Protected landscapes or sustainable management? Where lies the future for forests and biodiversity?
Forests can be found on only 6% of the planet but they contain 90% of the terrestrial biodiversity. As forest declines , biodiversity is lost at ever greater numbers. As the economic system demands a growing amount of resources and developments like climate change increase the vulnerability of ecosystems , the pressure on forest landscapes will not vanish. Nevertheless, millions of humans depend on forests for their livelihoods and the world economy is hungry for more forest biomass. In this situation the question unfolds, where a compromise can be found between the protection of forest landscapes and its sustainable management. Do we see nature as being separate from human kind, or can we also be a positive contributing factor for biodiversity in creating diverse landscapes? Where is it essential to purely protect and where not? Which international, national and regional policies on forests and biodiversity exist and how can they shape the enhancement of forest biodiversity?
In order to better understand these questions, showcase possible answers and stimulate an active discussion, the following speakers already confirmed their participation:
- Christian Schwarzer, Focal Point Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN)
- Yara Acaf, Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) Representative Lebanon
- Carl von Amirgulashvili, Head of the Biodiversity and Forestry Department at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia
- Mr Ben Gunneberg, CEO and Secretary General of PEFC International
Main Learning outcomes
How to enhance and strengthen Forest Biodiversity:
- Create possibilities that allow people to reconnect with their immediate forest landscapes
- Localization of forest governance and promoting co-management approaches
- Forest and Forest Biodiversity advocacy and educational action through urban forest certification