| Popis: |
Pressure from the major users and traders of sugar and ethanol led to the formation of the Better Sugar Cane Initiative to develop certifiable standards for sustainable production of sugarcane. Following acceptance of the principles to be adopted, the processes involved in setting up and agreeing on a global standard are described. Over a period of about four years, a production standard, incorporating environmental, social and economic elements, and a chain of custody standards were developed and approved by the members. Now called Bonsucro, the organisation is funded almost entirely by its members, all involved directly or indirectly in the sugarcane sector, and operational and credible governance structures are in place. Certification is carried out by independent and approved certification bodies and experience to date in the certification of sugar and ethanol is described. Since it was established, the number of members of Bonsucro and the area under certified sugarcane has continued to grow steadily. The increasing acceptance of sustainability standards is being demonstrated with implications for all stakeholders. Possible limitations of a global metrics standard, challenges with respect to international recognition, and future improvements are finally discussed. |
