1. Forests
Forests harbour more species and greater genetic diversity than any other biome on earth. Although the complex ecology of forests - particularly of tropical moist forests - is still not completely understood, recent research has vastly increased the number of expected but as yet undescribed species living in these ecosystems.
Forests worldwide (tropical, temperate, and boreal) remain under extreme threat. Despite the fine words and commitments made by governments at the Earth Summit (UNCED) in June 1992, the years since have seen increased rates of forest loss in many tropical countries. This destruction is the result of a multitude of factors, particularly the opening up of primary forests for timber exploitation, and expansion of both small- and large-scale agriculture as a result of growing human population pressure. Large-scale clear-felling for industrial exploitation and cattle ranching, particularly in Latin America, has also contributed to the rapid rate of forest loss.
In addition, it is becoming clear that the stable or expanding forest area in temperate and boreal countries has been disguising a rapid decline in species diversity in many of these forests, as well as increased clear-felling in Canada and Siberia. Intensive forest management practices, especially the conversion of natural forests to plantations, have set many species on the road to extinction. New threats, including the current enthusiasm for genetic engineering, further reduces biodiversity and, as a result, the resilience of forest ecosystems.
A tributary of the Pechora river flowing through the Pechora-Ilych Reserve in western Russia. WWF's forest conservation project (No. RU0007) seeks to secure the future of the Pechora-Ilych Strict Nature Reserve - the largest remaining virgin forest area in Europe - and to develop practical models for sustainable forestry.
WWF's Approach
WWF aims to halt and reverse the loss and degradation of forests and all kinds of woodlands, especially old-growth forests.
In view of the increasing rate of deforestation in the tropics and the loss of quality in temperate and boreal forests, it is necessary to take urgent measures to maintain and, where necessary, restore the forests of the world so that they can meet a wide range of human and non-human needs. Forest management systems must be based on the principle of sustainability - that is, management must be environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable. A prerequisite for maintaining the multiple functions of forests is the conservation of biodiversity at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. In future, management emphasis should shift from a narrow production focus towards the conservation of biodiversity and environmental functions, as these are the basis upon which any human use of forests depends.
To meet this challenge WWF has developed the following strategic objectives:
- Establishment of an ecologically representative network of protected areas (covering at least 10 per cent of the world's forest area by the year 2000)
- Achievement of environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable forest management outside protected areas
- Development and implementation of ecologically and socially appropriate forest restoration programmes
- Reduction of forest damage from global change (including terrestrial pollution and climate change)
- Use of forest goods and services at levels that do not damage the environment, including the elimination of wasteful consumption.
These objectives will be addressed by a combination of field and policy projects, including initiatives to support and promote international treaties concerning forests, and WWF's Forests for Life Campaign.
Forests for Life Campaign
The Forests for Life Campaign has two targets:
1. The establishment of an ecologically representative network of legally protected and effectively managed areas covering at least 10 per cent of each of the world's forest types by the end of the year 2000
2. The independent certification of at least 25 million hectares of well-managed forest by June 2001.