Background

Since evolving, mankind has exploited forests for fibre, food and fuel. Today, we realise that forests contain a large proportion of the earth's biological diversity and are important components of the global carbon and hydrological cycles.

Currently, the deforestation of about 17 million hectares per year causes annual emissions to the atmosphere of 1.8Gt carbon as carbon dioxide, the most important greenhouse gas. This is 25% of the total carbon dioxide emissions due to man.

However, when forests are restored or conserved they can act as sinks of carbon dioxide. Thus, fossil fuel users who contribute to the preservation or establishment of forests can reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions.