Cerrado Agreement
The Cerrado Agreement: A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture
The Cerrado biome in Brazil is one of the most biodiverse savannas in the world. It spans over 20% of the country and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. However, it is also one of the most threatened biomes due to deforestation and the expansion of agriculture.
To address this issue, a group of Brazilian companies, civil society organizations, and the government signed the Cerrado Manifesto in 2017. The goal was to promote sustainable agriculture practices in the region, reduce deforestation, and protect the rights of indigenous communities and traditional populations.
The Cerrado Manifesto was a milestone in the fight against deforestation in Brazil, but it lacked concrete actions and measurable goals. That`s why, in 2020, the Cerrado Agreement was created, a legally binding accord that sets specific targets for the reduction of deforestation and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.
The main goal of the Cerrado Agreement is to reduce the deforestation rate in the biome by 50% by 2030 and by 80% by 2040. To achieve this, the signatories commit to ensuring that their supply chains are free from deforestation, protecting biodiversity and respecting human rights.
The Cerrado Agreement is an important step towards sustainable agriculture and the preservation of one of the most biodiverse biomes in the world. It shows that companies and civil society can work together to address environmental and social issues and that a transition to sustainable agriculture is not only possible but necessary.
Some of the companies that have signed the agreement include major players in the soy, beef, and pulp industries, such as Cargill, Bunge, and JBS. These companies are responsible for a significant portion of the deforestation in the Cerrado biome and have a crucial role to play in its conservation.
The Cerrado Agreement is a promising initiative, but it is not a silver bullet. It is necessary to monitor its implementation and ensure that the commitments are met. The Brazilian government must also play a more active role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and enforcing environmental laws.
In conclusion, the Cerrado Agreement is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and the protection of the Cerrado biome. It shows that companies can be held accountable for their environmental and social impacts and that civil society can be a powerful force for change. It is an example of how collective action can contribute to a more just and sustainable world.