The focus: essential for nutritional security and economy!

The focus: essential for nutritional security and economy!

Wien, Österreich - On March 21, 2025, the international day of the forest was committed under the motto "forests and nutrition" to point out the essential role of forests for global nutritional security. According to the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (Iufro), healthy, species -rich forests are of the greatest importance. Dr. Christoph Wildburger, Senior Advisor of the Iufro, emphasized that forests are not only CO2 and water stores, but also offer habitats for numerous species and support essential food production. Over five billion people are dependent on resources from the woods, be it due to access to wild products, firewood or feed for animals, reported 2400.

critical perspectives on the Swiss Forest

Current reports, such as the forest report 2025 of the Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) and the Federal Research Institute WSL, take an alarming balance over the condition of the forests in Switzerland. Strong natural events such as heat and drought, the increasing storms and the infestation of pests endanger the stability of the forests. The adaptation to climate change is considered crucial to preserve the ecological functions of the forests. Almost 2.4 billion people worldwide are dependent on wood as fuel, while forestry is generated around $ 600 billion annually and ensures over 50 million jobs. The forest not only protects the floors, but also secures the water resources for 85 % of the big cities worldwide, reported Bergwaldprojekt.ch.

In order to maintain the diverse functions of the forests, the researchers demand increased efforts in sustainable forest management and the promotion of resistant tree species. The Iufro calls on political decision -makers to take evidence -based measures in order to secure the resources of the forests in the long term, which is of the greatest urgency in the face of global challenges such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity.