Forests and trees play a crucial role in agrifood systems, providing a wide range of benefits such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and soil protection. However, the ongoing deforestation and degradation of forests pose significant challenges to global climate change and agricultural productivity. A recent report issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned about the dire consequences of forest cover removal, especially in the tropics, on local temperatures and rainfall patterns.
The report emphasized the urgent need for innovation in the forestry sector to address these challenges and advance progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It called for immediate action from the international community to combat the escalating threats posed by wildfires, pests, and invasive species on forests worldwide.
Wildfires have become more intense and frequent in recent years, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In 2023 alone, wildfires emitted an estimated 6,687 megatonnes of carbon dioxide, exacerbating the effects of climate change. The boreal zone just south of the arctic experienced a record-high number of fires in 2021, contributing significantly to global wildfire emissions. Climate change-induced vulnerabilities have also made forests more susceptible to invasive species, with insects, pests, and disease pathogens posing a threat to tree growth and survival.
One such invasive species, the pine wood nematode, has caused substantial damage to native pine forests in certain Asian countries. In North America, projections indicate that areas will suffer severe damage from insects and disease by 2027. This destruction of forests is particularly concerning as global demand for wood production continues to rise, reaching four billion cubic meters per year. Projections suggest that global roundwood demand could increase by up to 49 percent between 2020 and 2050, further straining forest resources.
Nearly six billion people rely on non-timber forest products, while 70 percent of the world’s poor depend on wild species for their basic needs. The impact of forest degradation extends beyond environmental concerns, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of millions of people globally. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions that leverage science and technology to enhance forests’ resilience and sustainability.
The FAO identifies five types of innovation – technological, social, policy, institutional, and financial – that can help address global challenges and promote sustainable forest management. For example, the use of artificial intelligence for data analysis and innovative financing mechanisms can support forest conservation efforts. However, it is essential to ensure that these innovations benefit all members of society, including men, women, and youth from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized the importance of scaling up evidence-based innovation in forestry to strengthen sustainability and resilience in agrifood systems. He called for responsible and inclusive approaches to forest management that prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders and promote a better future for all. By prioritizing innovation and sustainable practices in the forestry sector, countries can work towards securing a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
