Fourth Report - The UK's contribution to tackling global deforestation
Select Committee
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 405
4 January 2024
Government response
Fifth Special Report - The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation: Government Response to the Committee’s Fourth Report · published 26 Mar 2024
Recommendations & Conclusions
7 results
4
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 24
Monitoring and transparent data reporting are crucial for understanding and reducing deforestation impacts.
Conclusion
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
13
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Require all acquired forest-risk commodities to be certified as sustainably produced under GBS.
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
15
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Amend UK Timber Regulations to require all imported timber to be sustainably harvested.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
25
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 85
Statutory evaluation of due diligence system lacks explicit human rights impact assessment.
Conclusion
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, …
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Government Response Summary
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.
30
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Legislate for mandatory nature-related impact disclosure by businesses based on TNFD recommendations.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
38
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 137
Government commitment to continue and extend Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme welcomed.
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
47
Recommendation
Acknowledged
Para 170
Use trade negotiations to encourage high environmental standards and sustainable supply chains
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.