Feature story - October 4, 2007
Seven years? It's a tall order but we have a cunning plan. Together with eight other national campaigning organizations, our Brazilian team have launched an ambitious proposal with a goal of zero deforestation by 2015.
The plan published yesterday, sets out specific targets that
could see deforestation drop gradually over the next seven years,
pushing for a cut of 25 percent in the first year compared to
figures for 2005/6. It's thinking on a massive scale, but we
believe it can be done - with deforestation rates already falling
and with a concerted effort it really could happen.
To achieve this, the proposal contains a few key elements, none
of which are particularly radical but together with tough reduction
targets add up to a powerful package. One is to create financial
incentives that promote forest protection rather than forest
destruction, so everyone is encouraged to make use of the forest in
a truly responsible manner than has been the case up until now.