Implementing deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) supply chain practices is a significant effort from the sector, but other incentives are needed to build a forest positive future.

To create these incentives, the CGF Forest Positive Coalition and WBCSD’s Soft Commodities Forum created the Sustainable Landscapes Partnership in 2020. The initiative drives investment to help transition priority commodity producing landscapes to forest positive, resilient sourcing areas.

Now the initiative is inviting key stakeholders to help address commodity-driven ecosystem conversion in the Cerrado, and transition the biome to a forest positive future.

A 1-pager with some of the partnership's results to date in Brazil was published, which can be accessed here: Forest-Positive-Coalition_The-Sustainable-Landscapes-Partnership.pdf

To demonstrate the effectiveness of its model in achieving forest-positive and resilient landscapes, the CGF-SCF partnership has selected Western Mato Grosso to showcase the tangible benefits that its approach can deliver for people, nature and climate. In 6 municipalities in Western Mato Grosso, the partnership consists of:  

- Collectively defining forest-positive and resilient landscape outcomes 

- Outlining roles and contributions expected from key stakeholders, and support from the cattle industry, financial sector, philanthropy and government agencies 

- Developing local governance structures, in partnership with Brazilian partners IPAM and the PCI Institute, to anchor global resources and commitments, and integrate local insights and expertise 

- Creating a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system to monitor progress according to collectively agreed impact indicators 

- Designing an efficient financial governance and funding structure to sustain positive outcomes 

With initial investments in Western Mato Grosso running until June 2026, the initiative has achieved concrete results in farmer engagement, conservation, restoration and DCF and sustainable soy production. Beyond farm-support, the initiative also promotes smallholders’ livelihoods through restoration and supports the development of governance that empowers local stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor common goals, social safeguards and a long-term strategy for the initiative’s financial self-sufficiency. Western Mato Grosso initiative is run by a consortium composed by IPAM, PCI Institute, Produzindo Certo and Proforest, which has developed a baseline for the entire landscape and created 2030 impact goals.