Reports

The State of the Soy Industry

Report detailing how the soy industry continues to cause rampant deforestation across the rainforest. A collaboration between Rainforest Foundation Norway and Clean Harvest.

Nación Wampís, Perú: Gobernanza indígena para la protección de la selva tropical [SPANISH VERSION]

Wampís Nation, Peru: Indigenous governance for rainforest protection

Schools in the rainforest

This publication is about small education projects with impressive results and great potentials. Similar projects have also been developed in many countries of Latin America. Here the focus is on four projects among indigenous people in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil.

Indonesia: The social forestry approach

DRC: Protecting intact forest through involvement of Indigenous people and local communities

Colombia: Forest conservation through Indigenous local government

Brazil: Protecting the Amazon through Indigenous Management Plans

State of the Tropical Rainforest

This report is the world's first complete overview of the state of the tropical rainforest.

Driving deforestation: The European automotive industry's contribution to deforestation in Brazil

This report on the Brazilian leather industry reveals how it is highly likely that European car manufacturers contribute to large-scale deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

Falling short

Despite its proven efficiency in protecting rainforests, this report shows that Indigenous Peoples and local communities only receive a small share of funding for climate and biodiversity protection.

Deforestation tools assessment and gap analysis: How investors can manage deforestation risk

This report aims to support investors to manage deforestation risks in a systematic manner, by identifying relevant tools and data gaps and by presenting options for integrating deforestation data into existing systems for ESG and risk analysis.

How the sausage gets made

This report reveals that a large share of the soy that Danish meat manufacturer Danish Crown imports to Denmark through its farmer members lacks any assurance that it does not come from deforested areas. The report also reveals that Danish Crown receives soy from ports in South America that are known to ship soy from high-risk areas.

New report: Biofuel to the fire

New report: Biofuel to the fire A new report by Rainforest Foundation Norway looks at the impact of global biofuel policies on tropical deforestation. Palm oil and soy, in particular, are biofuel feedstocks that are associated with high deforestation risk. The report analyses biofuel policies in all key markets and assesses the impact on demand for palm oil and soy-based biofuels in the coming decade. The conclusions of the report are alarming. Download the full report here.

Sustainable rainforest management in Acre (executive summary)

Local communities and the Brazilian state of Acre have worked together since the 1990s to find workable forest management strategies which both safeguard the rainforest’s ecosystem services and secure forest peoples’ rights and livelihoods.

Destination deforestation

This report reviews the status of aviation alternative fuel targets and discusses how high the risk is that expanding biofuel use in aviation will drive increased deforestation. It concludes that the increased demand for palm oil and soy to meet the aspirational targets outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) could drive over 3 million hectares of tropical forest loss and 5 gigatons of land use change CO2 emissions, unless measures are taken to avoid the targets being met using the most readily available aviation biofuel technology and feedstocks.

Sustainability of commercial forest management in tropical rainforest

This report examines what is known regarding the impacts of “status quo” industrial logging, including on biodiversity, biomass/carbon, ecosystem resiliency, and timber yield. It then turns to examine whether reduced impact logging (RIL) and forest certification improve outcomes for these same values. Based on these findings, an overall determination is made regarding what constitutes “sustainable forest management” (SFM) in the tropics.

Regnskogfondets klage til miljøklagenemda om Shell

Regnskogfondets klage til miljøklagenemda om Shell

Palm oil smallholders and land-use change in Indonesia and Malaysia

This report reviews the current research evidence on independent smallholders in Indonesia and Malaysia. It focuses on the challenges in defining and counting different types of smallholders, the difficulties in certifying smallholders, the role of smallholders in frontier expansion and land-use change, and the relationship between palm oil development and rural poverty reduction. The implications of these issues are identified together with policy recommendations for the draft delegated act for implementing the recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), which proposes certifying low indirect land-use change risk feedstocks – notably including crops produced by independent smallholders.

Approaching the point of no return

This report examines the role of forests in the Paris Agreement pledges (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) of six important rainforest countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Peru, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar. The report shows that none of the pledges are in line with current international goals of halting deforestation by at least 2030. In fact, deforestation would continue even if these climate targets are met and, in a few of the countries, deforestation is likely to increase.

