A number of studies conclude that poor and vulnerable populations tend to concentrate in environmentally fragile areas and rely disproportionately on natural resources and ecosystem services. At the same time scientific evidence shows that forests can support rural livelihoods, have a buffer function in maintaining livelihoods and represent a natural insurance.
An IUFRO Expert Panel on Forests and Poverty is carrying out a comprehensive global assessment of available scientific information about the interactions between forests and poverty. In the framework of the GFEP initiative, the panel will prepare a report to inform relevant international policy processes and the discussions on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and related SDGs.
The panel members are currently finalising their report, which will be available this autumn; in the meantime, this short video gives a glimpse of what is to come.