What We Do
Forests cover one-third of Earth and breathe life into our world, with tropical forests alone producing more than 40 per cent of the world’s oxygen. Forests are also the largest storehouses of carbon after oceans. So, it is no surprise that when we cut down or damage our forests, we release huge amounts of carbon emissions that contribute to devastating climate change.
But it is not just our planet that suffers when forests are destroyed. As forests are home to over eighty per cent of terrestrial biodiversity, deforestation of key tropical forests could lead to the loss of as many as 100 species a day. And, with more than 1 billion people directly dependent on forests for fuel, housing and nourishment, the fate of our forests may determine our own fate as well.
The WWF Forest and Climate Programme is committed to realizing the conservation and livelihood benefits of REDD+.
REDD+ should not only be recognized at the global level, but should also be defined and owned at the national level by tropical forest countries, and at the local level by the very communities that will most directly experience its impact.
The Forest and Climate Programme:
- Makes REDD+ work for indigenous peoples and local communities
- Develops models of zero net deforestation and degradation (ZNDD) landscapes
- Influences international REDD+ policy and funding
- Provides capacity building and learning support