Sustainable timber and deforestation

Environmental Audit Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 25 Jul 2022 Closed: 9 May 2024 Parliament page
The Environmental Audit Committee is launching a new inquiry into sustainable timber in the UK and the UK’s contribution to global deforestation. The inquiry will investigate how the UK, which imports most of its timber, can best scale up a sustainable, resilient domestic timber sector and reduce its reliance on … Read more
49 Recommendations
50 Conclusions
2 Reports
6 Oral sessions
5 Letters
6 Events
Activity timeline 21 events
9 May
2024
Correspondence
26 Mar
2024
Report published
4 Jan
2024
Report published
15 Dec
2023
Report published
19 Jul
2023
Report published
13 Jun
2023
Correspondence
13 Jun
2023
Correspondence
5 Jun
2023
Correspondence
27 Apr
2023
Correspondence
29 Mar
2023
Oral evidence
29 Mar
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
1 Mar
2023
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
29 Mar 2023
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panel one; panel two
Maggie Charnley · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Sir William Worsley · Forestry Commission The Rt Hon. the Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Trudy Harrison · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Mar 2023
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panel one; panel two
Andrew Howard · Schroders Danielle Carreira · Tropical Forest Alliance, World Economic Forum Dr Constance McDermott · University of Oxford Duncan Brack · n/a Helen Bellfield · Global Canopy Ligia Baracat · Forest Peoples Programme
7 Dec 2022
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panel one; panel two
Ben Goh · Maelor Forest Nurseries David Hopkins · Timber Development UK Dr Andrew Weatherall · Institute of Chartered Foresters Dr Mike Morecroft · Natural England Graham Clark · Country Land and Business Association Justin Mumford · Institute of Chartered Foresters Professor David Coomes · University of Cambridge
9 Nov 2022
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panel one
Alexandria Reid · Global Witness Dr Chris West · Stockholm Environment Institute York Michael Rice · Client Earth Sir Ian Cheshire · Channel 4
2 Nov 2022
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Panel 1
Dr Alan Knight · Drax Group Professor Michael Norton · European Academies Science Advisory Council Professor Patricia Thornley · Aston University
26 Oct 2022
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Andrew Carpenter · Structural Timber Association Dr Alan Knight · Drax Group Ian Tubby · Forestry Commission Nick Phillips · Woodland Trust Professor Michael Norton · European Academies Science Advisory Council Professor Patricia Thornley · Aston University Stuart Goodall · Confederation of Forest Industries UK
Recommendations & Conclusions
99 results
1 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Overlapping woodland creation strategies lack clarity and long-term vision for forestry objectives.
There are currently multiple overlapping strategies which purport to articulate the UK Government’s ambitions, actions, and objectives for woodland creation. Stakeholders are concerned that it is unclear how the Government’s policy objectives for forestry and the timber sector align with … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that its England Trees Action Plan provides a long-term vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, addressing concerns about clarity and long-term direction, and is working with industry on the National Wood Strategy.
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2 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
England Trees Action Plan lacks comprehensive vision for the timber production framework.
Although it has some references to the timber sector, the England Trees Action Plan, intended to be the ‘strategic framework’ for treescapes in England, did not comprehensively articulate a vision for timber production. It has not provided an adequate framework … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterated that its England Trees Action Plan offers a generational vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, and is collaborating with industry on the sector-led National Wood Strategy.
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3 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Publish the Timber in Construction Roadmap swiftly to clarify timber growth encouragement.
We therefore welcome Defra’s engagement with the forestry, timber and construction sectors in relation to the industry-led National Wood Strategy and through the Timber in Construction working group. It is important that the proposed Timber in Construction Roadmap is published … Read more
Government Response
The government committed to publishing the Timber in Construction Roadmap later in 2023, noting good progress and ongoing engagement with industry to increase domestic timber supply and use.
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4 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Integrate future forestry strategies to establish a clear long-term vision for woodland creation.
To give the sector greater clarity, we recommend that future strategies for forestry should be fully integrated so as to establish a clear and holistic long-term vision for all woodland creation types. The Government should clearly set out how forestry … Read more
Government Response
The government stated its existing England Trees Action Plan provides a generational vision to 2050, reinforced by the Environmental Improvement Plan, claiming these already establish a clear and holistic long-term vision for forestry.
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5 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Develop Timber in Construction roadmap with forestry vision, addressing afforestation and future timber supply.
We further recommend that the Timber in Construction roadmap should be closely related to, and developed in conjunction with, the Government’s vision for the forestry sector as a whole. As we recommended in our recent report, Building to net zero: … Read more
Government Response
The government is developing the Timber in Construction Roadmap in conjunction with stakeholders, aiming to balance wood production with diversified supply chains and broader forest policy objectives for nature recovery and net zero.
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6 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Tree planting and woodland creation are vital for environmental targets and domestic timber supply.
Tree planting and woodland creation are vital for delivering many of the Government’s environmental targets and commitments, as well as providing a domestic source of timber. We therefore support the tree planting targets set by the UK Government and welcome … Read more
Government Response
The government agreed with the committee's observation, detailing over £675 million in funding, legislative targets, and achieving the highest tree planting rate in England in nearly a decade.
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7 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Current tree planting rates remain significantly below national targets
We are concerned about the current rate of tree planting. In 2022–23, tree planting rates across the UK were at similar levels to the previous four years and remained below half the rate required to meet the overall target of … Read more
Government Response
The government responded to concerns about tree planting rates by highlighting a significant increase in England's planting in 22/23, the highest in a decade, and a strong pipeline, stating it considers this positive progress towards targets.
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8 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Require Government to assess tree planting progress and accelerate future policy
We recommend that in its response to this report the Government provide an assessment of the progress of tree planting in (a) England and (b) the UK against the targets set by Ministers; set out its latest and most realistic … Read more
Government Response
The government provided an assessment of England's tree planting progress and future projections but did not provide a specific numerical estimate for planting by March 2025 or detail new policies to accelerate the current rate.
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9 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Apportioning tree-planting targets by desired outcomes crucial for balance
To ensure that the nation’s woodlands help to deliver the Government’s ambitions for nature, carbon storage and timber production, several stakeholders have called on the Government to apportion tree-planting targets in line with desired outcomes, to ensure that the right … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that statutory sub-targets for tree planting were considered but rejected for delivery confidence; however, it will use policy and incentives to encourage a range of woodland types to meet targets.
