Forests & Land Use

Human society and the global economy are inextricably linked to forests. More than 1 billion people [depend](http://www.forestpeoples.org/sites/fpp/files/publication/2012/05/forest-peoples-numbers-across-world-final_0.pdf) on forests for their livelihoods. And forest ecosystems play a critical role in stabilizing the climate; providing food, water, wood products, and vital medicines; and supporting much of the world’s biodiversity. Despite decreased deforestation rates in some regions, forest ecosystems are still under great threat. According to [WRI research](/our-work/project/forest-and-landscape-restoration), 30 percent of global forest cover has been cleared, while another 20 percent has been degraded. Most of the rest has been fragmented, leaving only [about 15 percent](http://www.intactforests.org/) intact. WRI works with governments, businesses, and civil society to sustain forests for future generations. We aim to curb deforestation worldwide and help to restore and reforest already-cleared land.