Dutch government budget cuts threaten sustainable development and forest protection

Read the original article in Dutch on LinkedIn

Tropical forests are vital for global biodiversity and livelihoods of over 1.6 billion people, including nearly 70 million Indigenous peoples. These forests provide irreplaceable ecosystem services such as climate regulation, rainfall and weather patterns stabilization, and soil fertility.

Deforestation has disastrous consequences worldwide. It is one of the biggest drivers of climate change, whose effects are increasingly felt even in the Netherlands. In addition, it leads to soil degradation and water scarcity, threatening global food production and food security. Dutch companies that depend on tropical agricultural products are already experiencing the repercussions.

Indigenous peoples and local communities play a key role in the protection and sustainable management of forests. They possess invaluable traditional knowledge and a deep commitment to safeguarding their habitats. However, these communities face immense pressures, including land grabbing, illegal logging, and threats to their very existence. Many risk their lives defending their rights and the preserving their environment, as highlighted in recent research by Global Witness also shows (see here).

Through international development cooperation, the Netherlands has historically provided crucial support to these communities. This assistance has enabled the development of locally owned solutions for sustainable forest management, forest restoration and nature conservation. These initiatives not only enhance the income of communities, but also contribute to food security, water availability and climate stability. Moreover, Dutch support has sparked a broader movement: empowering more communities to assert their rights and take initiatives to protect their forests.

But this progress remains fragile. Communities and their initiatives are constantly under pressure from powerful actors pursuing short-term interests. Without continued support, years of work risk being lost, leaving these communities vulnerable to economic and physical threats. By cutting funding now, the Netherlands not only jeopardising these initiatives, but also the future of the tropical forests and millions of people who rely on them.

The urgency to protect and sustainably manage tropical forests has never been greater. Neglecting this responsibility will have severe global consequences – including for the Netherlands. It would be a big mistake to abandon the communities that contribute to a healthy planet for all of us.

I urge the Dutch government to reconsider these budget cuts and acknowledge the importance of strong global partnerships. Only through collective action can we advance sustainable development, protect forest, and achieve global impact. At this pivotal moment in the fight for a sustainable future, let us make the right choice.

Joost van Montfort

Executive Director Tropenbos International

I Invite you to watch our latest video “Voices from the landscapes” where we demonstrate our work with communities and the importance for them: 

If you are interested in exploring the impact and positive outcomes of Dutch international development support, I invite you to read the following call (in Dutch) for a new policy framerwork to the Minister and Dutch Parliament, which showcases various successes achieved under the recent Power of Voices framework developed and funded by the Dutch government.

Dringende oproep aan Minister Klever en de Tweede Kamer: Een nieuw beleidskader voor een sterker maatschappelijk middenveld