Brussels, March 21st, 2024 –  “The process of deforestation is decreasing, but we must not let our guard down,” says Pietro Paganini on the occasion of International Forest Day. “Despite common beliefs, the process of deforestation is changing direction.”

 The latest UN “Forest Resources Assessment” reports a net loss of 47 million hectares of forests in the last decade, compared to the previous decade, during which 51 million hectares were lost.

“These are astronomical figures that require reflection,” Paganini says. “However, this decline is mainly due to two factors: the practices adopted by some of the countries previously most affected by deforestation, as well as the strict regulations introduced in those markets that are now showing greater sensitivity to the ecological transition path.”

Based on the World Resources Institute’s 2022 Outlook, Competere has identified Indonesia, Malaysia, Colombia, and Guatemala as the most virtuous countries in terms of anti-deforestation policies.

“The global leaders in palm oil production have led the way,” observes Paganini. “The foresight of local growers, as well as the processing companies that receive the raw material here in Europe, have enabled the European Union to adopt regulations such as the Eudr. The entire palm oil supply chain has been equipped with sustainability certifications over the past few years, now also recognized by the FAO. Producer countries and processing industries have adopted a code of conduct, which is now a model for other sectors covered by the Eudr. Paradoxically – Paganini continues – the palm oil sector is the most prepared to fulfill the obligations of the Eudr.”

Indeed, palm oil is the most consumed vegetable oil in the world. An essential nutrient for its saturated fat content, ensuring balanced and nutritious diets even in non-Western cultures. It is also a strategic commodity for the economic development of important areas of the planet..

“From undeniable deforestation in the past, complete with demonization – Paganini concludes – we have now reached a model of a resilient and sustainable supply chain. To the extent that, even before the Eudr, sustainably certified palm oil accounted for 90% of the total imported into the EU-27. With Italy leading the way, with a share ranging from 93% to 95%.”