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10 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Divide overall tree planting targets into sub-categories for specific goals
In order to give the forestry sector greater clarity, we recommend that following the development of the Land Use Framework, the Government divide its overall tree planting targets into sub-categories for the types of woodland needed to achieve different goals. … Read more
Government Response
The government rejected dividing statutory tree planting targets into sub-categories, citing delivery confidence, but stated a 2028 review would provide an opportunity to reconsider non-statutory sub-targets. They affirmed using policy and incentives to encourage a range of woodland types.
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11 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Forestry England significantly behind woodland planting targets since 2021
Forestry England has planted only 303 hectares against its target of 2,000 hectares of new planting between 2021 and 2026. Despite pursing leasehold partnership arrangements, in recent years Forestry England has planted virtually no new woodlands on leasehold land. Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the observation, stating Forestry England is confident of meeting its 2,000-hectare target and has planted 189 hectares on leasehold land, with another 267 hectares expected by 2026/27, further extending its partnership offer to purchase freehold land.
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12 Recommendation Not Addressed
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Require Forestry England to publish a clear plan to meet woodland target
Decisive action and a clear delivery plan are required for Forestry England to meet its target of planting 2,000 hectares of new woodland by 2026. We recommend that a plan be prepared by the end of October 2023 and published … Read more
Government Response
The government stated Forestry England is confident in meeting its woodland creation target and provided updated planting figures, but did not commit to preparing or publishing a specific delivery plan by October 2023 as recommended.
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13 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Delays in Forestry England restocking threaten future domestic timber supply
The private sector is concerned about the implications of delays to Forestry England restocking on future timber supply. Forestry England is responsible for a significant proportion of domestic timber production and should be appropriately resourced to carry out timely restocking. Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged concerns about restocking delays, stating Forestry England regularly restocks and allocates resources through business planning. Additionally, it is investing £11 million to modernise seed and sapling facilities to improve production and prevent future delays in restocking.
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14 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Ensure Forestry England has sufficient resources to promptly restock cleared forest areas
In addition to planting new woodland where possible and using good forestry practice to do so, we recommend that Ministers ensure that Forestry England has sufficient resources to restock cleared forest areas as soon as possible, to ensure that Forestry … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, stating that Forestry England's business planning already allocates resources for restocking and that an £11 million investment is being made to modernise seed and sapling facilities to prevent delays and ensure resilient planting stock.
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15 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Government estate presents significant opportunities for woodland creation and nature recovery
Central government is a major landowner. The Greening Government Commitments commit the Government to identify opportunities to contribute to nature recovery on the Government estate. Woodland creation can be a significant contributor to nature recovery. (Paragraph 70) Seeing the wood … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the conclusion, highlighting its ongoing actions under the England Trees Action Plan to increase timber production and nature recovery on public land, and its current efforts to identify further tree planting opportunities across the government estate.
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16 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Commission work to identify woodland creation opportunities on the Government estate
We recommend that Ministers commission work to identify opportunities for woodland creation on the Government estate, to advance nature recovery further and increase timber production.
Government Response
The government acknowledged the recommendation, stating it is currently considering how to better collate data and identify tree planting opportunities across the government estate and is in conversation with departments and No10 regarding the scope of this work.
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17 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Re-establish annual public reporting on progress towards Greening Government Commitments immediately.
Public annual reporting on progress towards the Greening Government Commitments apparently ceased in 2019–20. We recommend that annual reporting of this nature should be re-established as soon as possible, to give assurance to Parliament and the public that the Government … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, stating that the Greening Government Commitments reporting cycle was delayed due to the pandemic but confirmed the 2020-21 report was published in April 2023 and the 2021-22 report is scheduled for later this calendar year.
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18 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Communicate clearly that England Woodland Creation Offer supports commercially productive mixed woodlands and nature recovery.
The Government is relying on third parties to plant the lion’s share of the trees required to meet its tree planting targets and thus deliver timber production as well as a suite of climate and environmental objectives. It is therefore … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that the England Woodland Creation Offer's ambition already includes commercial forestry and timber production, and they have run campaigns focusing on the economic aspects of woodland creation to communicate its benefits to prospective planters.
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19 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Ensure forestry strategies clearly communicate grant scheme support for domestic timber production to landowners.
We recommend that in all its forestry and timber strategies the Government must ensure that it is clear to private landowners and the commercial forestry sector that grant schemes are intended to support planting for domestic timber production through the … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) already aims to encourage commercial forestry and timber production, and they have conducted campaigns to clearly communicate that grant schemes support planting for domestic timber production in mixed woodlands.
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20 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Presumption to plant' principle could facilitate ecologically sensitive tree planting and faster approvals.
To realise the benefits of tree planting, and to avoid detrimental outcomes, it is essential that the ‘right tree in the right place’ principle is followed. The ‘presumption to plant’ principle being developed by the Forestry Commission could be a … Read more
Government Response
The government has already published initial maps for woodland creation constraints and is actively developing updated versions with Natural England, planning to publish them in autumn 2023 to support forestry regulation under the 'presumption to plant' principle.
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21 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Maintain Forestry England monitoring of new woodland compliance with UK Forestry Standard beyond establishment stage.
The reliance on the UK Forestry Standard to ensure the sustainability of planting in areas identified as ‘low risk’ could provide a proportionate risk-mitigation mechanism. For this to operate effectively it is important that Forestry England maintain its monitoring of … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges that UKFS compliance checking is currently limited to grant applications and felling license assessments, and states it is considering what additional resources would be needed for greater woodland management oversight beyond the establishment stage.
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22 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Publish summary of analysis underpinning the 'presumption to plant' system for transparency.
For transparency, we recommend that the Forestry Commission publish a summary of the analysis underpinning the ‘presumption to plant’ system when details of how the system will work are announced. (Paragraph 97) 78 Seeing the wood for the trees: the … Read more
Government Response
The government has already published an initial report detailing the datasets used for the 'presumption to plant' maps and plans to publish updated maps and a short report in autumn 2023, outlining their use for regulating forestry proposals.
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23 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Significant scope exists to increase domestic timber production despite import reliance and land limits.
Against a backdrop of increasing demand, the UK’s softwood timber production is set to peak in the late 2030s before falling back to current levels in the 2040s. Given the UK’s heavy reliance on timber imports and the potential negative … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the importance of increasing domestic timber production and highlights its England Trees Action Plan and statutory tree and woodland target to achieve 16.5% cover by 2050, which aims to stimulate increased planting of both hard and softwoods for multiple benefits.
