Speaking at the Natural History Museum in London, he praised the Rainforest Alliance for its ongoing work to conserve biodiversity and create sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.
He highlighted its pioneering efforts in bring sustainability to the mainstream consumer through its certification program.
“The Rainforest Alliance has demonstrated what can be achieved when you reconcile the needs of communities with those of habitats; and champion solutions that recognise the interdependency of environmental, social and economic stability,” he said.
This includes working closely with governments to create the right environment for bringing about long-term change.
Paul said: “Only by working collaboratively, by harnessing the joint resources, reach and energy of the public and private sectors will we have the scale and impetus necessary to drive forward new models of sustainable production and consumption."