Why do we need to protect forests?
Protecting forests matters because:
The importance of forests and communities
Our forests are under threat. Forests play a vital role in regulating the climate, supporting biodiversity and support the livelihoods and culture of millions of people. We promote robust, inclusive laws that uphold the rights of forest-dependent communities while working to prevent deforestation caused by international trade.
Forests are crucial in combatting climate change and mitigating its impacts
Forests play a critical role in storing and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, reducing global warming risks. They also capture rainfall, while preventing soil erosion, protecting communities from landslides and floods.
Many communities are dependent on forests for their livelihoods
By working with forest communities and promoting laws that uphold their rights, we support them to actively participate in sustainably managing their land to improve the health of the world’s forests.
International trade is one of the key drivers of deforestation
By pushing for greater legal obligations and stricter scrutiny of supply chains we can hold companies and investors accountable for deforestation.
Forests are home to most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity
We work with communities and regulators to safeguard forests and the species that depend on them, ensuring nature thrives alongside people.
Learn about our community forestry work
Deforestation at a glance
20%
of all illegally sourced timber ends up in the EU.
90%
of the world's forests have already disappeared.
2.6bn
tonnes of carbon dioxide is absorbed by the world’s forests every year.
25%
of people around the world rely on forest resources for their livelihoods
Meet the team
Our lawyers working to protect forests
More on our forests work
Help us protect forests
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