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24 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Set realistic long-term target for domestically produced timber, informed by comprehensive land use analysis.
We recommend that the Government set a realistic long-term target for the amount of timber to be produced domestically. This target should be informed by: • the analysis being undertaken to produce Defra’s Land Use Framework; • a comprehensive analysis … Read more
Government Response
The government has rejected setting a specific long-term domestic timber production target, citing challenges due to market factors, but notes its existing woodland cover target. It is, however, working with industry on forecasting, a Timber in Construction Roadmap, and identifying priority species for breeding.
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25 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Determine proportion of new woodland creation targets contributing directly to domestic timber production.
In tandem with this target, and in line with our earlier recommendations, we recommend that the Government determine the proportion of new woodland to be established under current targets which is to contribute to timber production.
Government Response
The government commits to increasing both productive conifer and broadleaf planting and is working with stakeholders to understand how to promote this, including supporting woodland management through innovation funds and researching tree breeding programmes, but does not explicitly commit to determining a specific proportion of new woodland for timber production.
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26 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Woodland creation benefits for net zero and nature recovery vary significantly by context.
Delivery of the Government’s net zero and nature recovery targets depends on wide- scale woodland creation. The amount of CO absorbed, the levels of biodiversity 2 supported and other benefits or negative effects of woodland creation are all highly variable, … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that forestry and timber are crucial for Net Zero and biodiversity, outlining its England Trees Action Plan and a statutory target to increase woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050, emphasizing mixed, resilient woodlands for varied environmental, productive, and amenity purposes.
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27 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Develop a comprehensive strategy for productive woodlands prioritising species diversity and resilience for long-term survival.
Planting more conifer trees is needed if domestic softwood production levels are to be maintained or increased. However, a policy to grow productive woodlands to achieve future timber supply and other benefits for nature and climate, are dependent on forests … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the need for policies prioritising species diversity and resilience, stating it encourages mixed woodlands and implements measures like the Seed Sourcing Grant, Tree Production Innovation Fund, and Tree Health Resilience Strategy to ensure trees are resilient to climate change.
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28 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Increased conifer planting is essential for softwood availability, balancing broadleaf species for biodiversity.
New or restocked woodlands planted to the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) will have lower yields of timber per area. The planting of predominantly broadleaf species in recent decades has reduced the future availability of softwood timber. To ensure the continued … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the need to increase conifer planting without sacrificing broadleaf species, stating that its statutory woodland cover target will stimulate planting of both hard and softwoods, and that it aims to encourage mixed woodlands for diverse purposes.
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29 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Expanding UK woodland cover managed to UKFS is crucial for timber supply and resilience.
Given the different advantages of different woodland types and species mixes for biodiversity, carbon storage and timber production, to ensure that the benefits of the nation’s woodlands are fully realised, the total area of woodland managed to the UKFS must … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the need to increase woodland cover and manage it effectively, citing its statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to at least 16.5% by 2050, which aims to stimulate diverse and resilient woodland creation for various environmental and productive benefits.
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30 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Ensure the revised UK Forestry Standard fully supports productive forestry compatible with climate and nature goals.
We recommend that the project board with oversight of the current quinquennial review of the UK Forestry Standard ensure that the revised Standard not only contributes to beneficial outcomes for biodiversity and carbon storage but also supports productive forestry to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges that the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) is already based on principles supporting productive forestry and biodiversity. The Forestry Commission will work with stakeholders and devolved administrations to ensure clarity and consistency regarding changes to the latest UKFS version.
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31 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Compliance with the UK Forestry Standard is inadequately monitored beyond woodland establishment phase.
The UK Forestry Standard underpins regulation of the sustainability of the nation’s forests and plays an important role in ensuring that renewed efforts to increase timber supply do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Yet the existence of the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges concerns about monitoring UKFS compliance beyond initial establishment for non-grant aided operations. The Forestry Commission intends to conduct periodic reviews of compliance and is exploring the future use of Earth Observation and remote sensing technology to assist.
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32 Conclusion Not Addressed
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Resource Forestry England appropriately to ensure new woodland compliance with UKFS throughout its lifetime.
The Government aims to increase tree-cover expansion at rates not seen for decades in order to deliver a range of ecosystem service benefits. To ensure that these benefits are realised, and to deliver the Government’s vision for increased woodland cover, … Read more
Government Response
The government's response highlights that Forestry England uses independent certification schemes that exceed UKFS requirements to demonstrate sustainable management, but it does not address the recommendation to review and ensure appropriate resourcing for UKFS compliance.
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33 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Establish a programme for routine woodland monitoring to ensure UKFS adherence beyond establishment.
Given the importance of the UKFS in ensuring that forests are managed sustainably, we recommend that the Forestry Commission establish a programme for the routine monitoring of woodland to ensure that the standard is being adhered to beyond establishment, adopting … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need for monitoring UKFS compliance beyond initial establishment, particularly for non-grant aided operations. The Forestry Commission intends to conduct periodic reviews of compliance and explore the future use of Earth Observation and remote sensing technology.
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34 Recommendation Not Addressed
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Urgently review Forestry England's resources to ensure sufficient capacity for UKFS compliance.
We further recommend that the Forestry Commission urgently review the resources available to Forestry England so as to ensure that it has sufficient resources to ensure the compliance of woodlands with the UKFS. (Paragraph 166) 80 Seeing the wood for … Read more
Government Response
The government's response highlights that Forestry England uses independent certification schemes that exceed UKFS requirements to demonstrate sustainable management, but it does not address the recommendation to urgently review resources available to Forestry England for UKFS compliance.
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35 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Increased timber uptake in construction offers significant long-term carbon storage potential for net zero.
We welcome the Government’s aims to increase the uptake of timber in construction. The long-term use of timber in construction offers longer term carbon storage potential than other uses of harvested wood products and therefore has an important role to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the environmental benefits of using responsibly sourced timber in construction, affirming its commitment through various strategies to increase timber use for carbon storage.
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36 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Engineered solutions are essential for increasing structural use of domestically grown timber in construction.
