New paths to sustainably manage forests and oceans

An estimated 1.6 billion people, or 25 per cent of the global population, rely on forests for their subsistence needs, livelihoods, employment and income. In addition, more than 3 billion people rely on marine and coastal biodiversity to make a living.

Two new reports issued by the UN in April underscore the need to protect the world’s forests and ocean and to show pathways for managing them in more sustainable ways amid the escalating climate crisis and the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Global Forest Goals Report 2021, the first major evaluation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030, suggests that better preserved habitats and healthy agriculture are key routes forward and underscores the importance of indigenous peoples in forest protection and preservation.

Additionally, the second World Ocean Assessment (WOA II), warns that many benefits the ocean provides are increasingly being undermined by human actions. For instance, about 90 per cent of mangrove, seagrass and marsh plant species, as well as more than 30 per cent of seabird species, are facing the threat of extinction. More research, capacity development and sharing of data, information and technology will be critical to reverse the ocean’s decline.

To support the UN’s efforts towards the green and blue recoveries, UN DESA will host a Global Policy Dialogue on “Mitigating the climate impacts on sustainable ocean and forest management” on 26 May. Ocean scientists, forestry experts, policymakers and traditional knowledge practitioners will discuss the best approaches for integrating climate action into national forest and ocean policies to sustainably manage these resources.

The event will continue discussions held at the UN Forum on Forests in April and kick off many SDG 14 activities planned in the lead up to World Oceans Day on 8 June. It will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. EDT on 26 May and will be broadcast live on UN DESA’s Facebook page. Stay up-to-date on upcoming events by browsing this page.

Photo of Staghorn coral at low tide in Mu Koh Phetra National Park, Thailand, by Sirachai Arunrugstichai, 2018 World Oceans Day photo contest finalist, www.unworldoceansday.org.