In the face of diminishing foreign aid and escalating climate disasters, Santiago Gowland, the CEO of the Rainforest Alliance, expresses a forward-looking optimism for global development. Despite substantial cuts in funding from affluent nations and the looming spectre of climate-related adversities, Gowland argues that this period presents a unique opportunity for systemic transformation in sustainability practices.
A Changing Landscape for Global Development
The global development framework is currently navigating uncharted waters, characterised by significant reductions in foreign aid, climate shocks, and geopolitical instability. In 2025, foreign aid from wealthy nations plummeted by 23%, largely due to the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Concurrently, the UK is poised to slash its aid to numerous African nations by over 80% in the coming years. As these cuts bite deeper, the repercussions are felt most acutely in developing countries, where the fallout from geopolitical tensions and climate anomalies rapidly escalates.
Against this backdrop, Gowland maintains that a paradigm shift is underway. He emphasises that the corporate sector is beginning to recognise the intrinsic value of climate-resilient supply chains, marking a departure from a mere superficial commitment to sustainability. “There is an opportunity now to move beyond incremental improvements and pursue changes that can transform entire sectors,” he asserts.
Emphasising Systemic Transformation
The Rainforest Alliance’s focus on smallholder farmers is integral to its mission. This demographic constitutes over 60% of the workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the agricultural output from these farmers remains vital to many nations’ economies. With products such as cocoa, coffee, and tropical fruits featuring prominently in UK supermarkets, the organisation’s certification seal is a marker of ethical and sustainable farming practices.
Gowland’s vision for the future pivots around the necessity for collaborative approaches within entire supply chains. “What the development sector needs to do is move beyond isolated interventions and work towards change at the level of entire systems,” he explains. This approach not only enhances the resilience of agricultural practices but also bolsters the economic viability of farmers, enabling them to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
The Rainforest Alliance has recently introduced a “regenerative agriculture” standard aimed at elevating soil health and biodiversity. The first farm to receive this certification, La Cumplida in Nicaragua, illustrates the potential benefits of integrating nature-friendly methods into agricultural practices. “Farmers stop deforesting while also gaining productivity. This benefits their returns and helps the environment,” Gowland elaborates, underscoring the tangible successes that can be achieved through sustainable farming.
The Role of Investments and Policy Reform
In Gowland’s perspective, the shift from dependency on aid to investment-led solutions is not only logical but essential. He acknowledges that while foreign aid is crucial for immediate support, a long-term strategy focusing on market dynamics will better empower communities and lift them out of poverty. “It is very difficult to respond at the speed and scale the world needs today with models that merely react to market supply and demand,” he notes.
Furthermore, Gowland highlights the importance of robust supply chain laws that promote ethical practices among large corporations. The Rainforest Alliance actively collaborates with policymakers to shape legislation such as the German Supply Chain Act and the EU Deforestation Regulation. Despite these efforts, the UK government has faced criticism for its lack of action on similar legislation. “The Government currently seems to be missing in action when it comes to pushing through this vital piece of legislation,” states Sophia Ostler, senior policy manager at the Fairtrade Foundation.
The Path Ahead
As the Rainforest Alliance continues to expand its reach—supporting over 10 million farmers and farmworkers and engaging with 390 million consumers—it is clear that the need for a strategic and cohesive approach to sustainability is more pressing than ever. Gowland’s management philosophy pushes for efficiency and innovation within the organisation, asserting that the mission of fostering sustainable development deserves nothing less than optimal operational effectiveness.
He calls on investors and governments alike to recognise that sustainable models are not merely altruistic but essential for ensuring stability in agricultural economies. “What we are doing is a win-win for everyone,” he asserts, encapsulating the interconnected benefits of fostering climate resilience.
Why it Matters
The current trajectory of global development, marked by dwindling aid and rising climate challenges, necessitates a bold reimagining of sustainability practices. As articulated by Gowland, embracing systemic transformation and strengthening partnerships between the corporate sector and local communities could pave the way for a more resilient future. This is vital not only for the well-being of farmers and their communities but also for global stability in an increasingly interconnected world. The Rainforest Alliance’s mission to elevate sustainable practices highlights a path forward that is both innovative and essential to addressing the pressing challenges of our time.
