Global ecological forest classification and forest protected area gap analysis
A new study called Global ecological forest classification and forest protected area gap analysis introduces an updated map of the world’s forest cover (Global Forest Map) and evaluates the suitability of global forest types and the WWF ecoregion framework, highlighting urgent forest conservation gaps at a global level.
The study’s objectives include assessing progress towards the conservation of “at least 10% of the world’s forest types” target by 2010 set by the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which also adopted a specific Programme of Work on Forest Biological Diversity.
This measure was introduced to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Forests loss worldwide continues at an alarming rate and jeopardizes a great variety of species and habitat types as well as the ecosystem services forests provide to humankind.
The present study illustrates the major issues related to the forest protection target, such as the geographic distribution of the world’s remaining forest areas, difficulties related to the world’s forest types and WWF ecoregions, and an up-to-date global gap analysis for forest protected areas. The study is part of a larger project that aims to provide scientific analysis and policy advice on the feasibility, financing and targets for the establishment of a global network of forest protected areas.
The Global ecological forest classification and forest protected area gap analysis” study is a result of the joint efforts of a consortium comprising the United Nations Environmental Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Network and World Resources Institute (WRI) in cooperation with the Institute of Forest and Environmental Policy .
