WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT?

regulations aimed at addressing deforestation caused by rubber production

In Asia, there are various efforts and regulations aimed at addressing deforestation caused by rubber production, though these efforts are primarily driven by international regulations rather than local laws. The European Union’s Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), which came into force in June 2023, is a significant step in this direction. This regulation mandates that products imported into or exported from the EU, including rubber, must not be linked to deforestation or forest degradation. It requires companies to ensure their supply chains are free from deforestation-related activities and to verify the origin of their products【https://lnkd.in/dvvDn46p.

However, the implementation of such regulations faces challenges. Smallholders in Southeast Asia, who produce a significant portion of the world’s natural rubber, often lack the resources to comply with these stringent requirements. There are concerns that these regulations might inadvertently push these smallholders further into poverty or drive them to engage in illegal deforestation to maintain their livelihoods.

Additionally, while some countries in Asia have national laws and initiatives aimed at reducing deforestation, enforcement is often weak. For instance, Indonesia and Malaysia have been active in addressing deforestation linked to palm oil production, but similar robust frameworks for rubber are less developed. These countries have also raised concerns about the impact of the EU’s regulations on their economies and small farmers, leading to ongoing dialogues and disputes with the EU【https://lnkd.in/d_YneK4K.

Overall, while there are significant international efforts to curb deforestation linked to rubber production, local laws in many Asian countries still need to be strengthened and better enforced to effectively address this issue.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT?