We all rely on forests. They generate the oxygen we breathe, provide water to quench our thirst and livelihoods to some 1.6 billion people worldwide. They play a critical role for a healthy climate, and ultimately, for our survival. Yet, they continue to be under threat.

Forests are vitally important for sustaining life on Earth, and play a major role in the fight against climate change. With the 2019 session of the United Nations Forum on Forests wrapping up on Friday in New York, we delve deeper into the subject, and find out what the UN is doing to safeguard and protect them.

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It is estimated that 1.6 billion people, or 25 per cent of the human population, depend on forests for subsistence, livelihood, employment and income generation. Forests provide ecosystem services, such as timber, food, fuel, fodder, non-wood products and shelter – which are essential for human well-being. At the same time, they contribute to soil and water conservation, carbon storage and clean air.

The UN drew attention to the vital role that forests play in addressing some of the world’s greatest environmental challenges on Thursday, and the importance of tackling the issues that threaten them, such as deforestation, and land degradation.

Marking the 2019 International Day of Forests, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched new forestry education initiatives aimed at raising awareness amongst young people about their sustainable use and conservation, and some of the m

Throughout human history, forests and trees have been connected to learning, wisdom and enlightenment.  Forests and trees have served as outdoor classrooms, providing healthy learning-locations for outdoor-education and fostering environmental stewardship in children from an early age.

Forests are among the world’s most productive renewable natural resources, providing sustainable paths to development as a key driver of economic growth while providing livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people, particularly in rural areas.

UN Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador spotlights sustainable forest-based fashion at High-level Political Forum for Sustainable Development



Malaysian-born film star and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh has attended the High-level Political Forum in New York on Monday to put the spotlight on the role that clothing manufacture and consumer fashion can have for a better planet with a new video, called “Made in Forests.”

“The connection between our clothes and our impact on the environment doesn’t immediately come to mind”

Throughout history, people have depended on forests and trees for the vital resources they provide, to sustain economies, societies and human well-being. It is estimated that the economic value of ecosystem services provided by forests globally could be worth as much as US$16.2 trillion. Billions of people rely on forests to generate energy, for materials to build their homes, as well as for livelihood, health, and food. Forests are also home to an estimated 80 per cent of all terrestrial species.

Changing the way we manage lands, food production and forests is key to guaranteeing food security for a growing and more urbanized population, said Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in her opening address to an international conference on halting deforestation, taking place in Rome from 20th to 22nd February.



Rapid population growth accelerates global demand for forest products and services including timber, fibre, fuel, food, fodder and medicine.