2009 is possibly the most important year for forests in living memory. We are on the final stretch of the road to Cop 15 in Copenhagen, where, amongst other things, negotiators expect to define a mechanism to address CO2 emissions from deforestation and forest degradation as well as a more scientifically sound and transparent way to account for greenhouse gas emissions and removals from forests. To coincide with the conference, the Government of Denmark, CIFOR and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) will host Forest Day 3.
Forests play an important dual role: Firstly, forest ecosystems are susceptible and vulnerable to climate change, and there may be a need for different adaptation measures. Secondly, forest management practises can directly affect the atmospheric content of CO2 and hence the extent of future climate change. I has been estimated that deforestation and forest degradation worldwide accounts for up to 17 to 20% of global CO2 emissions. That’s more than the total emissions from transport.
Forest’s, however are not just about carbon. They harbor two thirds of all land-based biodiversity, and generate critical ecosystem goods and services such as water, food, and income from over 5000 commercial forest products. Forests sustain the cultural and spiritual identity of billions of people, foremost among them the indigenous peoples and local communities. If sustainably managed, forests have the potential to provide for all these benefits, including the positive contribution to the global carbon balance.
New mechanisms for addressing CO2 emissions and removals from forests may impose both challenges and opportunities. Forest Day 3 highlights and discusses these and other issues in a global perspective. It will build on the success of Forest Day 1 and 2 in helping to ensure forests are high on the agenda and seek to provide guidance for design and implementation of practices that effective, efficient and equitable.
The conference takes place on Sunday 13th December 2009 in Radisson BLU Falconer Hotel & Conference Center in Copenhagen.
Forest Day 3 is now closed for signups.
The Danish Ministry of the Environment, Forest and Nature Agency has organised Forest Day 3 Field Trips, on Monday 14 December 2009. Participants can choose between three tours, all going to forests near Copenhagen. They will highlight different challenges and opportunities for sustainable forest management in Denmark, in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation. All field trips will end with a visit and a reception at the historic castle of Kronborg in Elsinore.
Articles on Forest Day 3: