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A recent report has highlighted the detrimental impact of tree-felling in the Amazon rainforest on the pollution affecting rivers in the UK, particularly the Wye. The report attributes this pollution to soy imported from large plantations overseas, which is used as livestock feed. The soy is rich in phosphorous and becomes a pollutant when animal manure containing it runs off into rivers. This link between imported commodities and pollution in Welsh waterways calls for urgent action to prevent deforestation-related imports.
Barbara Davies-Quy, deputy director of Size of Wales, emphasized the significant impact of consumer choices on forest preservation, stating that Wales contributes to Amazon destruction by consuming soy-fed chicken and corned beef from deforestation-risk countries. In light of this report, a meeting in the Brazilian city of Belém is currently discussing climate issues, highlighting the vital role rainforests play in biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. Despite previous pledges to combat deforestation, recent data indicates a continued high rate of tropical forest loss.
The report urges governmental and local council intervention to shift towards deforestation-free products by changing procurement practices. Approximately 80% of imported soy in Wales is used for poultry and dairy farming, contributing to phosphate pollution in water bodies. The call for action extends to supporting farmers to reduce reliance on imported soy feed through subsidies, promoting deforestation-free supply chains, and adopting sustainable diets with reduced meat and dairy consumption. Positive examples of progress in this area include Caerphilly council’s deforestation-free criteria for food procurement and Monmouthshire council’s commitment to deforestation-free policies.
In response to the report’s findings, Wales’ Future Generations Commissioner, Derek Walker, advocates for a deforestation-free public sector by 2028. Despite budget constraints, the move towards sustainable procurement is deemed essential in addressing the climate crisis and supporting the local economy. The Welsh government acknowledges the need for collective efforts to reduce deforestation-linked impacts and protect the planet for future generations
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