Creating the enabling environment for human rights to flourish
In our work we aim for strategies and approaches which are informed by holistic thinking that integrates people, nature and climate, focusing on positive outcomes as well as risk avoidance, and that are relevant to the local context. This month we can show you a few examples from around the world - whether on the scale of 10 countries in Africa, through to action on the ground in Indonesian communities - to ensure that human rights are prioritised in agricultural supply chains.
Knowledge exchange in action
Proforesters from around the world gathered in Ghana for our People Exchange Week, focusing on our human rights and livelihoods work. Our technical experts were able to discuss three core thematic areas: sustainable livelihoods, climate and human rights, and monitoring effectiveness, all while meeting communities surrounding Takoradi, and experiencing the wonderful hospitality of our Africa team.
Creating a Just Transition through integrated climate and people strategies
In research for members of the AIM-Progress forum, Proforest interviewed eight collaborative initiatives, consultancies and think-tanks, to understand how they are working on the topic of Just Transition or on the human-rights-climate interface.
Key takeaways include that the need for a more integrated approach to action by companies on climate, nature and people is an urgent one. As companies are pushing forward on net-zero work, and on the resilience of their supply chains in the face of climate change, this must include consideration of a Just Transition for the most vulnerable producers, communities and workers. There is a need for collaborative organisations and companies to work together more closely on resources, guidance and learning and to be more open about their successes and challenges.
Respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Indonesia
The project “Respecting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Rights Affected by Agricultural Production in Indonesia” aims to support collective action on some of the root causes of IPs and LCs land rights issues in Indonesia, including actions aiming towards the resolution and remediation of ongoing land conflicts as well as developing systems to address future conflicts.
The project is being implemented by Proforest, the Cipta Rukun Upaya (previously known as Conflict Resolution Unit/CRU), Earthworm Foundation, and the Dala Institute (just for Phase 1) and funded by Mondelēz, Nestlé, PepsiCo and Unilever.
In 2024, the project focused on land rights analysis at the national level, and from 2025 the project will conduct a deep dive into Aceh province as a pilot region to test learnings, build capacity, and understand capacity to scale.
West and Central African countries unite to strengthen commitments on sustainable agricultural production
Ten West and Central African countries converged in Accra, Ghana for the 9th Regional Meeting of the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative (ASCI). ASCI is a shared set of principles for the responsible production of agricultural commodities in Africa, protecting forests, good governance, and transparency, while ensuring social benefits for farmers, communities and marginalised people, alongside safeguarding their human rights. Below, the country facilitators receive their copies of the Schwab Foundation Collective Social Innovators certificate, which ASCI was awarded in January 2025.
Upcoming events
For more on Proforest's work across responsible sourcing & production of multiple commodities, landscape programmes, company collaborations and multistakeholder initiatives, see our website at www.proforest.net. Do contact us if you would like further information about any of our work.