Celebrating International Day of Forests: Recognizing Forests as Pillars of Food Security, Livelihoods, and Climate Stability
On March 21, we celebrate International Day of Forests, which this year highlights the theme “Forests and Food.”
Forests cover 30% of the Earth’s surface and contain over 60,000 known tree species—with countless more still waiting to be discovered. These diverse ecosystems can be broadly categorized into three main types: Boreal, Temperate, and Tropical forests, each essential for sustaining life on our planet.
Around 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods, and forests provide habitats for more than 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Additionally, forests play a crucial role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide emissions and releasing oxygen, serving as natural climate stabilizers.
Conserving forests to ensure food security, thriving communities, and a healthier planet
Forests play a crucial role in ensuring food security and nutritional diversity by providing communities with essential resources such as seeds, roots, fruits, and wild meats.
They enhance agricultural productivity through habitats that sustain pollinator populations vital for crop cultivation. As a sustainable source of energy, forests supply wood for cooking and heating needs.
Moreover, forests are instrumental in climate regulation, effectively sequestering greenhouse gases and moderating local microclimates through canopy shading.
Additionally, forested watersheds are critical for freshwater security, delivering clean water to more than 85% of the world’s major urban centers. Economically, forests bolster resilience by contributing up to 20% of rural household incomes, supporting both livelihoods and healthy diets.
However, these vital ecosystems face severe threats. The UN reports that deforestation claims approximately 10 million hectares each year, with an additional 70 million hectares impacted by forest fires – impacting communities, livelihoods, health, and homes. An estimated 30% of tree species are at risk of going extinct, while 440 species have fewer than 50 individuals left in the wild. Immediate action to protect and restore forests is critical; the health of our planet and future generations depends upon it.
Enduring Earth engages with Indigenous peoples, governments, and local NGOs, in their leadership to durably conserve biodiverse forest ecosystems in key regions such as Colombia, Mongolia, and initiatives around the world. Together with more than 100 local partners, our efforts leverage the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model.
This sustainable finance approach offers a powerful mechanism to secure carbon-rich ecosystems, protect biodiversity, foster community resilience, and help nations meet 2030 goals. In addition, PFPs ensure equitable and inclusive partnerships and deliver lasting social and environmental benefits.
The PFP model centers around nine core components, uniting all stewards in an ambitious vision that integrates biodiversity conservation with sustainable community economic development. Each project is guided by a robust financial framework and structured budget, ensuring sustainable funding and long-term success.
While each PFP agreement is uniquely adapted to local contexts, these shared components provide the foundation for transformative, enduring environmental and socioeconomic outcomes.
By aligning conservation strategies with financial sustainability and community goals, PFPs provide a replicable, scalable approach to effectively address the urgent environmental challenges threatening forests and the communities and people that depend on them.