Standard Page - 13 May, 2011
Protecting forests will not only preserve biodiversity and defend the rights of forest communities, it's also one of the quickest and cost effective ways of halting climate change.
From lobbying on the international stage to exposing destruction in the field, we are working to safeguard our last remaining forests.
Exposing destruction
We work on the ground in countries like Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to defend the forests from unsustainable and illegal logging. We investigate and expose destructive logging practices that destroy these vital forests and hold companies accountable.
Success
Exposing Indonesia’s biggest forest destroyer – Sinar Mas – has resulted in global companies ending their contracts with the logging giant and subsidiaries announcing improved policies. Read more
Pressuring decision makers
We participate in key regional and international forums where the fate of the world's forests is on the table. Here we are advocating for a meaningful international funding mechanism to end global deforestation, known as REDD (reduced emissions from degradation and deforestation), and for it to be implemented fairly. We also lobby for moratoriums on deforestation to be established in key forest nations and pressure leaders into banning destructive, illegal and unsustainable logging imports.
Success
Greenpeace set up an unlikely alliance with some of the biggest names from Australia’s timber industry, social justice and environment groups to pressure the government to ban illegal logging. The Australian Government announced it would introduce such legislation in December 2010, and now we are working to ensure the promise is fulfilled. Read the joint statement
Empowering consumers
We expose the retailers and brands that sell unsustainable or illegal timber products, and work with them to acquire better policies. Greenpeace empowers consumers to apply pressure on such companies and to make informed, ethical and sustainable choices when buying products such as toilet paper and outdoor furniture. Our Good Wood Guide
Success
In May 2010, the world’s biggest food and beverage company – Nestlé – announced a plan to end its role in forest destruction following worldwide consumer pressure. Read more