The State of the World's Forests 2022: Forest Pathways for Green Recovery and Building Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Economies

The 2022 edition of The State of the World's Forests explores the potential of three forest pathways for achieving green recovery and tackling multidimensional planetary crises, including climate change and biodiversity loss. These pathways include halting deforestation, restoring degraded lands, and sustainably using forests. The balanced pursuit of these pathways can generate sustainable economic and social benefits, meet global demand for materials, and address environmental challenges.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Against the backdrop of the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use, which pledged 140 countries to eliminate forest loss by 2030 and support restoration and sustainable forestry, the 2022 edition of The State of the World's Forests (SOFO) explores the potential of three forest pathways for achieving green recovery and tackling multidimensional planetary crises, including climate change and biodiversity loss. The three interrelated pathways are halting deforestation and maintaining forests, restoring degraded lands and expanding agroforestry, and sustainably using forests and building green value chains. The balanced, simultaneous pursuit of these pathways can generate sustainable economic and social benefits for countries and their rural communities, help sustainably meet increasing global demand for materials, and address environmental challenges.

The State of the World's Forests 2022 presents evidence on the feasibility and value of these pathways and outlines initial steps that could be taken to further pursue them. It is imperative that action is taken now to keep the global temperature increase below 1.5 êC, reduce the risk of future pandemics, ensure food security and nutrition for all, eliminate poverty, conserve the planet's biodiversity, and offer young people hope of a better world and a better future for all.

The Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use recognized the critical role of forests in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. It acknowledged the need to halt deforestation, promote forest restoration, and enhance sustainable forest management practices. The declaration also emphasized the importance of promoting agroforestry, which combines agriculture and forestry to improve soil health, provide livelihoods, and conserve biodiversity.

The three forest pathways identified by SOFO are interconnected and complementary, and their implementation can lead to significant benefits for both the environment and society. Halting deforestation and maintaining forests is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. By preserving and restoring forests, we can capture and store carbon, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, forests provide habitat for countless species, protect watersheds, and regulate the Earth's climate.

Restoring degraded lands and expanding agroforestry is another critical pathway for achieving green recovery. Degraded lands, such as those affected by desertification, deforestation, or land degradation, can be restored through sustainable land management practices, including reforestation, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture. Agroforestry combines trees with crops or livestock, providing multiple benefits such as improved soil fertility, increased biodiversity, and enhanced carbon sequestration. It can also help to reduce poverty and improve food security by providing income opportunities for rural communities.

Sustainably using forests and building green value chains is the third pathway identified by SOFO. This involves promoting the sustainable management of forests, including the use of renewable energy sources, the development of sustainable forest products, and the promotion of forest-based industries. By building green value chains, we can create economic opportunities while reducing environmental impacts. For example, sustainable forest management can provide raw materials for renewable energy production, while sustainable forest products can help to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable consumption.

The State of the World's Forests 2022 provides evidence on the feasibility and value of these three forest pathways for achieving green recovery and tackling multidimensional planetary crises. It highlights the potential benefits of each pathway, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and enhanced carbon sequestration. The report also outlines initial steps that could be taken to further pursue these pathways, such as developing policies and regulations, investing in research and development, and promoting international cooperation.

However, implementing these three forest pathways will require significant efforts and resources. It will require the cooperation of governments, international organizations, private sector companies, and local communities. It will also require a shift in mindset, from short-term economic gains to long-term sustainability and environmental protection.

In conclusion, the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use provides a roadmap for achieving green recovery and tackling multidimensional planetary crises. The three forest pathways identified by SOFO offer a promising solution for achieving sustainable development and promoting a better future for all. However, the implementation of these pathways will require significant efforts and resources. It is imperative that we take action now to protect our forests and promote sustainable development practices. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient world for future generations.

Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251359846