Take action to protect forest ecosystems and forest dwellers.

Congress has an opportunity to pass the Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade (FOREST) Act of 2021, a bill that would help the United States fulfill its commitment made at the latest UN climate conference to stop illegal deforestation around the world.

The FOREST Act would prohibit imports into the United States of goods sourced through illegal deforestation. This policy is critical for addressing the harms of illegal deforestation, which include destroyed ecosystems and wildlife, violence against Indigenous communities, food insecurity, and forced displacement. The practice of illegal deforestation impacts not just local communities, but it contributes to climate change and environmental degradation that affects all life on earth.

The United States is a major importer of products from countries where deforestation is rampant. This includes Brazil and Indonesia, which both have a reputation for allowing illegal deforestation and which together account for 40% of all tropical forest loss, according to Forest Trends.

The policy would create mechanisms to promote responsible business practices around the world. It is an important step toward creating a culture of commerce that will lead to a more sustainable future.

Ask your Senators and Representative to support the FOREST Act of 2021 today.

 

 

Photo available on Pixabay. 

PDF from the Environmental Investigation Agency.