5 Things You Can Do Today to Help Protect Forests
Forests are indispensable to human health.
They support well-being across many dimensions: food security and nutrition, natural hazards, air and water, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and more.
Forest loss threatens these benefits. For example, almost one in three outbreaks of emerging diseases is connected to land-use change, including deforestation.[1]
The conservation, restoration and protection of forests is critical to human well-being (no matter where you live).
Here are 5 things you can do today to play your part in protecting forests:
1. Buy certified products (and find the labels that work for you)
Use your purchasing power to prevent deforestation.
As consumers we are bombarded with ‘ethical’ labelling. ‘Organic,’ ‘eco-friendly,’ ‘earth-friendly,’ ‘sustainable,’ the list goes on. It can be overwhelming. Also, many of these claims are vague and unfounded.
Third-party certifications help consumers make sense of sustainability claims. If a product is endorsed by a respected label, then consumers can quickly identify that sustainability practices have been validated.
Here’s the catch: certification labels are not perfect, and some are better than others. Instead of letting this throw you off, rather identify a cause that is important to you and find a corresponding label.
Then get to know the label and find out what it means for the products you buy.
Here is a list of label descriptions to help you get started: Ethical and Sustainable labels.
2. Teach children about the wonders of forests
Children are the future custodians of nature. As adults, it’s up to us to inspire and educate children about the wonders of forests.
What we teach them today will impact their attitudes and actions related to nature as adults.
In fact, direct experiences in nature and role models that care for the environment are the most important determining factors for how a child will act towards the environment as an adult. [2]
There are many ways children can engage with nature. Through outdoor play (with immediate physical and emotional benefits) or through games and resources that can be used indoors.
Here are some fantastic resources: FAO Forest for Kids: Learning Guide and Forest Facts for Kids.
3. Take a walk in a forest
The best way to be inspired by nature is to immerse yourself in it.
Most of us understand forest loss at a theoretical level, but don’t act because we are alienated from nature.
Being outdoors and strengthening your relationship with nature, will greatly impact your behaviour towards the Earth.
You will also reap the physical and emotional rewards.
4. Track forest loss in real time
Understanding where and why deforestation occurs is key to better protecting forests.
Today, data on forest loss is more accessible to companies and individuals than ever before.
Have a look at Global Forest Watch. The site uses satellites and algorithms to track forest loss in real time. It will show you where forest change is occurring and will help you visualise trends.
5. Have a look at regenerative forest projects
Regenerative forest projects give back to people and the planet more than they take.
Priorities include sustainable production practices, climate mitigation and benefits for local communities.
Increasingly, companies are investing in these projects. Key reasons include:
risk mitigation (protection of natural capital)
to stay ahead of shifting consumer and investor preferences
showcase sustainability commitments
realise commercial returns (for example from the sale of sustainable forest products)
Xilva screens and assesses forest and nature-based projects to minimise delivery risks and build confidence in nature investments.
If you are a company or financial investor looking to capitalize on forest opportunities and need support with due diligence, and search for quality, Get in Touch.
[1] WWF. Six Things to Know About Forests and Your Health. 2022. https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/six-things-to-know-about-forests-and-your-health
[2] Children and Nature Network. Home to us all: How connecting with nature helps us care for ourselves and the Earth. 2018. https://www.iucn.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/hometousall.pdf
