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27 October 2016

Norway changes procurement policy to prevent deforestation

Norway has passed legislation to ensure that it will no longer procure any products that contribute to the destruction of the rain forest, pledging to be a zero-deforestation country. The decision comes as a victory for the Rainforest Foundation Norway, which has long campaigned for the Norwegian government to adopt a zero-deforestation policy.

In addition to timber products, the announcement will impact the procurement of beef, palm oil, and soy. Nils Hermann Ranum, the head of Policy and Campaign at Rainforest Foundation Norway, said in a statement seen by the Independent newspaper: “This is an important victory in the fight to protect the rainforest. Over the last few years, a number of companies have committed to cease the procurement of goods that can be linked to destruction of the rainforest.

“Until now, this has not been matched by similar commitments from governments. Thus, it is highly positive that the Norwegian state is now following suit and making the same demands when it comes to public procurements.”

For more information, visit independent.co.uk