It is important that domestically-grown timber resulting from the current drive to plant is available for use in construction as far as possible. While there is scope to use UK-grown timber for a wide variety of non-structural purposes, engineered solutions … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of domestically grown timber for construction and describes ongoing efforts through the Timber in Construction Roadmap to address barriers and increase demand for English wood. They highlight current projects and a knowledge library supporting innovative engineered timber products.
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37 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Publish the Timber in Construction roadmap addressing afforestation commitments and timber product needs.
To support the Government’s commitments, we reiterate the recommendation made in chapter 1 that the Timber in Construction roadmap be published as soon as possible. The roadmap must comprehensively address the afforestation commitments made in the England Trees Action Plan … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that good progress has been made on the Timber in Construction Roadmap, which they intend to publish later in 2023. They confirm the roadmap will consider actions to increase domestic timber supply and involves engagement with industry.
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38 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Support the sawmilling sector to produce more construction-grade and engineered UK timber products.
For UK-grown timber to be used in construction, the Government needs to support the sawmilling sector to transition UK production towards producing a higher percentage of construction grade timber products and engineered timber. Action to support this transition should be … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to addressing the need to support the sawmilling sector within the Timber in Construction Roadmap. The roadmap will explore barriers to using English wood and aim to set out how these can be addressed, including through greater guidance and improved understanding of domestic timber properties, to stimulate demand.
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39 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Incentivise changes allowing safe use of domestically grown timber in construction, including engineered products.
The Timber in Construction roadmap should consider how Government can incentivise changes in practice to allow the safe use of domestically grown timber in construction, including through the use of innovative engineered timber products.
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that during the development of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, they have already explored options to incentivise low carbon construction, including the safe use of domestically grown timber and innovative engineered timber products. They also reference current projects and collaboration with DLUHC on safety.
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40 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Growing quality UK hardwood for composite products faces disease and management challenges.
Growing the market for hardwood in composite products—as an alternative to use for firewood—could utilise broadleaf resources in the UK, with the added benefit of incentivising more broadleaf woodlands to be brought into management. However, growing quality hardwoods remains difficult … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee that there is an opportunity to increase domestic hardwood use and is considering its potential as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, mentioning existing funds and future work with industry.
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41 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Increase proportion of domestically grown hardwoods serving the UK market through engineered timber products.
We recommend that, as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap, the Government consider how the future UK market can be served by a greater proportion of domestically grown hardwoods (for example, through engineered timber products).
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and is considering the potential for homegrown hardwoods within the Timber in Construction Roadmap, including promoting woodland management, pest control, and working with industry on tree breeding.
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42 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Strengthened governance of bioenergy markets is crucial for sustainable biomass sourcing.
While imported woody biomass continues to be a major bioenergy feedstock, it is important that biomass used in UK power generation, whether from the UK or overseas, is genuinely sustainably sourced in a way which minimises the impact on forest … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of sustainable biomass by stating the Biomass Strategy, published on August 10th, includes actions to strengthen sustainability criteria and commits to a consultation on these in 2024.
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43 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Issue Biomass Strategy promptly, establishing risk-based approach for sustainable use and highest-risk feedstock quotas.
The Biomass Strategy, which was promised by the end of 2022, must now be issued as soon as possible. We recommend that the Strategy take a risk-based approach to ensuring the sustainability of biomass use, managing risks on a domestic … Read more
Government Response
The government states the Biomass Strategy was published on August 10th and includes actions to strengthen sustainability criteria, covering GHG emissions, biodiversity, and feedstock origin, with a consultation planned for 2024. However, it does not explicitly commit to considering quotas or a moratorium.
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44 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Constrain UK power sector biomass use by sustainable feedstock supply, quantified in Biomass Strategy.
The amount of biomass used by the UK power sector should be constrained by the supply of low-carbon sustainable feedstocks, factoring in potential domestic supply and rising trends of bioenergy use globally. The Biomass Strategy should set out and quantify … Read more
Government Response
The government states the Biomass Strategy acknowledges biomass as a limited resource and presents an assessment of its potential, while noting the complexity and uncertainty in predicting future sustainable supply and prioritising uses for negative emissions.
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45 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Strengthen biomass governance framework, requiring sustainability criteria adherence and complete life-cycle carbon accounting.
The Government needs to manage risks associated with the sustainability of feedstock supply through its governance framework for biomass, which must be strengthened. Improvements should include: • All biomass used for large-scale power generation in the UK should be required … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees to strengthen its biomass governance framework, committing to requiring 100% proven sustainable woody biomass feedstock and developing a common GHG emissions calculation methodology, with a consultation planned for 2024. However, it does not explicitly commit to a thorough review of the subsidy regime.
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46 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Ensure full lifecycle emissions from UK BECCS facilities become carbon neutral within climate targets.
We echo and endorse the recommendation of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, in its recent report on Decarbonisation of the power sector, that the full lifecycle emissions from BECCS facilities in the UK should be made carbon neutral … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to developing a BECCS policy ensuring net-negative emissions based on full lifecycle assessment, outlining principles for deployment and confirming criteria for robust negative emissions.
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47 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Increased domestic biomass sourcing enhances UK supply security and offers biodiversity benefits
As demand for biomass feedstock grows globally, sourcing more biomass domestically could increase the security of UK biomass supply. Provided that overharvesting is avoided, bringing a higher proportion of existing forests into active management could provide a source of woody … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee that increasing domestic woody biomass supply from actively managed forests offers opportunities and benefits for biodiversity and resilience, and highlights existing Countryside Stewardship grants and Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds that support this.
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48 Recommendation Not Addressed
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Conduct impact assessment of active forest management on UK climate and biodiversity commitments
We recommend that the Government conduct an impact assessment of the effects on the delivery the UK’s climate and biodiversity commitments of bringing a higher proportion of existing forests into active management. (Paragraph 229) 82 Seeing the wood for the … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the benefits of active forest management for domestic biomass supply and highlights existing grant schemes, but does not address the recommendation to conduct an impact assessment of its effects on climate and biodiversity commitments.
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49 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Scale up sustainable planting of short-rotation forestry and coppice for bioenergy feedstock
Short-rotation forestry and short-rotation coppice crops are currently little used, but demand for them is likely to increase. If they are considered to be significant and necessary bioenergy feedstock sources, their planting must be scaled up sustainably, in line with … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that any upscaling of short-rotation forestry and coppice must be sustainable and not reduce food production, stating they will explore these issues with industry and that the Land Use Framework will provide further detail.
