Improving sustainable commodity supply chains in Amazonia
Agricultural commodity supply chains – such as beef, soy and palm oil – are a multi-billion-dollar segment of the global economy, driving development in many tropical forest jurisdictions1 . However, the production of these commodities is linked to significant social and environmental impacts and risks. This brief (PDF) by Global Canopy Programme and The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) draws on innovative trade-flow modelling and analysis for three key agricultural supply chains in the Amazon region – soy in Brazil, palm oil in Peru and beef in Colombia – alongside multi-stakeholder interviews and group discussions to: (1) explore the role of supply chain transparency modelling tools in transforming agricultural commodity production; and (2) discuss some of the challenges (trade-offs and barriers) and opportunities for implementing more sustainable productive landscapes in the Amazon region. A key point from the brief is that safeguarding and sustainably managing natural resources in Amazonia is a complex issue that will require marshalling coalitions of public and private actors that have a shared stake in responsible management of the same production landscapes. Furthermore, by building effective coalitions of supply chain actors who can work together alongside regional and national governments in producer nations, it becomes possible to lower costs and distribute responsibilities more fairly and appropriately.