforestation commitments with complementary mechanisms to reduce deforestation.

My research provides the first empirical assessment of zero deforestation commitments’ implementation that focuses on social issues in highly forested countries with emerging palm oil industries. I find that zero deforestation represents an international perspective that marginalises national and local perspectives on sustainable palm oil production. This produces problems with commitments’ legitimacy, equity, and effectiveness. A more flexible and systemic approach is required, if zero deforestation commitments are to effectively and equitably reduce deforestation.