Deforestation and human rights: why companies and financial institutions must act on both

Net-zero commitments cannot be met without action on deforestation and tackling the human rights abuses connected with it.

Despite this, too few companies are incorporating human rights into their approach to deforestation – and financial institutions are even further behind.

With the UN deadline of eliminating deforestation by 2025 inching closer, our latest Forest 500 briefing gives an overview of the current picture, outline the consequences of failing to act and offer practical guidance on how to set and implement strong and comprehensive commitments.

Rewatch the event below or listen to it as a podcast.

During the event, speakers covered:

• The human rights landscape in Brazil

• The different types of human rights and the importance of having both a Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) commitment and a commitment to respect customary rights to land, resources, and territory

• Data on the financial institutions and companies that are lagging behind

• Recommended actions for companies and financial institutions, and policymakers

Speakers:

• Laura Dowley, Lawyer, Accountable Corporations, ClientEarth

• Pedro Martins, Legal Advisor, Terra de Direitos

• Emma Thomson, Forest 500 Lead, Global Canopy

• Moderated by Darren McKenzie, Communications Lead at Global Canopy