For the first time HCSA assessments have been conducted in South America and Central America: two in Brazil, two in Guatemala and one Honduras – all in palm oil concessions.
Expansion of HCSA assessment to these critical regions is landmark confirmation that the approach and toolkit can be successfully implemented in different geographical regions, contexts and cultures around the world. It also shows the potential for growth and impact as a robust, field-tested no deforestation tool across the tropics.
The new assessed areas increase the global total of HCSA assessments to 3,579,120 hectares, with 667,117 hectares of HCS forest identified for conservation.