The objective of the Leather Working Group (LWG), a multi-stakeholder group comprised of brands, suppliers and leather manufacturers, is to promote sustainable and appropriate environmental business practices within the leather industry. Transparency in the supply chain plays a significant part in the process.
The Leather Working Group has been working closely with Greenpeace and other NGOs in support of their campaign to eliminate deforestation in Brazil caused by cattle ranching.
The LWG understands that a number of changes to the Forest Code are proposed in Brazil that may encourage further deforestation. As an organisation, the LWG has concerns about the effects of deforestation in the Amazon and any negative impact that may be caused by changes in the law that could potentially lead to an increase in deforestation.
Acknowledging the important role of the Brazilian government in protecting the Amazon rainforest, members of the LWG encourage governmental and local authorities in Brazil to continue in their efforts to provide clear legal guidance and an effective enforcement process and to consider the potentially significant negative impact of the proposed changes to the Forest Code.
26 October 2011
For further information contact info@leatherworkinggroup.com
