RBI meets with Frans Timmermans on Forest Conservation

A delegation of CEO’s, representing the REDD+ Business Initiative and FSC NL, visited Executive Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans on March 3d. The reason for the visit was the Communication “Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests” (July 2019).

Our message was that the emphasis in this Communication on deforestation-free supply chains is important, but needs to be complemented with instruments that give the still standing forests an economic value, like REDD+ and FSC-certification. This is essential for building a sound business case for the conservation and sustainable use of forests to the benefit of local communities. Therefore we asked the Commission to consider formal integration of REDD+ in EUs climate policy (including the use of market mechanisms) and a mandatory use of sustainable EU market.

Mr. Timmermans welcomed our approach and our views and asked the participating companies to actively share their motivations and results in company networks and industry organisations as it will support the transition to a Green Economy. The discussions with the Commission is ongoing.

www.ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/communication-eu-action-protect-restore-forests_en.pdf