Press Release - Scientists Pledge to Speed up Efforts to Counter Global Forest Threats

(Curitiba, 4 October 2019) At the 25^th IUFRO World Congress there is common understanding regarding the critical role that forests, trees and forest products play for the future of the planet. Participating scientists have repeatedly expressed their strong commitment to step up efforts and collaboration in support of the UN’s 2030 Global Development Agenda, its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and related international processes.

In order to give forest science a stronger voice and ensure that the contributions of forest science towards overcoming serious threats to forests such as climate change are better heard, the following statement has been drafted. Everyone who supports this pledge can sign it here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Support-the-Forest-Science-Pledge

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XXV IUFRO World Congress, Curitiba, Brazil, October 2019

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Over 2500 scientists from 92 countries assembled at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations’ 25^th World Congress to discuss the plight of the world's forests. This first IUFRO Congress in South America allowed a specific focus on this region of the world rich in forest resources. Deforestation and climate change were identified as two of the most pressing problems worldwide.

The IUFRO World Congress offered a unique opportunity to share evidence-based knowledge across disciplines and continents, to discuss the state of the forests, the challenges and consequences, and possible solutions. As a result, we recognise urgent issues and advocate for the knowledge of forests provided by the global IUFRO network to mobilize forest science for a sustainable future.

We commit to accelerate our own efforts to provide knowledge and practical solutions

To foster good land management for water and wildlife;
To prevent deforestation and to repair damaged landscapes;
To supply wood products that have a lower carbon footprint than alternatives; and
To enable forests to fulfil the physical and spiritual needs of society.

We reiterate the calls by the global youth to "listen to the scientists", and recognise the need for the science community to speak up in new ways to highlight the fundamental role science and technology must play in finding effective, economically viable solutions.