Size of Wales’ Deforestation Free Champions Campaign had a huge boost at the start of January 2025 as Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has taken a significant step towards combating climate change and protecting biodiversity by becoming the world’s first Deforestation Free Champion Council.
This initiative recognises the impact of the council’s procurement practices, such as school meals, on tropical deforestation, which contributes to climate change and threatens the lives of Indigenous Peoples.
By signing the Deforestation Free Charter, MCC commits to finding alternatives to products which pose a deforestation risk, including promoting local food, buying fair trade and organic products and using its platform to advocate for reducing our global deforestation footprint among partners, communities, and suppliers.
During the council meeting on the 12th of December, former pupils from Osbaston, Kymin View, Raglan and Undy Primary Schools, who have now moved on to Monmouth Comprehensive and Haberdashers School, presented to the elected members on the work they have been doing together with Welsh charity, Size of Wales.
Nichola James, Deforestation Free Communities Campaign Officer at Size of Wales said:
“Monmouthshire County Council is leading the way in demonstrating how Wales can truly be a globally responsible nation, ensuring that what we buy and consume here in Wales does not drive deforestation and human rights abuses thousands of miles away. Having young people spearheading the campaign shows that together we can bring about change, one dish at a time. Our future depends on it”
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said:
“We are proud to be the first council in the world to take this bold step. Our young people have been instrumental in driving this change, highlighting the global impact of our local actions. Everyone can make a difference by thinking globally and acting locally.”
“I would like to thank all the pupils that attended the council meeting for their dedication to raising awareness of the importance of Deforestation.”
Thanks to funding from the COOP Foundation, this pilot project in Monmouthshire which has received huge support from the Council, schools, young people, community groups and farmers. MCC’s commitment to becoming a Deforestation Free Champion involves sharing its progress and encouraging other Councils across the nation to follow suit.
Further information can be found here: