FAO warns about the health of forests and urgent demand for sustainable management.

The recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on the "State of the World's Forests 2024" presents a mixed picture regarding the health of global forests. While a slowdown in deforestation rates has been observed in certain countries, forests continue to face considerable pressures due to climate change and the increasing demand for forest products. Global wood production has reached record figures, with approximately 4 billion cubic meters annually, underscoring the urgent need to manage these resources sustainably. Among the most encouraging data from the report is an 8.4% decrease in deforestation in Indonesia during 2021-2022 and an impressive 50% reduction in Brazil's Legal Amazon in 2023. These figures suggest that in some regions, conservation and reforestation policies are bearing fruit. However, the overall situation of forests is concerning, as factors such as climate change are intensifying the vulnerability of forest ecosystems to fires, pests, and diseases. Wildfires, in particular, pose a significant threat. In 2023, it is estimated that fires emitted more than 6,687 megatons of carbon dioxide, surpassing emissions produced by fossil fuel combustion in the European Union. This phenomenon not only affects air quality but also alarmingly contributes to climate change, creating a vicious cycle that jeopardizes the health of forests and the biodiversity they support. In the United States, it is projected that 25 million hectares of forests will lose more than 20% of their basal area due to insects and diseases by 2027. This highlights the urgency of implementing forest management strategies that can mitigate these threats. Meanwhile, the demand for wood continues to grow, largely driven by industry and construction. Roundwood extraction remained steady in 2022, at 2.04 billion cubic meters, a volume that reflects pressure on forest resources. The FAO has also highlighted the vital role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), used by nearly 6 billion people worldwide. In 2022, exports of products such as pine nuts and mushrooms reached $1.8 billion. This indicates that forests are more than just a source of wood; they are essential for the economy and livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in the Global South. FAO projections for 2050 point to an increase in wood demand, which could rise by up to 49%. This increase is driven by the search for more sustainable alternatives and the transition to a bioeconomy. Wood is emerging as a key input for construction and other industrial sectors, necessitating constant innovation in forest management to meet these growing demands. However, the sustainable management of forests faces significant challenges. The FAO identifies three imperatives that will drive innovation in the forestry sector: the increase in environmental stress factors, the shift towards a sustainability-based economy, and the opportunities offered by NTFPs. These trends demand a renewed approach to forest management, as well as the implementation of techniques that promote resilience to climate change. The report also highlights that the production and trade of forest products have been affected by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. After experiencing a decline in 2020, production and trade reached record levels in 2021 before facing new difficulties in 2022. This underscores the fragility of the sector and the need to diversify income sources and production methods. Ultimately, it is evident that the future of forests and the forestry industry is intrinsically linked to sustainability and innovation. The FAO suggests that if responsible management practices are implemented and reforestation is promoted, a sustainable supply of wood could be ensured that not only meets growing demand but also respects biodiversity and supports the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Undoubtedly, the time to act is now, and global collaboration will be essential to preserve these valuable resources for future generations.