Forests, representing an integral part of the planet's biosphere, play a significant role in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They function as extensive carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases and contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action), and they provide a wealth of biodiversity, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Forests are indispensable in fostering clean air and water, acting as natural filters, thus contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). They are also a vital source of food, medicine, and raw materials for billions of people, directly supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Indigenous and local communities are often dependent on forests, tying in with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
The responsible management of forests promotes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and also creates opportunities for SDG 4 (Quality Education), with forest-based learning enhancing environmental literacy. Lastly, forests serve as potent buffers against natural disasters, fostering resilience and adaptation in the face of changing climate conditions, thereby contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). As custodians of biodiversity and vital ecosystems, forests are fundamental to the holistic accomplishment of the SDGs. They embody the interconnectedness of these goals, demonstrating how progress in one area can stimulate advancements in another.
Understanding this interrelation and harnessing it for sustainable development policies is a cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By maintaining and restoring forest ecosystems, we are not just preserving landscapes; we are making a commitment to the sustainability of our planet and future generations.
Efforts to protect nature are facing a growing crisis, one that often revolves around the burgeoning impacts of roads and other infrastructure on biodiversity and ecosystems. Potential solutions are possible but they will involve serious trade-offs and the confrontation of deep misconceptions. Here, I identify some time-critical tactics to aid scientists in informing and influencing the global infrastructure debate.
