Implementing deforestation-free supply chains in Australia

Deforestation for commodities such as cattle and timber remains high in Australia, particularly in the east of the country, which has been identified as one of the world’s most critical deforestation fronts. This ongoing loss threatens ecosystems, iconic wildlife, and the long-term viability of supply chains.

For companies sourcing agricultural and forestry commodities from Australia, this deforestation presents material risks. That’s because a growing set of regulations (such as the EUDR), voluntary commitments, and expectations from buyers, investors, and stakeholders call for companies to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains.

To support this objective, WWF-Australia has recently released its Guideline for Implementing Deforestation-free Assessments in Australia. This resource supports producers and commodity buyers in Australia to achieve deforestation-free supply chains in alignment with the Accountability Framework.

Challenges to deforestation-free supply chains in Australia

Although deforestation-free production is possible in Australia, several barriers have slowed progress. Commodity producers and buyers often lack clear, locally-tailored guidance on how to achieve and demonstrate deforestation-free supplies. Monitoring tools have also fallen short, leaving businesses uncertain about where risks exist and how to address them. Without practical solutions, even companies with strong commitments to deforestation-free supply chains may face challenges in implementing them effectively.

New Accountability Framework-aligned guidance

To overcome these barriers, WWF-Australia developed its new guideline for implementing deforestation-free assessments. This was done in collaboration with the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) to interpret the Accountability Framework definitions, Core Principles, and Operational Guidance to the Australian context. The guideline offers a step-by-step approach for producers and buyers to identify and address deforestation risks in their operations and supply chains.

Aligned mapping tool to facilitate compliance

In tandem with the new WWF-Australia guideline, the Australian National University has launched Vegetation Monitoring and Assessment Program (VMAP), a new mapping tool to help companies and producers detect, understand, and address possible deforestation events on their properties or within their supply chains. This tool helps assess whether any given incident of tree loss constitutes deforestation or is a permissible activity consistent with deforestation-free and sustainable production, such as weed management. Together, these two resources provide critical inputs for companies to put their commitments into practice. 

All companies should adopt clear commitments and systems

To protect the environment, all companies that produce in or source from Australia should establish clear, publicly-available deforestation-free commitments aligned with the Accountability Framework. These should be supported by implementation systems that include effective internal governance and specific provisions for monitoring, supplier engagement, and grievance mechanisms. 

By embedding deforestation-free practices across operations and supply chains, companies can reduce business risks, advance climate and nature goals, and build more resilient supply chains.  

Get started with new tools and resources

The new guideline and mapping tool give producers and commodity buyers in Australia the practical means to achieve deforestation-free supply chains in alignment with the globally-recognised Accountability Framework.

👉 Learn more about these resources and how to apply them below:

• Guideline for Implementing Deforestation-free Assessments in Australia (WWF-Australia)
• Vegetation Monitoring and Assessment Program - VMAP (Australian National University)