Ending deforestation is our best chance to conserve wildlife while defending the rights of our communities. It is also one of the quickest, most cost effective ways to slow the effects of climate change.
Forests are our life support system. They help stabilize the climate, sustain a diversity of life, provide economic opportunity, and are vital to the livelihoods of many Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Yet, forests and other critical ecosystems are hanging in the balance, being wiped out and converted to croplands, pasture, and plantations. Existing laws remain deeply inadequate, and the regulations in place are poorly enforced.