COP20 President, Private Sector Rep React to Release of Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change

In response to the release of “Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change,” private sector representatives and government officials released the following statements:

Peru’s environment minister and COP20 president Manuel Pulgar Vidal:

“The climate negotiations in Lima later this year offer a key opportunity to make progress on real solutions for curbing carbon emissions from deforestation. The report ‘Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change’ highlights that an important element to support our objective to reduce deforestation, is to strengthen governance issues, including strengthening community forest rights, so that forest communities can withstand diverse pressures. The Peruvian Ministry of Environment as part of its objectives to support forest conservation, instituted a program that aims to strengthen the rights of forest communities and grant benefits for sustainably managing their forests. While there are many factors involved in deforestation, strengthening the rights of forest communities is simply the smart choice for the future of our people, our forests and our climate.”

Robert ter Kuile, Senior Director Sustainability, PepsiCo, Inc:

“Securing Rights, Combating Climate Change demonstrates that PepsiCo’s commitment to respect the legitimate land tenure rights of indigenous peoples and other community members directly affected by forestry operations is not only good for businesses and communities; it is also good for combating climate change and reducing deforestation.”