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50 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Determine UK capacity for bioenergy feedstock from forest resources, modelling land-use trade-offs
In the forthcoming Biomass Strategy and Land Use Strategy the Government must determine the capacity of the UK to supply bioenergy feedstock from its forest resources—including forest residues, short rotation forestry and coppicing—analysing the risks of drawing upon these resources … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the need for sustainable upscaling and states an updated assessment of potential future biomass availability was published. They commit to exploring these issues in depth and further detail will be provided in the Land Use Framework.
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51 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Seeing the wood for…
Collaborate Forestry Commission and Ofgem to develop sustainable bioenergy feedstock regulatory framework
We recommend that the Forestry Commission, as the Government’s experts on forestry, work with Ofgem to share best forestry practice. The objective of this collaboration ought to be to ensure that, should demand for domestic wood biomass in energy markets … Read more
Government Response
The government clarifies that DESNZ is responsible for the regulatory framework, while Ofgem's role is administrative. They acknowledge the importance of collaboration and state DESNZ has already developed actions with the Forestry Commission for a consultation in 2024 to strengthen sustainability criteria.
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1 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
UK agricultural product consumption significantly drives global deforestation with alarming intensity.
Significant action is required to reduce the impact on deforestation of the UK’s consumption of agricultural products. While the UK is the 15th largest contributor to tropical deforestation in global terms, the intensity of UK consumption (measured in footprint per … Read more
Government Response
The government states it has already taken significant action through initiatives like the Global Resource Initiative Taskforce and incorporated recommendations into the Environment Act 2021. It also highlights ongoing work by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to monitor the global environmental impact of UK consumption, with this evidence already informing policymaking.
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2 Conclusion Rejected
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Unsustainable UK consumption patterns require reduction, lacking a committed global footprint target.
Consumption patterns in the UK which rely on the current global supply chain are unsustainable. Addressing these patterns is essential to the UK’s contribution to the alleviation of global biodiversity loss. The first step in addressing them is in recognising … Read more
Government Response
The government will continue to explore how the monitoring, measurement, and reporting of global environmental impacts can be further developed but states it will not consider setting a global footprint target until a robust evidence base is established to avoid unintended consequences.
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3 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Commence setting a UK environmental footprint target to reduce global environmental impact and deforestation.
We reiterate the recommendation we made in our September 2021 report on The UK’s footprint on global biodiversity, which reflects that of the Global Resource Initiative Taskforce, that the UK Government should commence the process of setting an environmental footprint … Read more
Government Response
The government describes its existing Forest Risk Commodities scheme, support for the UK Soy Manifesto, the UK Sustainable Commodities Initiative (UK SCI), and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) as initiatives already in place or coming into force to promote transparency and reduce deforestation impacts. It does not commit to setting a new overarching environmental footprint target.
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4 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Monitoring and transparent data reporting are crucial for understanding and reducing deforestation impacts.
Understanding which forest risk commodities are contributing to deforestation, and on what scale, is essential for the UK and other nations to introduce effective legislation and policies. Monitoring and transparent data reporting are therefore crucial, including on how consumption contributes … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the importance of monitoring and transparent data reporting and states that scoping work is underway to assess the feasibility of incorporating metals and minerals into the Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption indicator framework.
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5 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Continue to fund development of a monitoring, measurement and reporting framework for UK consumption.
To ensure that the UK can measure and track progress, we recommend that the Government should continue to fund the development of a monitoring, measurement and reporting framework for UK consumption.
Government Response
The government did not commit to funding the development of a monitoring, measurement, and reporting framework for UK consumption, instead stating it is not currently considering widening the scope of Government Buying Standards (GBS) and detailing an ongoing consultation to update the GBS for food and catering.
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6 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Promote international and domestic data disclosure to improve monitoring of forest risks globally.
We recommend that the Government use its influence in all relevant forums to promote international data disclosure (and domestic disclosure of UK customs and industrial data) so as to improve the monitoring of forest risks in the UK and globally.
Government Response
The government's response focuses on existing and reviewed Government Buying Standards for food and catering, including current requirements for palm oil and coffee, and future consideration of forest-risk commodities within these procurement standards, rather than addressing the recommendation to promote broader international and domestic data disclosure.
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7 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Illegal mining increasingly drives deforestation; FCDO programmes expand to address this.
Illegal mining is increasingly recognised as a driver of deforestation in some regions. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has indicated that its programmes addressing deforestation are to be expanded to cover a wider range of forest risk commodities, beyond … Read more
Government Response
The government's response focuses solely on existing United Kingdom Timber Regulations (UKTR) and FLEGT Regulations, and plans to review the Timber Regulations in 2024, completely omitting any mention of mining as a driver of deforestation, which was the focus of the committee's conclusion.
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8 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Develop UK consumption monitoring to incorporate mined products, addressing mining-related deforestation impacts.
We recommend that UK consumption monitoring be developed to incorporate the monitoring of mined products, so as to support the Government’s programmes addressing the impact of mining-related deforestation.
Government Response
The government response outlines general processes for new regulations, including grace periods, reporting requirements, and exemptions for organisations, but does not specifically address the recommendation to develop UK consumption monitoring for mined products.
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9 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Government holds significant opportunity to drive sustainable public sector procurement.
Given the scale of government purchasing power, both centrally and across the wider public sector, the UK Government has an opportunity, and a responsibility, to drive best practice and to demand the use of sustainably sourced products.
Government Response
The government states that the Environment Act will require large organisations using forest risk commodities to ensure compliance with local land laws, and commits to publishing a review of the Forest Risk Commodity scheme two years after it comes into force to assess its effectiveness.
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10 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Mandate Government Buying Standards for all large public sector bodies and annual compliance reporting.
We recommend that each Government Buying Standard be made mandatory for all large public sector bodies, including the NHS, the Armed Forces and HM Prison Service, as it currently is for UK Government departments and their partner organisations. Annual reporting … Read more
Government Response
The government deflects the recommendation regarding making Government Buying Standards mandatory and requiring annual compliance reporting for public sector bodies, instead detailing its existing and developing supply-side interventions and international funding programmes aimed at sustainable forest risk commodity supply chains.
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11 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Require full departmental reporting on Greening Government Commitments and publish 2021-22 data.
