Deforestation

Deforestation is a critical global challenge with serious environmental, social, and economic implications.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the world’s leading organization for assessing climate change. Their latest report lays out how to reduce the economic damage caused by deforestation: conservation, improved management, and restoration of forests and other ecosystems.

From 2001 to 2015, just seven agricultural commodities accounted for more than a quarter of global tree cover loss: cattle, oil palm, soy, cocoa, rubber, coffee and plantation wood fibre. Finding ways to farm without cutting down forests is critical.

As governments and international organizations are increasingly developing new policies and frameworks to preserve the world’s forests, ITC has been exploring current and emerging policies, as well as private initiatives in key countries and regions.

Each country faces unique challenges and opportunities in tackling deforestation within their borders and in their international trade relations. ITC can provide the tools to adapt and take climate action via trade. The resources on this page provide further details on ITC’s work and support for deforestation-free global value chains.

Understanding the EU Green Deal

Equipping East African MSMEs in coffee, cocoa, and leather for compliance with the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR).

Deforestation roundtables

ITC Roundtables on Deforestation-free GVCs - Sustainability Map

EUDR Exposure Rates

The TMI Spotlight on the EUDR, showcasing trade flows and exposure rates.

Export Guide for Wood

Rising timber demand in Europe unlocks opportunities for South-East Asian producers

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Alavanyo, Ghana. Cocoa farmer John Narh works with the Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union Limited. By working with the Sankofa programme at ITC, Narh and other farmers have adopted climate-smart ways of growing their crops.

Photo by Nana Kofi Acquah for ITC

Ghanaian farmer swings her machete to clear area near cocoa trees

Beposo, Ghana. Cocoa farmer Dorcas Koomson also works with the Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union Limited. "Over the last four years, cocoa planting has become hard. The sun is burning too much and killing the plants," she said.

Photo by Nana Kofi Acquah for ITC

Ghanaian farmer stands in forest with machete

Alavanyo, Ghana. Cocoa farmer John Narh works holds a machete in the forest, where he tends his crops. Working with the Sankofa programme at ITC, he’s moved away from monoculture in favour of farming techniques that are more climate-smart.

Photo by Nana Kofi Acquah for ITC

Ghanaian woman stands in forest near cocoa trees

Beposo, Ghana. Cocoa farmer Dorcas Koomson also works with the Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union Limited. The Sankofa project at ITC helps the union’s members increase their incomes without harming the forests.

Photo by Nana Kofi Acquah for ITC