Loss of natural forest as a result of: (i) conversion to agriculture or other non-forest land use; (ii) conversion to a tree plantation; or (iii) severe and sustained degradation.

• This definition pertains to no-deforestation supply chains that generally focus on preventing the conversion of natural forests.
• Severe and sustained degradation (scenario iii in the definition) constitutes deforestation even if the land is not subsequently used for a non-forest land use.
• Loss of natural forest that meets this definition is considered to be deforestation regardless of whether or not it is legal.
• The Accountability Framework’s definition of deforestation signifies ‘gross deforestation’ of natural forest where ‘gross’ is used in the sense of “total; aggregate; without deduction for reforestation or other offset.”