Focus on forests: essential for food security and the economy!

Focus on forests: essential for food security and the economy!

On March 21, 2025, the International Day of Forests was celebrated under the theme “Forests and Food” to highlight the essential role of forests in global food security. According to the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), healthy, biodiverse forests are of utmost importance. Dr. Christoph Wildburger, Senior Advisor at IUFRO, emphasized that forests are not only CO2 and water reservoirs, but also provide habitats for numerous species and support essential food production. Over five billion people rely directly on forest resources, whether through access to wild products, firewood or feed for animals, 2400 reported.

Critical perspectives on the Swiss forest

Current reports, such as the 2025 Forest Report from the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, draw an alarming conclusion about the state of the forests in Switzerland. Severe natural events such as heat and drought, increasing storms and pest infestations endanger the stability of forests. Adaptation to climate change is considered crucial to preserving the ecological functions of forests. Nearly 2.4 billion people worldwide rely on wood for fuel, while the forestry industry generates around $600 billion annually and supports over 50 million jobs. The forest not only protects the soil, but also secures water resources for 85% of major cities worldwide, reported bergwaldprojekt.ch.

In order to maintain the diverse functions of forests, researchers are calling for increased efforts in sustainable forest management and the promotion of resilient tree species. IUFRO calls on policymakers to take evidence-based measures to secure forest resources in the long term, which is of utmost urgency given global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.