SDG-Life On Land

Forest Nadin (28) & Zabila (36) Forests are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of land animal, plant and insect species. They also provide shelter, jobs, and security for forest-dependent communities. Forests have an important role in reducing the risk of natural disasters, including floods, droughts, landslides and other extreme events. At a global level, forests reduce climate change through carbon sequestration, contributing to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and moisture in the air and protecting river basins, which supply 75% of fresh water worldwide. Investing in forests and forestry represents an investment in people and their livelihoods, especially the rural poor, youth and women. About 1.6 billion people – including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures – depend on forests for their livelihoods. On the one hand, the Agenda highlights major weaknesses in the policies, methods and mechanisms adopted to support trees, forests and forest lands and their various ecological, economic, social and cultural roles. The agenda also mentions the importance of improving human, technical and professional skills, as well as expertise and capabilities to effectively formulate and implement policies, plans, programs, research and projects on the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and forest-based resources, and inclusive forest land, as well as other areas from which forest benefits can be obtained.