Last year, widespread fires and destruction in the Amazon made news across the world. As a sustainable global retailer, we are strongly supportive of a continuation of Brazil’s leadership on forest law and agreements. Protecting the Amazon is an important task with regard to nature conservation, the uphold of biodiversity and climate mitigation.

ALDI SOUTH is concerned about the measures currently being discussed at the Brazilian congress. These measures would legalise the private occupation of public lands by soy and cattle farms (before 2018), most of which are in the Amazon. Should the measures pass, it would encourage further deforestation of the Amazon rainforest as well as undermine the rights of indigenous communities.

ALDI is working towards supply chains, which do not harm natural ecosystems, or violate human rights. Especially for soy production, an essential component of animal feed, Brazil is a key actor in global supply chains. ALDI urges the Brazilian government to reconsider its stance and hopes to continue working with partners in Brazil to demonstrate that economic development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive.