NEW YORK, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) witnessed the launch of the first global synthesis report on international forest governance in 14 years. This report reveals a significant trend known as the ‘climatization’ of forests, which reflects a shift in global focus towards valuing forests primarily for their ability to sequester carbon. Unfortunately, this trend is diminishing their value as complex ecosystems and for social welfare.
The report, titled “International Forest Governance: A Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches,” was produced by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). It highlights the need for policymakers to support long-term, locally driven alternatives to market-based forest governance.
One of the key findings of this study is that international forest governance has made limited progress in slowing down deforestation, despite some advancements in reducing global rates of tropical deforestation. The urgency of the climate crisis has led to the commodification of forests, with a focus on short-term economic gains through market-based approaches such as forest carbon trading and zero deforestation supply chains. However, these approaches risk perpetuating inequalities and have adverse effects on sustainable forest management.
To address these challenges, the report emphasizes the importance of equity, justice, and the protection of land rights for resource-dependent communities. It calls on policymakers to value forests beyond their carbon sequestration potential and prioritize long-term market-based investments that support a just and sustainable future for forest communities.
In measuring the success of forest governance, the report argues that deforestation rates alone offer a restricted picture. Forests provide numerous essential goods and services for people, and governance effectiveness should be evaluated based on these needs.
Ultimately, the report provides actionable insights for land use and climate policymakers, urging them to prioritize equity and justice in forest governance. It also stresses the importance of considering the social dependencies and impacts when making decisions related to forests. By adopting a holistic approach and valuing forests for their multiple benefits, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Global Trend: Forests are Being Valued Primarily for Their Carbon Sinking Capacity
The article discusses the trend of valuing forests primarily for their ability to sequester carbon, also known as the ‘climatization’ of forests. This trend reflects a shift in global focus towards addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the article highlights several key challenges and controversies associated with this trend.
Current Market Trends:
1. Forest Carbon Trading: One market-based approach to valuing forests for their carbon sequestration potential is through forest carbon trading. This involves the buying and selling of carbon credits generated by forests that have successfully sequestered carbon. Market trends show an increasing demand for these carbon credits as companies and countries look to offset their carbon emissions.
2. Zero Deforestation Supply Chains: Another market-based approach is the establishment of zero deforestation supply chains. Companies are increasingly committed to sourcing products from suppliers who do not contribute to deforestation. This trend has led to greater pressure on forest governance to ensure that deforestation is actively reduced.
Forecasts:
1. Increased Market Demand: The trend of valuing forests for their carbon sinking capacity is likely to continue in the future as more companies and countries set ambitious climate targets. This will create a growing demand for market-based mechanisms, such as forest carbon trading, to achieve these goals.
2. Growing Importance of Forest Certification: With the focus on sustainable forest management and zero deforestation, the demand for forest certification is expected to rise. Certification schemes verify that forests are managed according to specific environmental and social criteria, providing assurance to consumers and markets.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
1. Perpetuating Inequalities: The commodification of forests through market-based approaches can perpetuate inequalities, as wealthier actors may have more access and influence over forest resources. This raises concerns about the equitable distribution of benefits from forest conservation and management.
2. Adverse Effects on Sustainable Forest Management: While market-based approaches may contribute to reducing deforestation, there are concerns about their impact on overall sustainable forest management. The focus on carbon sequestration can overshadow the need to address other forest functions, such as biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
1. Climate Change Mitigation: Valuing forests for their carbon sinking capacity can help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide in trees and storing it long-term.
2. Economic Opportunities: Market-based approaches, such as forest carbon trading, can provide economic opportunities for local communities and countries with valuable forest resources. This can incentivize sustainable forest management practices.
Disadvantages:
1. Social and Environmental Trade-offs: The exclusive focus on carbon sequestration may lead to trade-offs with social and environmental considerations. It is important to ensure that the rights and welfare of forest-dependent communities are protected and that biodiversity and ecosystem services are not compromised.
2. Simplification of Forest Value: Valuing forests primarily for their carbon sequestration potential may oversimplify their overall value as complex ecosystems that provide a wide range of goods and services to humans and wildlife.
For more information on forest governance and related issues, visit the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) website: https://www.iufro.org/.