Summary
The objective of this study is to trace the impact of different approaches advocated to reach the objective of zero
deforestation value chains (ZD-VC). The study uses the concepts of value chains+ geographic nexus to look at the impacts and success of different initiatives and approaches to reduce deforestation driven by high forest-risk commodities: cattle, coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil and timber. Six approaches and their constructed theories-of-change (ToCs) were identified, that have evolved during the previous decades: regulatory approaches, voluntary sustainability standards – such as certification; landscape and jurisdictional approaches; corporate pledges – such as corporate social responsibility projects; public-private partnerships - which include platforms, networks, associations, partnerships and agreements between private sector and public sector, and often research and civil society; and due diligence mechanisms – including traceability mechanisms, third-party campaigns and investigations, voluntary disclosure and moratoriums. While in practice these approaches overlap and interlink, they are discussed separately to highlight the different emphasis given to interventions to reduce and halt deforestation.