Vital forest graphics: stopping the downswing?

This atlas focuses on a number of selected issues that are topical and important in terms of forests. The atlas examines changes in forest cover in various parts of the world over the last century. It also provides an analysis of the most salient features of the largest forest ecosystems, as well as the boreal forests. The atlas also analyses the role and importance of forests with regard to the most pressing environmental issues currently, including:

• climate change
• loss of biodiversity
• trade and environment
• air pollution
• energy and biofuels
• agriculture and food security.

The report highlights that international trade can foster economic development, and create incentives for sustainable forest management. Moreover, it indicates that equitable access to well-functioning markets can promote sustainable resource management and contribute to poverty alleviation, rural development and the strengthening of forest-based communities. Yet, the report finds it important that policies created and enforced to guarantee trade are not linked to unsustainable resource depletion and illegal practices.

Some of the critical conclusions drawn from the report are:

• while there is no substitute for the environmental services provided by natural primary forests, forests worldwide continue to disappear at an alarming rate
• the growing debate about the costs and benefits of biofuel production calls for a cautious approach toward further incentives for this sector
• increasing interest in green construction and procurement suggests the demand for certified wood will continue to increase. However, it is still unclear whether wood grown using truly sustainable and socially responsible practices will be able to meet this increased demand
• international finance institutions and export credit agencies are key multilateral players in ensuring good forest governance. The tool of this insurance is the loans to corporations that the institutions provide.