Sustainable government procurement presents a pathway to increasing the sustainability of supply chains. Government performance against existing sustainable procurement policies has been unimpressive to date. The 2020–21 Greening Government Commitments report indicated that ten departments had submitted information about their … Read more
Government Response
The government response entirely diverts from the recommendation to require full and published reporting against Greening Government Commitments, instead detailing consultation feedback on the number of forest risk commodities for due diligence legislation and deforestation footprint statistics.
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12 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Opportunity exists to strengthen sustainable procurement by learning from timber and palm oil.
There is an opportunity to learn from the experience of timber and palm oil procurement, and to strengthen and extend these approaches.
Government Response
The government response focuses on recognising and supporting the land rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) through due diligence legislation and FCDO programmes, rather than addressing the recommendation to learn from and extend approaches used in timber and palm oil procurement.
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13 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Require all acquired forest-risk commodities to be certified as sustainably produced under GBS.
We recommend that the GBS require all acquired forest-risk commodities (in addition to palm oil, timber and paper) to be certified as sustainably produced. (Paragraph 41) The UK’s proposed due diligence system under the Environment Act 2021
Government Response
The government will focus statutory reviews on scheme effectiveness and is exploring how to address the role of indigenous peoples in forest preservation within the independent evaluation of the scheme.
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14 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Current UK regulation proves insufficient for limiting non-sustainable deforestation impacts.
Current UK regulation is not sufficient when it comes to limiting non-sustainable deforestation. It relies too heavily on the laws in exporting countries and an assumption that that these laws will incorporate adequate provision for sustainability: as currently drafted the … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to publishing guidance on the application of the Schedule 17 regime for the financial sector when secondary legislation is laid, and HM Treasury will conduct a review to assess the regulation of illegal deforestation financing.
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15 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Amend UK Timber Regulations to require all imported timber to be sustainably harvested.
We recommend that the Government bring forward proposals to amend the UK Timber Regulations so as not only to prevent illegally harvested timber being placed on UK markets but also to require all imported timber to be sustainably harvested. (Paragraph … Read more
Government Response
The government encourages businesses to use the TNFD’s risk management disclosure recommendations and will consider how best to incorporate the TNFD into UK policy and regulatory architecture.
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16 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Expedite implementation of Schedule 17 to meet global deforestation commitments by 2030.
The Government’s consultation on proposals for Schedule 17 implementation ended in March 2022, but secondary legislation has not yet been brought forward and the Government has not yet committed to a date by which it can be expected. While we … Read more
Government Response
The government detailed its commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance for forest protection and restoration by March 2026, and announced £576 million in new forests programming, but did not address the delay in bringing forward secondary legislation for Schedule 17.
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17 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Publish proposed regulations urgently and clear timetable for affirmative procedure legislation.
We recommend that the Government publish its proposed suite of regulations as a matter of urgency. Where regulations are to be subject to the affirmative procedure, Ministers must publish a clear timetable for drafts to be laid, approved by both … Read more
Government Response
The government agreed with the committee regarding the IPLC Forest Tenure Pledge and detailed existing and new Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs to strengthen IPLC forest tenure rights and capacity, but did not commit to publishing regulations or a timetable for Schedule 17.
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18 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Schedule 17 due diligence system insufficient due to exclusion of legal deforestation.
The due diligence system established under Schedule 17 will prohibit the use of illegally produced commodities with reference to compliance with local laws. This means that products of legal deforestation will not be within the scope of the system, unlike … Read more
Government Response
The government stated the FCDO is developing a business case for a follow-on 10-year forest governance programme that will have a broader remit, looking beyond timber to illegal deforestation, but did not commit to amending Schedule 17 to include legal deforestation.
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19 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Prohibit UK businesses from trading or using commodities linked to UN FAO-defined deforestation, regardless of local legality.
We recommend that, in order to increase the sustainable use of forest-risk commodities, the Government should bring forward amendments to paragraph 2 of Schedule 17 to the Environment Act so as to prohibit UK businesses from trading or using commodities … Read more
Government Response
The government stated the FLEGT Post Implementation Review (PIR) will be published shortly and shared, with further analysis of lessons learned to be conducted, but did not commit to amending Schedule 17 to prohibit commodities linked to deforestation regardless of local legality.
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20 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Complement demand-side due diligence with government initiatives to build capacity in producer countries.
To be effective, the Government’s proposed approach requires the UK to work in partnership with producer countries and to reinforce (and in some cases, strengthen) their legal and policy provisions to counter deforestation. We therefore recommend that the proposed demand-side … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it shares responsibility for IPLC Forest Tenure Pledge commitments and detailed numerous existing UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes that support IPLCs, strengthen tenure rights, and build capacity in producer countries, including future scoping missions and support for IPLC inclusion in negotiations.
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21 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Phased introduction of forest-risk commodities lacks urgency and excludes key supply chain items.
A phased introduction of forest risk commodities misses the opportunity to set early and clear expectations that deforestation is not welcome in any UK supply chains. While the Government’s announcement that four major commodities will be brought within initial scope … Read more
Government Response
The government affirmed its commitment to upholding high environmental standards in trade agreements, its ambition to protect the environment, and its involvement in international initiatives like the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration and the FACT Dialogue, but did not address the recommendation to include more forest-risk commodities in Schedule 17 without a phased approach.
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22 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Include all material UK deforestation footprint commodities in due diligence legislation from the outset.
We recommend that the Government’s proposals for due diligence legislation should include from the outset all forest risk commodities associated with a material UK deforestation footprint (soy, palm oil, cocoa, maize, beef and leather, rubber and coffee) rather than taking … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that Impact Assessments for new Free Trade Agreements have included environmental impact estimates and that research has been undertaken on assessing net gain in trade, but did not address the recommendation to include all forest-risk commodities in due diligence legislation from the outset or provide the requested evidential basis.
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23 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Customary land tenure rights of indigenous peoples vulnerable without explicit legal recognition.
A due diligence system is likely to require companies to comply with any human rights requirement included in local land use or land ownership laws. We observe that the legal status of customary land tenure rights of indigenous peoples and … Read more
Government Response
The government recognises the importance of safeguarding customary tenure rights and explains that its due diligence legislation applies where these rights are protected by national laws. It details several FCDO programmes (Land Facility, Land Enhancing Governance for Economic Development) working to promote land governance reform, tackle barriers to land rights recognition, and support IPLCs, with future work informed by recent scoping missions.
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24 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Ensure due diligence system prevents products illegally produced regarding land use and customary rights.
