CPF explains role on primary forests worldwide

The Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) just released eight fact sheets, with information about the importance of forests and sustainable forest management, as well as their role in sustainable development and green economy. Some of the topics covered are the multiple functions of forests, food security and livelihoods, biodiversity and adaptation to climate change.

Forests can provide wealth to communities, providing food, wood, fiber and several ingredients for pharmaceutical products. They also have regulatory functions inside the local ecosystems, climate patterns, water and clean air supply. All of these roles can be affected by human activity and negligence from government and society.

The destruction of forests can also increase the carbon emissions, and contribute to magnify the negative effects of climate change. Biodiversity is also in danger, and since moist-forests are being damaged, several species are being disrupted. There is also a negative effect on native communities, since most of their inhabitants depend on the surrounding natural environment to survive. Around 60 million people are affected directly by the effects on their habitats.

Meanwhile, primary forests are being cut down at an alarming rate. In the last decade, 42 million hectares of primary forests were lost worldwide and more than 35 thousand acres every day. Even countries that protect their forests by securing a zone near population centers cannot guarantee the integrity of the rest of their primary forests. This has had a negative impact on ecosystems and native populations.

The fact sheets are available at: http://www.cpfweb.org/76228/en/