FOLU India has launched its first action coalition in India. This action coalition brings together four organisations, viz. Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative India, WWF India, and World Resource Institute India (WRI India). The action coalition has been named as Food and Land Use India (FOLU India) Action Coalition for Responsible Sourcing & Trade of Commodities (in short FOLU India CREST).
Overview
India is an importer of commodities where the production or harvest of which is known to be associated with deforestation in the source countries like oilseeds, timber, rubber etc. India is also involved in the export of water intensive agriculture crops and products like rice, cotton, sugar, etc. Therefore, India’s foreign trade regime and practices should be aligned with our position as a leader globally on various environmental and climate related issues/initiatives.
Considering the nature of the Indian market and the fact that it is an emerging economy in terms of global agriculture production, it is essential to engage the government as well as companies in global supply chain efforts. While India has already initiated efforts to ensure the sustainability of its global trade supply chains, it is vital to continue engaging in the right direction through collaboration with governments of partner countries, business groups and other stakeholders.
Objectives
- To identify India’s position and potential as a steward promoting sustainable and responsible international supply chains, especially – in the global south, by setting an example, by pushing the agenda in international forums (e.g., G7, G20).
- To identify the potential for India to set examples for balancing between domestic and distant sustainability issues as a consumer country
- To address issues regarding intensifying domestic production and addressing policy and other gaps in strengthening the export supply chains as more sustainable ones as a producer country.
Objectives
- To identify India’s position and potential as a steward promoting sustainable and responsible international supply chains, especially – in the global south, by setting an example, by pushing the agenda in international forums (e.g., G7, G20).
- To identify the potential for India to set examples for balancing between domestic and distant sustainability issues as a consumer country
- To address issues regarding intensifying domestic production and addressing policy and other gaps in strengthening the export supply chains as more sustainable ones as a producer country.
Activities
- As a first activity, a multi-stakeholder consultation was conducted on 13th of July 2021 involving a total of 43 expert stakeholders. The participants were grouped under three tracks based on there areas of expertise and practice. Recommendations emerging from the conversation have been enumerated below under the three broad heads.
- View the full report here
During this session, the FOLU India Action Council for Responsible Sourcing & Trade of Commodities (FOLU India-CREST) was launched and the proceedings of the multi-stakeholder consultation conducted as a part of the Forest, Agriculture, and Commodity Trade (FACT) dialogue was released. Each partner in the action coalition will briefly talk about their significance and role in the coalition. The sessions also featured a moderated panel discussion on, ‘Balancing Sustainable Land use with Agriculture & Forest linked Commodities Trade’.  View the recording here
For further information, please contact
Ms. Nitya Chhiber
Programme Officer
Email: nitya@c4rb.in
Phone: +91 (11) 41088853
