A new publication launched by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) warns that more needs to be done to protect, restore and sustainably manage the world’s forests in order to achieve global biodiversity goals. Source: Timberbiz
Presented during Forest and Water Day at the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16), The Forest Factor: The role of protection, restoration, and sustainable management of forests for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework publication highlights the importance of the conservation of forest biodiversity and sustainable forest management in achieving the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The CPF report, which has been led by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), also tackles global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development and presents solutions for reversing deforestation and degradation and enhancing the health of forest ecosystems. Practical policy recommendations and pathways are identified for stakeholders to help them align with KMGBF targets.
“This report delivers a clear message: conservation, restoration and sustainable management and use is crucial for achieving the KMGBF targets,” said Zhimin Wu, Chairperson of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and Director of the Forestry Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
“This is a pivotal moment to connect biodiversity, climate change, hunger, and poverty as we journey from the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference to the 2025 UN Climate Conference.”
Forests shelter up to 80% of the terrestrial biodiversity, including more species of birds, reptiles, and mammals than any other habitat. At the same time, the global rate of extinction of forest species is now 1,000 times higher than historical norms.
The role of forests in climate regulation is also highlighted in the report, in addition to their significant economic value and the immense costs of biodiversity loss due to deforestation and degradation.
You can download the publication here.
