The Solutions-tree: halting deforestation through sustainable agrifood systems transformation
What is the Solutions-tree?
The Solutions-tree is a practical and analytical framework designed to support efforts to halt deforestation and forest degradation linked to agrifood systems. It brings together a wide range of existing solutions, measures and tools that address the underlying drivers of deforestation, with a focus on systemic change rather than isolated interventions. The Solutions-tree recognizes that deforestation is driven by complex, interconnected factors that extend beyond the forest sector. It therefore adopts a cross-sectoral perspective, linking agriculture, forestry, trade, finance, governance, data and livelihoods within a single, coherent framework.
Objectives of the Solutions-tree
The Solutions-tree aims to:
- support countries and partners in the development, review and implementation of halting deforestation and REDD+ strategies;
- inform the design of policies, programmes and investments addressing agriculture-linked deforestation;
- strengthen cross-sectoral dialogue and shared understanding among stakeholders; and
- facilitate the identification and scaling of solutions that deliver environmental, social and economic benefits.
The Solutions-tree structure
The Solutions-tree is organized around six systemic shifts that represent key levers for transforming the deforestation system towards sustainability.
Each systemic shift is linked to:
- solutions, which define priority areas for intervention; and
- measures, which are concrete, actionable steps that stakeholders can take to implement those solutions in practice.
Rather than linking individual measures to single drivers, the Solutions-tree emphasizes how combinations of measures can contribute to broader systemic change.
How the Solutions-tree can be used
The Solutions-tree is designed as a flexible and adaptable tool. It can be used at different stages and levels, including to:
- identify and prioritize solutions based on country- or context-specific drivers of deforestation;
- review existing strategies, policies or programmes and identify gaps or complementarities;
- support the formulation of project activities for national or international funding mechanisms; and
- facilitate stakeholder dialogue and shared analysis across sectors.
The Solutions-tree does not prescribe a single pathway. Users are encouraged to adapt it to their own context, capacities and priorities.
Who the Solutions-tree is for
The Solutions-tree is intended for a broad range of stakeholders involved in addressing deforestation, including:
- national and subnational governments;
- policymakers and technical agencies across agriculture, forestry and related sectors;
- project developers and practitioners;
- private sector actors and financial institutions;
- civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities; and
- development partners and research institutions.
A living framework
The Solutions-tree is a living framework that will continue to evolve based on new evidence, experience and user feedback. It builds on existing knowledge and practice and is designed to be updated over time as new solutions, tools and measures emerge.
Users are encouraged not only to apply the Solutions-tree in their work, but also to contribute to its further development.
If you have a relevant case study, practical example or measure that could strengthen the Solutions-tree, you are invited to share it by writing to Naoko Takahashi at [email protected]