About forests

Forests cover one third of the earth's land mass, performing vital functions and supporting the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people.

Forests are home to more than half of the world’s land-based species of animals, plants and insects. They also combat climate change and buffer the impacts of storms and floods. By feeding our rivers, forests supply drinking water for nearly half of the world’s largest cities. They also provide shelter, jobs and security for forest-dependent populations.

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People and partners

UN Environment’s work on forests is spread across a number of programmes and other initiatives: