Key messages
Forests power economies
From vital ecosystem services associated with water, climate and soils, to ecotourism, energy supply and raw materials, forests contribute trillions to the global economy and support millions of jobs worldwide.
An estimated USD 44 trillion – more than half of world gross domestic product – depends on nature, including forests
Forest landscapes reduce the cost of producing clean water and, by storing carbon and moderating temperatures, help protect economies from climate-related disasters that can cost billions.
The emerging bioeconomy has forests at its heart
Wood and bamboo can be used as renewable replacements for carbon-intensive materials such as steel, concrete and plastics.
Demand for forest products is at an all-time high
About 4 billion cubic metres of wood are being produced per year, with demand projected to rise as the population grows and the world seeks to replace carbon-intensive products with renewables – potentially requiring an additional 1 billion cubic metres of industrial roundwood by 2050.
Up to 5.8 billion people worldwide use non-wood forest products to support their livelihoods and well-being
Non-wood forest products, including foods, medicines, resins, ornamental plants and fodder, are worth at least USD 9.41 billion per year globally and have enormous potential to grow.
Woodfuel makes substantial contributions to economies at both the household and industrial scales
Fuelwood and charcoal provide essential energy for cooking and heating to more than 2 billion people worldwide and support the livelihoods of hundreds of millions more, while modern woodfuel such as pellets are used at an industrial scale for power and heat applications.
Healthy forests mean healthy communities
Forests are the economic backbone of many rural communities by supplying foods, medicines, fuel and income, as well as benefits such as cooling effects, clean water and soil stabilization.
Investing in forest conservation, restoration and sustainable use pays off
Forest loss is expensive, leading to soil erosion, flooding, costly climate impacts and productivity loss that often far outweigh short-term economic gains.