Investing in Nature: UN Underscores the Power of Healthy Forests

The United Nations Forum on Forests has emphasized that sustainable forests play a key role in responding to climate change and loss of biodiversity, threatening global efforts towards sustainability if deforestation is not curbed. The twentieth session of the Forum, held between May 5 and 9 in New York, emphasized halting forest loss, supporting sustainable forest products, and improving forest governance.

Though they play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem resilience, forests across the globe are under growing threats from deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change. Ismail Belen (Türkiye), the session Chair, emphasized the importance of investment in forest conservation and improved access to information and best practices. "There is no solution to climate change or loss of biodiversity without healthy forests," asserted Bob Rae (Canada), President of the UN Economic and Social Council.

The UN General Assembly has only recently declared 2027-2036 the "Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation" to boost global efforts at forest restoration. However, geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and insufficient finance remain major obstacles. UN Assistant Secretary-General Bjørg Sandkjær warned that there are only five years remaining to deliver some of the most critical forest-related targets of the 2030 Agenda.

Several countries showcased their success in sustainable forest management. Brazil reported reduced deforestation through economic incentives, and Russia intends to raise reforestation levels to over 1.2 million hectares. The Republic of Congo highlighted partnership with the EU for legal trade in timber and less than 1% of deforestation. Jamaica and Malaysia requested technical and financial support for improved forest surveillance and governance.

Morocco and Thailand emphasized entering forests into climate resilience, while Thailand aimed for an increased area of forest up to 40% by the year 2036. Indonesia set out its forestry sector net-zero emission pathway with support by results-based payment for greenhouse reductions.

The meeting also referenced country-led initiatives such as Congo's "Brazzaville Declaration," which proposed a biennial conference on forest management. Austria proposed an initiative on boosting sustainable forest-based bioeconomies, while Türkiye and South Korea outlined wildfire management and private sector engagement in reforestation plans.

Still, finance remains a key challenge. Juliette Biao, Director of the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat, warned that not having enough resources erodes the UN's ability to assist in delivering global forest goals. "What we do now will determine whether we reach our collective targets," she stated.

As the session came to a close, the delegates called for increased multilateral cooperation to protect forests, aware that their conservation is the key to a sustainable future.

Source: United Nations Forum on Forests
Credit: United Nations Press Release, May 12, 2025