Forests Will Play Major Role In Green Economy, U.N. Says

Forests will play a major role as the world transitions to a new, greener economy, according to the latest State of the World's Forests report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

In the report, the FAO makes case that better and more sustainable use of forestry resources can make a significant contribution to meeting many of the core challenges the world now faces, including reducing poverty and hunger, minimizing the impacts of climate change, and creating alternative and more sustainable sources of bio-products and bio-energy for human use. It specifically pointed out that wood products-if sourced from well-run forestry operations-can store carbon and be recycled easily. "The promotion of a sustainable forest-based industry offers a way to improve rural economies while meeting sustainability goals," the report reads.

"Forests and trees on farms are a direct source of food, energy and cash income for more than a billion of the world's poorest people," said FAO Assistant Director-General for Forestry Eduardo Rojas-Briales. "At the same time, forests trap carbon and mitigate climate change, maintain water and soil health, and prevent desertification. The sustainable management of forests offers multiple benefits-with the right programs and policies, the sector can lead the way towards more sustainable, greener economies."

Investments in wood products industries can generate jobs, create assets and revitalize the lives of millions living in rural areas, according to the FAO. There are roughly 350 million poor people-including 60 million indigenous people-who depend on forests for daily subsistence and long-term survival. The FAO also pointed out that agroforestry-incorporating trees into traditional agriculture-is, in some cases, contributing up to 40 percent of farm income via harvesting of wood, fruits, oils and medicines.

The report was presented during Rio+20 Conference, which concluded on Friday.