Eighteenth Session Of The United Nations Forum On Forests:
The eighteenth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF18), held in New York from May 8-12, 2023, brought together delegates from around the world to discuss the relationship between sustainable forest management (SFM), energy, and the achievement of the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- In a recent development, experts have underscored the significance of practicing SFM in tropical regions.
- With the surge in bioenergy consumption since 2013, there has been a mounting strain on forests, making the need for sustainable sourcing of tropical timber even more crucial.
- The rise in bioenergy usage, driven by the global push for renewable energy sources, has inadvertently created additional pressure on tropical forests.
- As bioenergy relies on biomass, such as wood pellets and chips, as fuel, the demand for timber has intensified.
- This has raised concerns about the potential negative impact on forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and the overall sustainability of these regions.
- By implementing sustainable practices, such as selective logging and reforestation, the long-term health and vitality of these forests can be safeguarded.
- Forestry director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the significant contribution of forest ecosystems to renewable energy requirements.
- Over five billion people worldwide benefit from non-timber forest products, with forests providing 55% of these renewable energy needs.
- The Emissions Gap Report’s findings underscore the immense climate mitigation potential that forests hold.
- Through processes such as carbon sequestration, forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- By preserving and sustainably managing forests, nations can leverage this natural capacity to help bridge the emissions gap and achieve climate targets.
