Forests
Forests are the most biologically-diverse terrestrial ecosystems, home to more than 80% of the species of animals, plants and insects that live on land. Yet, despite decreased deforestation rates in some regions in recent years, forest ecosystems are still under great threat. Forests play a significant role in reducing the risk of natural disasters, including floods, droughts, and landslides. Forests also mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration, contribute to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air, and protect watersheds, which supply 75% of the world’s fresh water. Forests provide people with food, water, wood products, vital medicines, shelter, jobs, and security. In fact, more than 1.6 billion people—including more than 2,000 Indigenous cultures—depend on forests for their livelihoods. Investing in forests and forestry is an investment in forest dwellers and their livelihoods, especially the rural poor, youth, and women.
Events and Articles
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60th Session of the International Tropical Timber Council
Delegates will discuss the roadmap for renegotiating the 2006 iteration of the International Tropical Timber Agreement—the only global agreement focused on tropical forests.
27th Session of the FAO Committee on Forestry
Delegates approved recommendations on the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) work on urban forestry, forestry’s contribution to FAO’s work on climate change and integrated water management, agriculture and forestry linkages, a forest-based bioeconomy, and integrated wildfire management.
67th Meeting of the GEF Council
Council concluded deliberations on a heavy agenda, confirming key decisions taken throughout the four days of meetings including the first ever work program for the newly established GBFF, and the largest ever LDCF work program.
IUFRO Side Event at UNFF19: Presentation of Report by IUFRO’s Science-Policy Programme on International Forest Governance
A side event organized by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), held during the 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19), launched the publication of the first global synthesis report on international forest governance in 14 years.
19th Session of the UNFF
After a challenging week, delegates successfully adopted a declaration signalling high-level commitment to forests, and an omnibus resolution that reviewed the effectiveness of the International Arrangement on Forests and set the mandate for specific future actions to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation.
66th Meeting of the GEF Council
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council Members will consider a new work program of the GEF Trust Fund under GEF’s eighth replenishment cycle, how to streamline the GEF project cycle, and possible actions to support the new agreement on conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
59th Session of the International Tropical Timber Council
The Council adopted five decisions, including: to determine by 1 June 2024 on extending the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006 to 2029; projects for sustainable forest management and related objectives; its budget and work programme for 2024-25; and a four-year trial period allowing members in arrears to submit projects for possible funding.
65th Meeting of the GEF Council
The 65th meeting of the Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) took place in a virtual setting, focusing on the GEF Strategy for Knowledge Management and Learning; enhancing policy coherence; and relations with Conventions and international institutions. Council Members further decided on the dates for the 66th to 68th Council meetings in 2024.
7th GEF Assembly
In a watershed moment for biodiversity, GEF Assembly members unanimously agreed to ratify the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund—a new source of funding for protecting endangered species and their ecosystems globally. The meeting also featured the first-ever Partnership Forum, which brought together Indigenous Peoples, youth, women, and representatives of civil society organizations to discuss ways the GEF can support their empowerment and recognition.
64th Meeting of the GEF Council
Council Members focused on supporting new, key environmental agreements and frameworks, reaching consensus on the establishment of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, including its programming directions, and on preparing the GEF to serve as part of the financial mechanism for the Agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).