Understanding the Risks: Reducing Forests to Carbon Sinks – A Critical Review of International Forest Governance

Reducing forests to carbon sinks poses risk, new report cautions policymakers: IUFRO

The escalating concern over climate change has steered the global perception and valuation of forests towards their ability as carbon storage spaces, overshadowing their complex ecological systems and significance for social welfare, a new report by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) suggests. The first of its kind in 14 years, this global synthesis report on international forest governance was unveiled at the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19), spotlighting a critical shift in political and financial momentum towards leveraging forests primarily for their carbon sequestration capabilities.

Entitled “International Forest Governance: A critical review of trends, drawbacks, and new approaches”, the publication encapsulates key advancements and setbacks in international forest governance since 2010, providing crucial insights for policymakers engaged in land use and climate agendas. The findings underscore the ongoing struggle to significantly curb deforestation, amidst the complications posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, and exacerbated social and economic disparities.

The document identifies an increasingly fragmented landscape in international forest governance, crowded with new stakeholders and characterized by diverse, often contradictory, mechanisms and strategies. This fragmentation, the report argues, contributes to a dilution of efforts and underscores the need for reinforced policies that prioritize equity and long-term sustainability over immediate economic gains. The commodification of forests, spurred by urgent climate action, has given rise to market-driven forest governance models that, while popular, might perpetuate existing inequalities and overlook sustainable management practices.

Alternative approaches spotlighted by the report include non-market-based mechanisms that emphasize state regulation, community engagement, and philanthropy – elements that have yet to gain significant traction but are essential for ensuring just and equitable forest governance. The involvement of all stakeholders, especially those from resource-dependent communities, is crucial in navigating towards an ecological future that champions social inclusion and addresses environmental injustices.

The narrative of setting ambitious targets for the sake of demonstrating commitment to combating climate change is also critiqued within the report. This so-called “Target Olympics” often promotes a narrowed focus on achieving specific outcomes like zero deforestation, sidelining the broader, integral role of forests in human and ecological well-being. The document advocates for a move away from simplistic, reductionist pledges towards a more nuanced appreciation of forests, urging for governance measures that reflect the multifaceted contributions of forests to society and the environment.

In light of these revelations, the report calls upon policymakers worldwide to recognize and appreciate the full spectrum of values forests present, beyond their ability to sequester carbon. It stresses the importance of investing in long-term, market-agnostic initiatives that ensure a sustainable future for forest environments and the communities that depend on them. Envisaging a just and equitable approach to forest governance, it reminds stakeholders of the pressing need to align economic, social, and environmental goals in forest policy and management frameworks.

The synthesis is based on an analytical review of trends and financial landscapes in forest governance since 2010, comparing with findings from the initial global assessment undertaken by the IUFRO-led Global Forest Expert Panel (GFEP). Presented in New York during the UNFF19, this report not only serves as a baseline for current and future policies but also as a testament to the ongoing dialogue and need for innovative, inclusive approaches to sustainably manage one of the planet’s most vital resources.

As forests face unprecedented challenges, the call to action is clear: it’s time for comprehensive, just, and forward-thinking strategies that respect the intrinsic value of forests and realize their potential to support a balanced and healthy planet.