Neha Simlai

Neha has been working on market-based mechanisms that promoting the uptake of sustainably sourced commodities for the last two decades across the Asia Pacific region. Her work has focused on advancing nature-based solutions (NbS) and managing deforestation risk in key commodity value chains like timber, fiber, and rubber, among others. At FSC Neha has been building commodity-focussed platforms that help link demand and supply of FSC certified material from APAC. Neha also represents the organization in strategic market engagements and partnerships. She drives a comprehensive range of value-chain-related programs that build FSC as a trusted forest solution and market tool in the region.

Neha has lived, studied and worked in India, Bangladesh, Singapore and is currently based in Hong Kong.

My Sustainability Goals for 2026:

I will aim to demonstrate how FSC continues to effectively strengthen the business case for responsible sourcing, linking downstream demand to upstream production and supply. I will discuss how businesses can meet stakeholder expectations and address the growing demand for sustainability while remaining competitive in the market, while also effectively restoring, enhancing, and protecting biodiversity through forest certification. Through this session, I also hope to provide an overview of our work with key value chains, including rubber, tropical timber, textiles, and packaging, in the context of the fast-paced Asia-Pacific markets.