The role of civil society in national Redd+ processes

A report on lessons learned in the process of engaging and structuring civil society in the national REDD+ Process in DR Congo (FRENCH ONLY).

Salmon on soy beans – deforestation and land conflict in Brazil

This report focuses on the soy production chain of three trading companies that play a key role in supplying fish feed to Norway’s salmon industry. The report reveals instances where soy suppliers of these three companies have been found to practise illegal deforestation and use slave labour. It also presents evidence of land conflicts, irregularities in pesticide use and the advance of soy cultivation over indigenous lands.

Saving the rainforest 2.0

With this report we examine possible new directions and ideas for rainforest protection in general, and in particular Norway’s role in facilitating change towards a world that truly values and protects its forests. Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative has become the major international rainforest donor, its choices will influence international efforts to protect the rainforest. This report should therefore be read as input to Norway as well as to the international rainforest community as a whole.

Driving deforestation: The impact of expanding palm oil demand through biofuel policy (INDONESIAN VERSION)

The report ‘Driving deforestation’ considers the global impact on palm oil demand of existing and proposed biofuel policies in key markets around the world. It shows that if the world’s major biofuel consumers meet their current targets, they will generate unprecedented demand for palm oil, devastating Southeast Asia’s rainforests in the process and causing massive greenhouse gas emissions.

Investments in soy destruction

Norwegian savings and pensions are contributing to one of the worst environmental crises of our time: the extensive destruction of native ecosystems.

For peat’s sake

Memahami dampak konsumsi biodiesel minyak sawit terhadap iklim

Palm oil sustainability assessment of Salim-related companies in Borneo peat forest

This new report released RAN, Rainforest Foundation Norway and SumOfUs exposes the destruction of nearly 10,000 hectares of Borneo’s forests––nearly 40 square miles––by palm oil companies associated with one of PepsiCo’s prominent business partners, a company called the Salim Group. The hectares of destroyed forest were some of Borneo’s peat forests: massive carbon sinks that safely store greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere and are critical in the fight against global climate change. The destruction has continued in defiance of Indonesian laws and as a result of a loophole in PepsiCo’s palm oil policy that allows its joint venture partner to destroy rainforests without consequence.

From Brazilian farms to Norwegian tables: A report about soya in Norwegian salmon feed

In this report we examine the use of soybeans in the Norwegian salmon industry. The report shows how the soybean industry in South America expands at the expense of rainforest and other vulnerable forest areas, leading to major environmental and health problems.

Driving deforestation: The impact of expanding palm oil demand through biofuel policy

The report ‘Driving deforestation’ considers the global impact on palm oil demand of existing and proposed biofuel policies in key markets around the world. It shows that if the world’s major biofuel consumers meet their current targets, they will generate unprecedented demand for palm oil, devastating Southeast Asia’s rainforests in the process and causing massive greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable rainforest management: Local initiatives meet supporting policies in Acre, Brazil

This report shows how local communities and the state government of the Brazilian state of Acre have worked together since the 1990s to find workable forest management strategies which both safeguard the rainforest’s ecosystem services and secure forest peoples’ rights and livelihoods.

3D mapping: A planning and management tool for the Itombwe nature reserve

This handbook documents how Rainforest Foundation Norway and its partner Africapacity conducted a pilot exercise on participatory 3-D mapping with local and indigenous communities living in and near the Itombwe natural reserve in the eastern part of DRC.

For peat’s sake

Understanding the climate implications of palm oil biodiesel consumption.

Nordic investments in banks financing Indonesian palm oil - Executive summary

A new report from Rainforest Foundation Norway and the Fair Finance Guide tracks Nordic investments to Asian banks that support rapacious palm oil producers with financing that impedes push for sustainability.

Nordic investments in banks financing Indonesian palm oil

A new report from Rainforest Foundation Norway and the Fair Finance Guide tracks Nordic investments to Asian banks that support rapacious palm oil producers with financing that impedes push for sustainability.

Investasi Nordik di bank-bank yang membiayai minyak sawit Indonesia - Ringkasan eksekutif

Sebuah laporan baru dari Rainforest Foundation Norway dan Fair Finance Guide menemukan kaitan antara investasi dari sejumlah negara Nordic di beberapa bank di Asia yang mendukung produsen minyak sawit yang haus keuntungan materi lewat pembiayaan yang menghambat dorongan untuk sustainability.

