How business can tackle deforestation
The newest methodologies, technologies and industry examples for implementing zero deforestation policies
14th-15th November 2017, London
This debate-driven business conference is designed to provide delegates with the practical guidance necessary to build and implement effective zero deforestation commitments.
This event will bring together key players from business, government, NGOs and the investment community. We’ll discuss the challenges faced in removing deforestation from corporate supply chains and how to overcome them.
As the fourth London conference addressing this issue, and part of a global series of meetings in Washington DC, Singapore and Jakarta, this event will look at the latest trends, what they mean for business and how you should respond on a practical level.
Some of the core themes include:
- From policy to implementation: in-depth, constructive analysis on the impact of company policies for zero deforestation supply chains
- Defunding deforestation: what actions are financial institutions taking?
- Innovative technology for tracking, tracing and monitoring: discover the latest innovations available for business to stay on top of their supply chains
- Sustainable procurement: effective strategies to best align internal priorities and engage buyers to ensure procurement teams are on side
- Incentivising ‘middle men’: what can buyers do to engage traders to act on deforestation related traceability?
- Changing government priorities: what is the future role of business in driving the anti-deforestation agenda, as governments neglect climate change and environmental issues?
Through a series of interactive workshops, we’ll also address:
- Human rights violations on plantations: practical solutions to tackling slave labour and other abuses found in palm oil supply chains
- The road ahead for certification: how will certification be affected by market consolidation and corporate changes?
- Commodity focus: detailed case studies around cocoa, soy and viscose supply chains
- Cracking jurisdictional and landscape approaches: practical steps to ensure engagement from all relevant stakeholders to unlock their full potential.
Speakers include

Danielle Morley
European director of outreach and engagement
RSPO

Stewart Lindsay
Vice president, global corporate affairs
Bunge

Ben Vreeburg
Director of sustainability
IOI Loders Croklaan

Rob Bailes
Associate director
The Robertsbridge Group

Fiona Wheatley
Sustainable development manager
Marks & Spencer

Dr Ruth Nussbaum
Director
Proforest
See the full list of speakers here
What is unique about Innovation Forum conferences?
- The Chatham House rule – this event is not intended as a PR platform, we hold the event under a covenant of confidentiality to promote open, honest exchange and encourage real debate.
- Practical implementation – the agenda is focussed on the practical aspects of implementing policies and commitments.
- Engagement and activity – the sessions are a mixture of panel discussions, Q&A, crisis scenario role plays and breakout discussions.
Who will be there?
This conference is designed specifically for organisations operating in the following sectors:
- Food and beverage companies, agribusiness, soft commodity traders and retailers
- Civil society organisations, certifiers and charities
- Donors, financial service providers and insurers
- Government, aid agencies and inter-governmental organisations
There will be 100-150 senior professionals attending
What’s in it for you?
- Learn from industry leaders; what has worked for them and what hasn’t.
- Network with company VPs, directors and managers, NGOs, academics, government officials.
- Participate in leading discussion and debate to contribute to the fight against deforestation.
If you would like to be involved in this forum as a speaker, sponsor, media partner or delegate, please contact:
Narni Brooke-Adil | Project Director
Direct: +44 (0) 203 780 7435
Narni.brooke-adil@innovation-forum.co.uk