Issues
Forests are essential for life on earth.
They create soil, maintain the water cycle and are a vast source of nutrients. They make the weather and protect us from hurricanes, droughts and floods. They build and cool the atmosphere, and feed, cure and shelter more creatures than we can count. They are home to 300 million people and provide livelihoods for one fifth of humanity.
They are also a haven in times of stress. Even a short time in a forest can improve one’s mood, cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure and stress. They inspire our children and are the starting point for many of our most cherished fairy tales, folklores and myths.
Yet every year, the destruction of the world’s forests increases. Indigenous Peoples and forest-based communities act as the Guardians of the Forest but we need to stand shoulder to shoulder with them to ensure forests are protected and restored everywhere.
If we are to survive, forests need to be both protected and restored. The EU has the power and the responsibility to make this happen.