This article was shared by the R&B Timbers Group by cifor.org.

Asia Pacific - Industry leaders showed their commitment to developing more sustainable business practices at the Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit which was held between 3-5 August 2016 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. Stakeholders got together accelerate practical action on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and achieving sustainable development in the region.

Rainforests in the Asia-Pacific account for 26 percent of the region's land area, and support the livelihoods of around 450 million people. They contain a wealth of natural heritage and biodiversity, and are a critical engine for economic growth.

Building on global commitments made under the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and regional commitments made at the inaugural Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit held in Sydney in 2014, the three-day gathering promoted sustainable management of forests and landscapes in the reigon as a key factor for mitigating climate change and driving development.

The Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit was hosted by the Government of Brunei Darussalam and supported by the Australian Government in this year.

The private sector representatives were joined by leaders in government, civil society and research in discussions on ways to slow, halt and reverse deforestation in the region.

While recognizing the challenges that come with change, the leaders agreed that aiming for sustainability is essential for business as well as for landscapes, which include social, economic, environmental and cultural elements. An integrated landscape approach was identified as the best way forward to conserving and restoring Asia-Pacific forests, with a strong role for the private sector in the process.

In this video: Perpetua George of Wilmar International, Aida Greenbury of Asia Pulp & Paper, Paul Tregidgo of Credit Suisse and Martijn Wilder of Baker & McKenzie give their perspectives on the sidelines of the Summit.