Forests

Forests, areas of land dominated by tree cover, are the dominant ecosystem on the terrestrial lands of planet Earth, covering nearly a third of Earth’s landmass.

Forests provide habitat for the vast majority of the Earth’s terrestrial (land-based) biodiversity. 80% of the Earth’s amphibian species, 75% of bird species and 68% of mammal species all find habitat in Earth’s forests. In addition, mangrove forests are critical as nursery habitat for many fish species and to filter sediments and provide stability for many reef, seagrass and other marine ecosystems. Forests make up three quarters of the productivity of the Earth’s biosphere and four fifths of the Earth’s plant biomass.

Yet the degradation and loss of forests globally, through logging, clearing and agriculture, is occurring at an alarming rate.

Halting and reversing the loss and degradation of Earth’s forests and ensuring for their long-term conservation and restoration, is absolutely critical to the survival and flourishing of life on Earth.