As many as 350 million people live within or adjacent to forested areas around the world. They rely on the ecosystem services provided by forests and forest species to meet their essential needs.
Forests are home to 80% of all terrestrial wildlife. New Zealand was once almost covered in forest, with hundreds of bird species. As people cut down forests and brought rats, possums, stoats and cats from overseas, 50% of bird species became extinct. In Australia, we have 2,486 species listed as forest-dependent native species that require a forest habitat for at least part of their lifecycle, and could not survive or reproduce without it.
Forests also provide us with an amazing diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities bringing us together with nature. We hike, bike, ride horses, picnic, camp and connect with family and friends in a unique variety of settings and activities.
We currently face a quadruple planetary emergency: a climate crisis, a biodiversity-loss crisis, an inequality crisis, and a global health crisis. TRC is committed to support forest communities and conserve forest wildlife and in line with our sustainability commitment we will ensure the plans we develop for recovery include efforts to preserve forests, forest species and livelihoods so we can continue to enjoy our incredible forests and all they have to offer…
Learn more: https://www.wildlifeday.org/ #ForestsPeoplePlanet #WWD2021
