February 26, 2024
Meat giants' beef production linked to illegal deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado
Campaigners have revealed that three major meatpackers' beef production in Brazil's Cerrado has been associated with illegal deforestation, shedding light on environmental concerns in the region, BBC News reported.
The Cerrado, renowned for its biodiversity and role in mitigating climate change, has seen extensive deforestation linked to cattle farming, according to a Global Witness investigation. The report suggests that nearly half of the farms supplying meatpackers JBS, Minerva, and Marfrig have contributed to deforestation.
While the Amazon has received significant attention for deforestation, the adjacent Cerrado has faced similar challenges but with less regulatory protection. Despite its ecological importance, the Cerrado has not been afforded the same legal safeguards.
Simon Roach from Global Witness emphasized the urgent need to address the crisis in the Cerrado, highlighting its critical role as a vital ecosystem. The region, described as a "grassland paradise" by Sir David Attenborough, harbours diverse species and stores substantial carbon reserves crucial for climate stability.
The investigation focused on Mato Grosso, a key cattle farming region, where the three meat giants operate. Through satellite data analysis, Global Witness found alarming rates of illegal deforestation linked to these companies' supply chains.
According to Global Witness, the majority of deforestation occurred without proper permits, indicating widespread illegal activity. The study also suggests that the state-level regulation in Brazil poses challenges for enforcement against deforestation.
The implications extend beyond environmental concerns, with deforestation threatening wildlife habitats and indigenous communities. Last year, the BBC's Planet Earth III documented the tragic impact of deforestation on the rare maned wolf population.
Despite the findings, meatpackers like Marfrig and JBS maintain that they source cattle responsibly, adhering to legal standards. However, concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of current regulations and the transparency of supply chains.
As the European Union prepares to implement regulations targeting deforestation-linked products, including beef, attention is drawn to the need for stricter enforcement and expanded protections for vulnerable ecosystems like the Cerrado.
- BBC News