Harnessing forest potential: cost-effective climate solutions with co-benefits

Protected, restored, and sustainably managed forests store and sequester carbon, provide global cooling effects, stabilize local climates, contribute to the bioeconomy, and supply products and ecosystem services that enhance the adaptive capacity and resilience of people and ecosystems.

FAO catalyzes local forest solutions by advocating and enhancing sustainable forest management at national and local levels to integrate multiple social, economic, and environmental functions of forests. Community based forestry and social forestry are central to this approach for forest protection and securing rural livelihoods.  

FAO’s work in this area supports countries with informed decision-making through data use, promotes the adoption of sustainable forest management practices, and develops low emission- livelihoods in forest value chains. In particular strengthening the role of indigenous peoples, women and marginalized groups are central to our work.