Europe is driving the global environmental agenda.
Yet Europe — through its consumption and investments — also bears considerable responsibility for climate breakdown and the global loss of biodiversity. Between 1990 and 2008, Europe was the top importer of deforestation around the world, resulting in the cutting down of an expanse of forest the size of Portugal.
In partnership with committed government actors including France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the European Union, Conservation International is driving funding to protect and restore tropical forests that absorb and store critical carbon; increase protection and improve management of oceans; and produce and apply science-based evidence to promote nature-based development.
By the numbers
What we do
Conservation International works throughout Europe building partnerships to protect nature, mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development. We do this by engaging the public and private sectors, advocating for ambitious climate action from governments and corporations, and driving innovation in science and finance.
Policy engagement
Conservation International is working with European decision-makers to integrate nature-based solutions in national and international policies and to support “green” economic stimulus packages.
We are supporting European decision-makers to design sound policies that address imported deforestation and ecosystem degradation, while connecting with international negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Learn more »
Industry engagement
Deforestation is responsible for nearly 12 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, half of which are the result of internationally traded commodities. Consumption in Europe of products such as coffee, cacao, palm oil (found in 50 percent of supermarket products) and soy represents around 10 percent of the global share of deforestation.
Conservation International seeks to drive collaboration with and among industry leaders in those commodity sectors, to ensure sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains that benefit nature and people.
Through strategic partnerships with coffee stakeholders in Europe, we actively contribute making coffee the world's first sustainable agricultural product. Learn more »
We are engaging with corporate actors and other partners to build a movement that supports demand for sustainable palm oil in Europe. Learn more »
From our blog
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Study: ‘Green’ recovery proves better for...
As countries begin to ease COVID-19 restrictions, green stimulus policies could help economies recover while tackling climate change, a new study suggests.
© Laszlo Novak/Wild Wonders of Europe -
Climate Week: Money, nature and what really...
The three themes that stood out over the course of Climate Week were protecting nature to protect the climate, finding funding for conservation and valuing nature beyond science and policies.
© Ian Lenehan -
France backs bold new pact to save Amazon
France has committed US$ 100 million to a new South American-led initiative to protect the Amazon rainforest, with Conservation International pledging an additional US$ 20 million.
© Katrine Olson -
EU bid to halt imported deforestation 'moot...
In a new communication, the European Union announced steps it will take to promote global reforestation efforts and end deforestation related to EU imports of agricultural commodities.
© Luana Luna
News from Europe
Marie Nasemann Embodies Earth in Nature is Speaking film
June
28, 2022
Conservation International today released “Nature is Speaking | Marie Nasemann ist Erde,”
a new, German-language edition in the award-winning “Die Natur Spricht” series – known in English as “Nature is Speaking.” “Erde” is voiced by Munich-born actress, author and model Marie Nasemann, in her Die Natur Spricht debut.
Read more »
Conservation International Statement on the European Union Legislative Proposal to Address Deforestation
November 17, 2021
Conservation International-Europe Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbert Lust, released the following
statement today in response to new proposed legislation from the European Union (EU) to limit the impacts of deforestation from products on the EU market. The legislation seeks to curb the EU’s contribution to global deforestation and forest
degradation by creating new standards for products to reach the European market. Read more »
Publications
Civil Society Position Statement on the Proposed EU regulation on deforestation-free products
Deforestation and forest degradation - reducing the impact of products placed on the EU market
Leveraging Nature as the foundation of resilient societies
Recommendations for post-COVID 19 recovery plans
NGO Statement on COVID-19 Crisis
European Green Deal must strengthen partner countries’ recovery from the COVID-19 crisis
European Green Deal — International Partnerships
This paper undersigned by 14 NGOs considers how EGD International Partnerships Commissioner can use the European Green Deal to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies while better supporting people living in poverty in the Global South.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
The EU for an ambitious global biodiversity agenda
Why NATURE matters in the next EU Budget
Only by aligning it to Agenda 2030 and the objectives of the Paris Agreement can the EU successfully address these challenges and promote inclusive sustainable development for Europe and its partner countries.
Protecting forests & human rights — a case for EU action
The Communication is a basis for decisive EU action to protect and restore forests and other natural ecosystems whilst protecting human rights. Implementing a comprehensive set of measures and initiatives is essential to reduce the EU’s footprint.
A path for the UK to address its global forest footprint
Due diligence on forest risk commodities