Investasi Nordik di bank-bank yang membiayai minyak sawit Indonesia

Sebuah laporan baru dari Rainforest Foundation Norway dan Fair Finance Guide menemukan kaitan antara investasi dari sejumlah negara Nordic di beberapa bank di Asia yang mendukung produsen minyak sawit yang haus keuntungan materi lewat pembiayaan yang menghambat dorongan untuk sustainability.

Climate Action in the Land Sector: Treading carefully

The Climate, Land, Ambition and Rights Alliance (CLARA) closely follows United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations in the areas of agriculture, forest and land issues. CLARA members have developed a joint position on how these issues should be addressed in the UNFCCC, so as to promote ambitious and positive climate action in the land sector.

Going Negative – How Carbon Sinks could Cost the Earth

A primer to help climate negotiators and influencers. The Paris Agreement calls for “a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century.” This inevitably puts the use of land-based sinks such as forests, halting deforestation and increased sequestration of carbon in trees, at the heart for stemming global warming. But it also raises some serious concerns, encouraging the world to over rely on the growth of sinks instead of deeply cutting emissions. "Negative emissions" interventions put pressure on land and could also compromise biodiversity, food security, human rights and indigenous peoples rights.

An update on Astra Agro Lestari's sustainability policy implementation

This report contains the findings of an investigation of Astra Agro Lestari, one year after the company announced its forest conservation policy.

Rainforest technology

An introduction to using new and evolving technology to support advocacy on rainforest protection, land rights and indigenous rights.

A quick-start guide to improving companies’ behaviour in rainforests by influencing investors

This guide introduces how socially responsible investors find and use information about rainforests, explains how investors can influence what companies do and suggests ways for civil society organisations to reach more investors, financial analysts and information providers.

Palm oil is being used in Norwegian fuels

This paper highlights the problems with PFAD, a biproduct of palm oil production that is being used in Norwegian fuels.

The risks of relying on tomorrow’s “negative emissions” to guide today’s mitigation ambition

This paper from the Stockholm Environment Institute focuses on the risks associated with “negative emission” techniques for drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it in land-based sinks or underground. It examines what these risks may imply for near-term actions to limit warming to 1.5°C or 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

What role should land and forests play in the Paris agreement?

The role forests and their guardians play in mitigating climate change is a crucial element of a new global agreement, set to be decided at COP 21 in Paris. In this policy brief we present our recommendations.

Indonesia’s Evolving Governance Framework for Palm Oil: Implications for a No Deforestation , No Peat Palm Oil Sector

This comprehensive study maps multiple aspects of palm oil governance in Indonesia and identifies the opportunities and challenges within governmental frameworks for sustainable palm oil.

Perkembangan Kerangka Tata Kelola Kelapa Sawit di Indonesia: Implikasi untuk Sektor Kelapa Sawit yang Bebas Deforestasi dan Bebas Gambut

Laporan ini menganalisa berbagai perangkat tata kelola kelapa sawit di Indonesia dan dampaknya terhadap komitmen bebas deforestasi dan bebas gambut.

The Land Sector in a new International Climate Agreement

In Paris, December 2015, will the world’s countries agree on a framework for a new international agreement that will run post 2020. This agreement will be for all the countries and affect local, national and international climate policies in the future. Countries will agree on a long-term goal and the principles regarding the land use sector will play an important role. Here are Friends of the Earth Norway and the Rainforest Foundation Norway’s input for guiding principles for the Paris agreement.

Sustainability assessment of Astra Agro Lestari

The report assesses the impact of the palm oil company Astra Agro Lestari on rainforests, peatlands and the rights of forest-dependent communities.

Penilaian kesinambungan Astra Agro Lestari

Laporan ini menilai dampak dari perusahaan kelapa sawit Astra Agro Lestari terhadap hutan, lahan gambut dan hak-hak masyarakat yang bergantung pada hutan.

Sustainable land use in the Paris agreement: Safeguarding rights, biodiversity and the climate

This paper presents a state-of-the-art overview of how land-use can and should be adressed more coherently by the UNFCCC.

