FILE – People move along a road near the Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park in Kulo Jaya, Central Halmahera, North Maluku, Indonesia, June 7. [AP]
A growing number of entities are pushing the European Union to reconsider its upcoming deforestation regulation, set to be enforced in December. The regulation, known as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), is facing criticism for potentially discriminating against countries with forest resources and impacting their exports. However, supporters believe it will play a crucial role in combating global forest degradation.
The EUDR, starting December 30, will ban the sale of forest-derived products in the EU unless companies can prove their goods are not linked to deforestation. This includes a wide range of products such as cocoa, coffee, soy, and palm oil. The regulation aims to hold companies accountable for sourcing products sustainably.
Despite opposition from some governments and businesses, environmental organizations see the EUDR as a significant step towards reducing global deforestation. The regulation’s strict requirements may set a new standard for other countries to follow in protecting forests and combating climate change.