We recommend that provision be made in the due diligence system—by amendment to primary legislation, if necessary—to ensure that products are not illegally produced in relation to land use and land ownership laws, including customary tenure rights.
Government Response
The government states its due diligence legislation already applies to indigenous peoples' rights where protected by national laws. It commits to supporting producer countries in enforcing and enhancing their legal frameworks for land governance and protection of communities’ land rights through various FCDO programmes.
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25 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Statutory evaluation of due diligence system lacks explicit human rights impact assessment.
Schedule 17 requires the Secretary of State to evaluate the effectiveness of the due diligence system in the third year following its full entry into force. The Act requires an evaluation of the impact of the regime on deforestation activity, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the crucial role of indigenous peoples and is exploring how the impact of the due diligence system on their human rights could be addressed within the independent evaluation of Schedule 17, while noting statutory reviews will focus on deforestation.
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26 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Address indigenous peoples' land rights support in statutory evaluation of due diligence system.
We recommend that the statutory evaluation of the Schedule 17 due diligence system address expressly whether the due diligence system has effectively supported the human rights of indigenous peoples to land, territories and resources.
Government Response
The government states that statutory reviews of Schedule 17 will primarily focus on reducing deforestation but acknowledges the importance of indigenous peoples' role. It is currently exploring how to address the recommendation regarding human rights within the independent evaluation of the scheme.
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27 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
UK financial sector contributes to deforestation, impeding net zero commitments.
The UK financial sector is a direct and indirect contributor to financing deforestation. Financial institutions cannot meet their deforestation policies or their net zero commitments without also addressing their exposure to deforestation through the companies they finance. Read more
Government Response
The government states that guidance on applying the Schedule 17 regime to the financial sector will be published with secondary legislation, and HM Treasury will conduct a review to assess the adequacy of current regulations in eliminating illegal deforestation financing.
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28 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Data availability challenges financial institutions' deforestation risk assessment, mandating due diligence.
Information and data availability is one of the greatest challenges for financial institutions with regards to allowing them to assess and reduce their deforestation risk. We therefore welcome the Government’s championing of the work of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to publishing guidance on the application of the Schedule 17 due diligence regime to the financial sector and to conducting a review of financial regulation concerning the financing of illegal deforestation.
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29 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Introduce legislation to bring UK financial sector businesses under the Schedule 17 regime.
We recommend that the Government bring forward legislation to bring businesses in the UK financial sector within the scope of the Schedule 17 regime.
Government Response
The government will publish guidance on Schedule 17's application to the financial sector when secondary legislation is laid, and HM Treasury will conduct a review to assess the adequacy of current regulation and consider future changes to eliminate illegal deforestation financing.
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30 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Legislate for mandatory nature-related impact disclosure by businesses based on TNFD recommendations.
In order to support target 15 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, we recommend that the Government bring forward proposals to legislate for mandatory 50 The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation disclosure of nature-related impacts by businesses, including the … Read more
Government Response
The government encourages businesses to use TNFD recommendations and will consider how best to incorporate them into UK policy and regulatory architecture, ensuring they are appropriate and beneficial for the UK context.
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31 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
UK's significant role in brokering deforestation agreements and elevating nature at COPs.
The UK Government has played a significant role in brokering agreements to reverse deforestation and has been influential in increasing the profile of nature at climate COPs. For the first time, many nations and significant private sector institutions have committed … Read more
Government Response
The government details its ongoing commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance for forest protection, confirming it is on track to deliver this pledge. It also highlights new funding announced at COP28, including significant support for the Amazon Fund and the IFSLU programme.
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32 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Fulfil pledged funding commitments, continue diplomatic efforts, and restore UK domestic forests.
Decisive action must follow these commitments if the Kunming-Montreal goal of halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 and the commitments of the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration and subsequent COP agreements are to be met. The UK must lead by example, … Read more
Government Response
The government affirms its commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance, demonstrating it is on track to deliver this funding pledge. It provides detailed figures on current and future forest programming, including new funding announcements at COP28 for programmes like the Amazon Fund and IFSLU.
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33 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Mobilisation of promised funding critical as past nature and climate finance remains unfulfilled.
It is encouraging to see the commitments made at COP26, COP27 and COP28 on deforestation which were accompanied by major funding commitments. Past commitments to mobilise finance for climate adaptation have not yet been fulfilled and commitments to restore nature … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates its commitment to invest at least £1.5 billion in UK International Climate Finance for forest protection, outlining progress towards this target and detailing new funding announcements from COP28. This demonstrates its efforts to mobilise promised funding.
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34 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Unclear if recent deforestation funding announcements are additional to previous commitments.
Whilst the Committee welcomes recent funding announcements to tackle deforestation, it is unclear whether these are in addition to the £1.5 billion previously committed to in the Global Forest Finance Pledge.
Government Response
The government clarified that it remains committed to the £1.5 billion pledge, and announced £576 million in new forests programming at COP28, with £466 million of this committed for support beyond the current ICF3 period, including a £35 million uplift for the Amazon Fund and up to £500 million for the IFSLU programme.
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35 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Provide clear transparency on spending of £1.5bn funding committed to addressing deforestation.
The UK Government should lead by example. We therefore welcome the recent confirmation that the UK is to maintain its flagship £11.6bn climate and nature funding pledge. The UK cannot step off the global stage in relation to its climate, … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms it is on track to deliver its £1.5 billion forest funding pledge, detailing £345 million spent in 2021-23 and announcing £576 million in new programming at COP28. It also states its commitment to transparency, publishing annual progress reports, and provides an overview of ICF forest spend.
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36 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Insufficient funding directly supports Indigenous Peoples' and Local Communities' nature tenure rights.
It is encouraging to see the IPLC donor pledge supporting the principle of the advancement of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ forest tenure rights and rewards their role as guardians of forests and nature. However, extremely little funding pledged for … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee's observation and is actively addressing the issue of direct funding for IPLCs. It details new ODA programmes that strengthen IPLC governance, including channeling £9m through the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility for direct grants and supporting capacity building for IPLCs to access carbon finance.
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37 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Ensure greatest possible proportion of UK funding reaches IPLC organisations directly and verifiably.
We welcome the commitment of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to fund capacity building initiatives for IPLC grassroots organisations. We recommend The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation 51 that, in order to ensure that this funding is used … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation to increase direct funding to IPLC organisations. It outlines current efforts and new initiatives, including channeling £9m through the International Land and Forest Tenure Facility to provide direct grants to IPLCs, and supporting capacity building to access carbon finance.
