Combatting imported deforestation – challenges for science

Earlier this year, SCAR ARCH SWG and SCAR FOREST SWG organised an expert dialogue, gathering 36 internationally renowned experts and over 50 participants. This dialogue was the foundation for their recently published, joint policy brief:
SCAR (2022) Combatting imported deforestation – challenges for science # 8 p.

The goal of the document is to better address deforestation and forest degradation. Both are triggered throughout the world by European imports of commodities (raw materials, food, timbers, etc.).

The process of drafting the policy brief included two steps:

1. Organising an expert dialogue to discuss and identify the main knowledge and research gaps?, as well
2. Defining, supporting, and implementing appropriate measures to limit the European footprint on rainforests, in accordance with the new Green Deal policy of the European Union.

Recommendations are interesting for research funding agencies and researchers, as well as policy makers on both EU and MS level. The policy brief will be presented in full on the SCAR plenary meeting in December, and can already be read on the SCAR website.

The policy brief was presented at the plenary meeting in December and can already be read in full here.

Note: The Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) supports the European Commission (EC), EU Member States and Associated Countries on R&I priorities to address Europe’s challenges in agriculture, fisheries, food systems, forestry, and the wider bioeconomy.