Biofuels are produced as an alternative for crude oil to reduce carbon emissions and to prepare for the shortage of oil in the future. Most biofuels today are produced from agricultural products such as palm oil, soy, sugarcane and jatropha, which leads to increased pressure on lands and territories of indigenous peoples.

Increased demand for biofuels has led to landgrab in violation of indigenous peoples’ right to free, prior and informed consent. This created many conflicts and violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples.

Related NCIV activity:

• Policy dialogue on sustainability criteria for biofuels

NCIV is currently working on a dialogue with the EU and the Dutch government to safeguard the rights of indigenous peoples in sustainibily criteria and in bi-lateral agreements about biofuels. Read more>>