Transition towards deforestation-free supply chains in Belgium

Belgium's international supply chains of agricultural commodities are progressively transformed, with a focus on eliminating deforestation and ecosystem conversion by 2026, benefiting resilient ecosystems and respecting the rights of men and women of indigenous people and local communities. The proposed Specific Objective (SO) aims to contribute to halting deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems driven by Belgium’s international demand of agricultural commodities. To achieve this, Belgian policymakers support, adopt and enact new European and national policies that lead to systemic changes towards responsible deforestation- and conversion-free international supply chains that also respect the rights of indigenous people and local communities (IPLCs). Therefore, WWF will advocate for inclusive policies based on equity principles and for support to producer countries to transition to responsible production. At the same time, this project will engage companies that buy, process and sell forest- and conversion-risk commodities and derived products in Belgium towards responsible sourcing practices. The focus will be on soy and cocoa, as the two commodities that have the highest estimated footprint at risk of deforestation overseas . Engagement will take place bilaterally with companies, as well as within action-oriented multi-stakeholder partnerships initiated by the government. Through dedicated events and workshops, engaging advocacy materials and communication in the press, WWF will stimulate policymakers and businesses to take responsibility and change their practices. Interventions aimed at driving Belgium’s international supply chains of food commodities towards change for responsible sourcing require securing the rights and livelihoods of local producers and communities as well as protecting and restoring forest landscapes in sourcing regions. Thereby, benefits are created for male and female members of IPLCs while securing ecosystem services for future generations.