Why forests matter for biodiversity Life on earth depends on thriving forests iStock.com / disqis Responsible forestry is about more than just trees Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth that allows humanity to thrive. It is the very foundation of our economy and lives. But we’re losing this biodiversity at an alarming rate, threatening life as we know it. Forests are home to the majority of terrestrial wildlife and plant species. As such, responsible forestry is a fundamental tool to tackle biodiversity loss and safeguard our planet for future generations. A study conducted by WWF in Madre de Dios, Peru, showed that 'concessions certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) have a greater richness of species such as amphibians, insects, and monkeys than non-FSC logging concessions … [and] surveys found that densities of large and medium-sized animals in FSC-certified logging concessions were similar to or even higher than in protected areas.' World Wildlife Fund (Managing Forests, Supporting Wildlife Report, 2019) Responsible forestry in action See how our initiatives are preserving forest ecosystems around the world. FSC / Bablu Singh Protecting the cheetah In Namibia, FSC certification is helping the Cheetah Conservation Fund restore habitat for a vulnerable species. Learn more → FSC / Julián Manrique King vultures thrive in the Yucatán Step into the forests of Ejido Nuevo Becal to see how responsible forestry helps protect one of the continent’s largest and most threatened vulture species. Learn more → FSC / Julián Manrique Conserving bat habitats in Appalachia A public-private partnership shows how responsible forestry can protect wildlife habitat in a working forest. Learn more → Proven solutions for helping forests flourish Protecting plant and animal species is one of the most important goals of responsible forest management. FSC solutions support biodiversity in forests around the world. New tools for measuring and verifying biodiversity protection We have developed new tools that help forest managers measure and verify the biodiversity protections provided by their FSC-certified forests. Productive collaboration We have an established history of convening diverse economic, environmental, and social interests in a way that facilitates real change. We’re putting this experience to use developing collaborative and practical solutions for protecting plants, animals, soil, and other natural systems. A balanced framework Our proven framework balances the economic, environmental, and social value of forests. A simple way for consumers to get involved Consumers want to protect forest biodiversity but often don’t know how. The globally recognized FSC label empowers consumers by helping them identify and purchase products that originate from responsibly managed forests. FSC / Arturo Escobar Helping forest managers measure biodiversity “Ecosystem services” is a term used to describe all the benefits humans derive from nature. Our ecosystem services procedure equips forest managers with a framework to measure and verify the benefits their forests provide, like biodiversity protection. In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, FSC ecosystem services is helping forest operator Maderacre monitor and protect 135 species in their forest area. Learn more → FSC / Emilio White FSC at the UN Biodiversity Conference 2024 We are excited to engage with the world's leaders to ensure sustainable forest management is at the heart of National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans (NBSAPs) Learn more → iStock.com / Rouzes Lottery Company Bets on a Biodiversity-Restored Area in France See how → Good Forestry Saves the Cantabrian Brown Bear from Extinction Learn more → © Jérémie LeBlond-Fontaine Woodland Caribou at Heart of Special Forestry Partnership in Canada Explore → Become a forest steward We all have a role to play in protecting the future of our forests. Learn how you can join the FSC ecosystem and start making a difference today. Individuals → Businesses → Forest Managers →