Impacts in tropical regions

How the AFi works in tropical regions 

The AFi works to scale-up responsible production and processing in the tropics by supporting companies, civil society, and national and local policy processes to apply the Accountability Framework in contextually appropriate ways. AFi coalition members pursue this approach in Central and West Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.   

The AFi’s support for bottom-up action aims to accelerate the transition to supply chains that are fully protective of forests, other natural ecosystems, and human rights. It also works to align responsible supply chain initiatives with landscape and jurisdictional approaches to achieve greater collective impact. 

Impacts in tropical regions  

As a result of AFi’s work, key commodity-producing and processing companies in each region are using the Framework to set or strengthen their commitments, design and implement improved practices, and report on their progress.  

In addition, companies are using the Framework to guide their engagement with smallholder suppliers and to manage non-certified product volumes in line with their ethical supply chain commitments. These actions help ensure that companies address environmental and social risks across their entire operations and supply chains. 

Civil society organizations have used the Accountability Framework to develop practical tools that align local action with the Framework’s global guidance. These tools help companies implement responsible supply chains in specific geographic and commodity contexts. Examples include the Implementation Reporting Framework for palm oil led by Proforest; the Beef on Track and Soy on Track traceability systems in Brazil; and WWF’s deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) implementation toolkit.  

AFi coalition members have also supported local stakeholders to develop effective governance and policy processes to strengthen action on responsible supply chains. For instance, AFi coalition member LTKL (the Indonesia Sustainable Districts Association) has engaged with district governments in Sintang, Berau, and Aceh Tamiang to integrate AFi principles and guidance into their regional competitiveness frameworks and sustainability agendas. LTKL also supports commodity producers operating in those districts to initiate or advance progress on their ethical supply chain journeys.