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38 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Government commitment to continue and extend Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme welcomed.
We welcome the Government’s commitment to a programme to continue the work of the of the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme, and the potential extension of its scope to include mining commodities.
Government Response
The FCDO is currently developing the business case for a follow-on 10-year forest governance markets and climate programme, which will have a broader remit to include illegal deforestation beyond timber.
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39 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Ensure Forest Governance Programme scope includes significant drivers of deforestation through regular review
We recommend that the scope of the next phase of the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme should be kept under regular review to ensure that the most significant drivers of deforestation are included.
Government Response
The government has accepted the recommendation, stating that the new 10-year forest governance programme, for which a business case is being developed, will adopt a phased approach to adapt to new threats and will have a broader remit to include more drivers of illegal deforestation beyond timber.
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40 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
FLEGT-VPA programme effectiveness varies greatly depending on country context
We look forward to the publication of the report of the Government’s review of the effectiveness of FLEGT-VPA programme. The evidence we have received indicates that the experience of the FLEGT-VPA varies greatly depending on the country context.
Government Response
The government confirms that the FLEGT Post Implementation Review (PIR), reflecting on VPA countries and country-specific factors, provides clear conclusions and recommendations, and will be published shortly on gov.uk.
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41 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Share government review report widely and thoroughly incorporate lessons into future UK programmes
We recommend that the report of the Government review should be shared widely, including with the relevant EU authorities and Member States preparing for the successor programme to FLEGT-VPA. Lessons learned should be incorporated thoroughly into future UK programmes so … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms the FLEGT Post Implementation Review (PIR) will be published shortly and made widely accessible, and that it reflects country-specific factors. It commits to sharing the review internally and conducting further analysis of lessons learned, but does not explicitly commit to sharing with EU authorities.
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42 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Ensuring full and meaningful participation of indigenous communities in anti-deforestation negotiations is crucial
Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) are vital protectors of forests: but they themselves are victims of the negative effects of deforestation activity, which can include violence and deprivation of livelihoods. Ensuring the full and meaningful participation of IPLCs in … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms its recognition of the crucial role of IPLCs and outlines extensive ongoing efforts through various ODA programmes to improve IPLC tenure rights and ensure their participation in global and national negotiations, including establishing dedicated platforms like the FCLP.
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43 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Ensure Foreign Office makes significant contribution to securing indigenous tenure rights
Security of tenure rights for IPLCs is essential to measures to address deforestation. The UK Government can make a significant contribution to ensuring security of tenure. We recommend that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Government Response
The government highlights several existing UK ODA programmes and contributions to international funds that focus on improving IPLC tenure rights and forest security, and mentions a recent scoping mission to inform future work.
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44 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Require Foreign Office to continue improving indigenous tenure rights and promote their inclusion
We recommend that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continue to address measures to improve tenure rights through its development programming. Ministers must ensure that IPLCs are supported in the protection and restoration of forests: one means of achieving this … Read more
Government Response
The government details current UK ODA programmes and contributions that aim to improve IPLC tenure rights and forest security, and highlights ongoing efforts to promote IPLC inclusion in global negotiations, such as through the FCLP platform and UNFCCC processes.
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45 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Ensure biodiversity considerations are consistently incorporated into all trade agreements and operations
For the UK Government to make good on its declared intention to put environmental sustainability measures at the heart of global production and trade, Ministers must ensure that biodiversity considerations are more consistently incorporated into its trade agreements and operations. … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of working with partners, including through trade negotiations, and states it will continue to uphold high environmental standards in all trade agreements. It is working to secure provisions supporting environmental protection and aims to use trade relationships to advance its ambitions on forestry, nature, and sustainable supply chains.
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46 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Extend UK engagement to major consumers in other markets to halt deforestation
Ending commodity-driven deforestation requires decisive action by all major consumers. While the UK and EU markets represent a relatively high proportion of global consumption of some forest risk commodities, such as cocoa and coffee, they account for a relatively small … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of working with international partners and explains its approach through trade negotiations to uphold environmental standards and address deforestation. It also highlights its leadership in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration and the Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue to engage major producer and consumer countries.
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47 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Use trade negotiations to encourage high environmental standards and sustainable supply chains
If the UK Government is to persuade other major consumers to act on their deforestation footprint, it is important that the UK leads by example. We recommend that Ministers use the opportunity of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations to encourage … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of working with partners through trade negotiations to uphold high environmental standards and address deforestation, outlining existing efforts and ambitions in this area without committing to new specific actions.
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48 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fourth Report - The UK's contribut…
Conduct sustainability impact assessments and develop strategies for environmental net gains in trade agreements
We reiterate the recommendation of our 2021 report on the UK’s footprint on global diversity: sustainability impact assessments must be conducted for all future trade agreements. Ministers must develop strategies for the effective monitoring and delivery environmental net gains, including … Read more
Government Response
The government states that published impact assessments for new Free Trade Agreements already include environmental impacts like deforestation. However, regarding developing strategies for effective monitoring and delivery of environmental net gains, they have only undertaken research exploring its feasibility over the last 18 months.
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Government Response AI assessment · 99 of 49 classified
Accepted 43
Accepted in Part 10
Acknowledged 23
Deferred 16
Not Addressed 4
Rejected 3
Total 49 recs + 50 conclusions
Correspondence 5 letters
9 May 2024 To committee Letter from the EAC Chair to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, relating to the Government's response to the EAC report on 'The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation', dated 8 May 2024
Parliament page
13 Jun 2023 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Overseas Territories, Energy, Climate and the Environment, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, relating to the 'Status of UK International Climate Finance (ICF) International Forests Provision', dated 30 May 2023
Parliament page
13 Jun 2023 To committee Letter from the Minister for Natural Environment and Land Use, Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs, relating to the 'Sustainable timber and deforestation' inquiry, dated 1 June 2023
Parliament page
5 Jun 2023 To committee Letter from the Chairman of the Forestry Commission, relating to the Sustainable timber and deforestation inquiry, dated 11 April 2023
Parliament page
27 Apr 2023 To committee Letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Natural Environment and Land Use) at DEFRA, relating to the 'Sustainable timber and deforestation' evidence session of 29 March 2023, dated 17 April 2023
Parliament page