June 17 is World Day to Combat Drought and Desertification. This day is an opportunity to honour and protect important forest resources globally. Close to 350 million of the world’s poorest people depend almost entirely on forests for their subsistence and survival. Forests are an important source of food and medicine. Forests also provide many of the raw materials used by local entrepreneurs. In Cameroon, for example, small forest enterprises based on honey, the bark of Prunus africana, bush mango, and gum Arabic have enabled many local people to earn income.
This resource addresses the many benefits of forests, including:
- Providing food and energy
- Contributing to job creation and improved livelihoods
- Providing critical ecosystem services
- Supplying wood and non-wood products
- Fostering healthier and more livable cities
- Mitigating and lessening the impacts of disasters
To access the full resource, go to: https://www.agroforestry.org/the-overstory/269-overstory-254-the-contribution-of-forests-to-sustainable-development [1]