People and forests

Indigenous Peoples and traditional forest-related knowledge

FAO/Brent Stirton Getty images for FAO CIRAD CIFOR WCS

Micro, small and medium-scale forest enterprises

News

Unlocking climate funding for forest and farm producers

14/12/2021

A new toolkit published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today aims to help connect national forest and farm producer organizations to climate change finance globally.

FAO & Arbor Day Foundation recognize the ‘Tree Cities of the World’

Urban trees: more than just a pretty face

29/10/2021

FAO and Arbor Day Foundation recognize the ‘Tree Cities of the World’

2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference

Indigenous Peoples must be central to tackling the climate crisis

26/10/2021

As leaders gather for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, it is vital that they recognize two important facts. The first is that we cannot reach climate goals without protecting and sustainably managing the carbon-absorbing forests that cover a third of the Earth’s land surface. The second is that we cannot protect forests without Indigenous Peoples.

Publications

The role of forest producer organizations in social protection

2018

This study reviews the literature on the provision of social protection by forest producer organizations, with a specific focus on their role and practices in this regard, the types of benefits they provide, the factors that may enhance or hinder the provision of benefits and the opportunities for taking advantage of these organizations to expand social protection coverage in marginalized communities.

Unasylva 250: Forests and sustainable cities

2018

Cities need forests. The network of woodlands, groups of trees and individual trees in a city and on its fringes performs a huge range of functions – such as regulating climate; storing carbon; removing air pollutants; reducing the risk of flooding; assisting in food, energy and water security; and improving the physical and mental health of citizens. This edition of Unasylva takes a close look at urban and peri-urban forestry – its benefits, pitfalls, governance and challenges.

A diagnostic on social protection needs and opportunities for forest-dependent communities in the United Republic of Tanzania

2018

Understanding the poverty and vulnerabilities of forest-dependent communities in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Videos

Forests for a sustainable future: educating children — testing lessons in the Philippines

01/03/2024

Children in primary school today will play a significant role in bringing about the changes needed to ensure a sustainable future for forests.

Grass charcoal production in Ghana

01/08/2023

In Ghana, small producers are revolutionizing the production of charcoal. By using savanna grasses to make charcoal briquettes producers promote renewable...

Forests for a sustainable future: Educating children in Tanzania

01/07/2023

FAO is teaching children in Tanzania about the importance of managing forests sustainably. A three-year-project funded by Germany has developed forest...

Restoring land and livelihoods with beekeeping in Tanzania

20/05/2023

In northern Tanzania, recurring drought in recent years caused by climate change has put pressure on communities who make their livelihoods by keeping...

Forests for a sustainable future: educating children — testing lessons in Tanzania

01/05/2023

Children in primary school today will play a significant role in bringing about the changes needed to ensure a sustainable future for forests. “Forests...

Sustainable wood: Climate-friendly cities

01/12/2022

Find more videos on the FAO Forestry YouTube playlist

Sustainable wood: Housing a growing population

27/10/2022

A growing population means more buildings to fit everyone. By 2030, we will have to house an additional 3 billion people. Using wood from sustainably...

Sustainable Wood: Building the future

13/10/2022

Wood can be a material of the future, helping to build a bio-economy for the planet's health and economic recovery. Durable “cross-laminated timber”...

Indigenous Peoples’ food systems

06/08/2021

This video provides an overview on the common and unique sustainability elements of Indigenous Peoples' food systems.

International Day of Forests 2021: Forest restoration – a path to recovery and well-being

21/03/2021

Restoring forests helps build a healthier world for ourselves and for future generations. By replanting and managing forests sustainably, we can help...