ANNOUNCEMENT: A major European Union regulation on deforestation has been formally adopted and will enter into force

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was formally adopted by the Council of the European Union representing the bloc's 27 member states. The aim of the new law is to prevent products and commodities linked to deforestation and forest degradation from being placed on the EU market, representing a significant milestone in the global effort to protect forests. After the law enters into force, large and medium-sized companies will have 18 months to implement the new rules. Companies will be required to carry out due diligence on commodities covered by the legislation: beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, timber and rubber, as well as derivative products such as beef, furniture or chocolate. The following is a statement from Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe, World Resources Institute:  “The EU regulation could be of great benefit to global efforts to stop deforestation and combat climate change – but its success will depend on the EU being able to engage meaningfully with the countries, companies and small farmers who produce the goods. "Effectively implemented, the law could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions that result from the clearing of tropical forests for food and other commodities. And it could help protect critical biodiversity and water resources in tropical rainforests. The law also sends an important signal to markets around the world: getting the food and commodities we need doesn't require destroying the world's forests — and continuing to do so will harm people and the climate. (World Resources Institute)