FORESTS
Conserving Forests
Forests are the life support systems of the planet. These rich ecosystems are home to over 80% of the world’s land-based plant and animal species. Humans also depend on forests, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Tropical jungles and temperate forests alike quench our thirst for adventure. And because of their ability to store carbon, forests are also one of our best weapons in the fight against climate change.
Needless to say, there are countless reasons why it’s essential to keep forests standing. That’s why we’re working to ensure that tourism protects these valuable ecosystems and promotes healthy and productive forests.
Forests cover nearly one-third of our planet’s land area.
Forests support the livelihoods of about 1.6 billion people.
26 million hectares of forest are lost each year.
Forests store around 200 or more metric tons of carbon per hectare.
Forest Tourism
Forests, along with the wildlife that live there, are important to tourism. Their vast, secluded wilderness provides an ideal playground for hiking, camping, birdwatching, mountain biking, and other recreational activities. Their tree-blanketed landscapes also supply valuable timber that is used for fuel and construction.
When people explore forests and other wild places it can promote greater understanding and appreciation of nature. This in turn fuels environmental protection. Because forest-based tourism often occurs in more rural areas, it also generates important economic benefits for indigenous communities and underserved populations. In addition, visitor fees help finance forest conservation and protected areas, such as national parks.
Explore the Issues
While tourism can inspire forest conservation, it can also contribute to deforestation. Wilderness areas may be cleared for new tourism development, wildfires ignited by careless backpackers, or timber harvested for construction materials. Click below to learn more about the different issues that we are addressing to protect our remarkable forest ecosystems.
The construction of tourism infrastructure can result in the devastation of forest environments and wildlife.
Tourism can put excessive pressure on vital forest resources, which are harvested for fuel, furniture, or construction materials.
Careless behavior by tourists or tourism businesses can pose a risk to forest habitats and the animals that live there.
How We Safeguard Nature
Discover what we’re doing to protect forests and minimize tourism’s impacts on nature and wildlife.
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