Proforest at #CONEXIÓNVerde+: reflecting on achievements and lessons learned on the EUDR at the Port of Antwerp

Proforest took part in the closing edition of #CONEXIÓNVerde+, the flagship event of the AL-INVEST Verde programme, held from 16 to 18 June in Brussels, Belgium. Cecília Korber Gonçalves, Deputy Director of Projects and Programmes in Brazil, represented the organisation at the event, which brought together institutions, partners and European Union-funded projects to celebrate the programme’s achievements and to explore the lasting legacy of cooperation between the EU and Latin America on sustainability, the green transition and competitiveness.

Within the framework of the programme, Proforest contributed through projects whose key deliverables included: supporting the traceability task force of the Brazil Climate, Forests and Agriculture Coalition; developing the Cerrado Protocol in partnership with Imaflora; and conducting practical compliance simulations (dry runs) to assess readiness for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) across the soy, beef and leather supply chains.

A visit to the Port of Antwerp was another highlight of the event. Representatives from the port authority explained how the process for receiving goods under the EUDR is being structured, outlining the responsibilities of the competent authorities and customs services, as well as the internal verification procedures being put in place. Key messages from the delegation emphasised that the EUDR is, above all, a risk mitigation instrument whose benefits outweigh compliance costs; that while legal obligations fall on operators, producing countries also have an active role to play in supporting efforts to combat deforestation and promote transparency and traceability; and that international collaboration and a stable legal framework are essential conditions for its effective implementation.