The Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) on three key actions for companies in 2025 to remove deforestation from agricultural and forestry supply chains - Ecosystem Marketplace

This statement was originally posted on the Accountability Framework initiative website.

2025 is a milestone year for efforts to halt destruction of forests and other natural ecosystems. Numerous companies, financial institutions, and industry associations, as well as leading global frameworks such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the UN High Level Expert Group on Net-Zero, have set a 2025 target date for removing deforestation from agricultural and forestry supply chains. The AFi recommended this target date and continues to urge companies to meet this goal.

This target date reflects the urgency of ending deforestation and ecosystem conversion to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss while supporting sustainable development and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Further, impacts from deforestation and conversion pose a direct threat to economic activities that generate over half of the world’s GDP, while directly threatening crop production and producer livelihoods in many regions. Deforestation and conversion are also growing business risks for companies that produce or source soft commodities.

Many companies have set ambitious commitments to eliminate deforestation or conversion in line with the AFi’s recommendation, and some have achieved them or are coming close. Others have not yet committed to time-bound action to address these critical risks and impacts in their businesses.

For all companies that produce or source agricultural or forestry commodities, ending deforestation and conversion must remain a top priority. The Accountability Framework provides global, consensus-based guidelines for how to do so. In line with the Framework, the 22 organisations that make up the AFi Coalition call on all companies to take the following measures in 2025:

In addition to addressing deforestation and conversion, responsible supply chains also require fully respecting internationally-recognised human rights, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and workers. The Accountability Framework guides companies to take an integrated approach to commitment-setting, implementation, and disclosure to address environmental and human rights impacts.

The Accountability Framework provides consensus-based guidance to support companies at all stages of their journeys through setting, implementing, and disclosing on commitments. Updated guidance, including on the topic of setting and fulfilling commitments, will be published this year.

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