State of the Rainforest 2014

A report concering the state of the world's rainforests. The report provides an overview of current threats and examples of how the rainforest´s inhabitants make use of and contribute to its protection. Published by Rainforest Foundation Norway and Grid Arendal.

From Brazilian fields to Norwegian farms

A report published by Norwegian Church Aid, Future in our hands and Rainforest Foundation Norway concerning the socio-environmental consequences of soy production in Mato Grosso, Brasil, and the importation of soy for the production of domestic animal feed in Norway.

Human rights and resource conflicts in the Amazon

This report from Rainforest Foundation Norway investigates an alarming increase in human rights violations in the Amazon region. Human rights defenders, environmental activists and indigenous peoples are facing attacks and are being put under systematic pressure; and rights to land and to consultation are regularly encroached.

RFN Report in Indonesian: Perlindungan Hutan Hujan Berbasis Hak

This report in Indonesia is called Perlindungan Hutan Hujan Berbasis Hak and outlines the international framework for rights based forest protection. It also presents a number of cases from Rainforest Foundation Norway’s 25 years of experience in using this approach in Southeast Asia and Oceania, Central Africa and the Amazon.

Rights-based rainforest protection

Why securing the rights of forest peoples is the right way to save the forest.

Protection des forêts tropicales basée sur les droits

Garantir les droits des peuples forestiers pour sauver la forêt.

Zoning and land use allocation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In this document Rainforest Foundation Norway, together with Congolese partners, presents a practical proposal for a process of consultation and community consent as an integral part of forest zoning and land use planning and allocation in DRC.

National REDD+ processes

This new report by the climate network Accra Caucus is a compilation of case studies to inform negotiations at COP 18

Beauty and the Beast - Norway’s investments in rainforest protection and its destruction

The Norwegian government invests massively and increasingly in industries that are responsible for serious destruction and degradation of the tropical forests. Through its controversial pension fund, Norway is violating its international commitments to reduce its participation in deforestation.

Rights and REDD in Amazon Countries and Paraguay

The report describes the development of REDD processes in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay and Peru, seen from the perspective of indigenous peoples and organizations that strive to protect the tropical forests of South America.

Building Accountability in REDD+ through independent grievance and redress mechanism

A briefing paper from Rainforest Foundation Norway, november 2010.

A Complaint Mechanism for REDD+

A Report from Rainforest Foundation Norway and CIEL, June 2011

Beyond Carbon

The rights-based safeguards contained in this concise report have been adapted from legally binding national and international legal principles. The safeguards here are not invented but are already provided for in existing nationally and internationally applicable legislation. This report wishes to articulate these principles to ensure that REDD discussions do not focus only on forests but also on rights issues, governance, justice, and environmental integrity.

Indonesian REDD Safeguard Report

As of July 2010 some 2.7 billion US dollars is available for REDD and other climate change mitigation activities in Indonesia. This study for the Indonesian Civil Society Foundation for Climate Justice set out to document the donor country safeguards policies.

Rainforest Foundation Norway’s demands to the Interim REDD+ Partnership Agreement

The document outlines key elements for the proposed REDD+ Partnership Agreement. The Rainforest Foundation Norway considers these essential components for the success and legitimacy of the Partnership. They constitute a minimum standard against which the outcome of the Paris-Oslo process can be judged.

Civil society and indigenous peoples’ statement on Paris-Oslo process

The Paris-Oslo process, which aims to establish an Interim REDD Partnership in Oslo on 27th May, must become more transparent and participatory, allow more time for genuine engagement with civil society and indigenous peoples’ organisations and ensure that it does not undermine the UNFCCC negotiation process.

Press release from Accra Caucus on REDD 17.Dec

Civil society concerned that REDD deal will not stop the forests from falling Accra Caucus on Forests and Climate Change Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 17.00 December 12th 2009, Copenhagen

Avoidable Deforestation - Forest Sector Reforms and REDD in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The report analyses the evolution of several key developments in forest policy and governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and sets out proposals for concrete actions that must be taken to address significant shortcomings in policies and ongoing legal reforms, in order for the DRC to progress in its 'readiness' for REDD