Improving livelihoods of forest dependent communities
An estimated 300–350 million people, about half of whom are indigenous, live within or close to dense forests and depend almost entirely on forests for subsistence.
Woman holding up corn cobsUN-REDD
Importance of diversifying livelihoods
We work with farmers to help them find ways to diversify and grow their incomes. This helps to improve their standard of living, protect them from economic and environmental shocks, and support a sustainable livelihood.
Everyone needs a living income
It is about creating the right conditions for farmers to earn a living income and for their families to access education and plan for the future.
Women weaving baskets by UN-REDDUN-REDD
Diversifying income
There are various ways that farming communities can find alternative means of income. From basket making, to rearing rabbits, pigs and sheep, there are activities that can provide another source of income that complements the existing farm work.
Planting trees
Tackling deforestation in the long term is about more than just planting trees. It has the added benefit of providing a range of additional income sources beyond traditional forest products like timber.
Arabuko Sekoko Forest, KenyaUN-REDD
More than just planting trees
An income can be generated from such things as producing fruits and nuts to sell, developing ecotourism opportunities, and generating income from carbon credits through sustainable forest management. This helps to maintain and regenerate the forest and support the community.
Social inclusion
By working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including traditional village chiefs, local representatives and government authorities, we can support the communities and protect the land in the long term.
Woman planting treeUN-REDD
The importance of reforestation
Reforestation is a key and essential process to capture carbon and achieve both UN-REDD programme and Paris agreement objectives. It is also a prerequisite for bringing back the forest and its biodiversity within the landscapes.
Learn more
Find out more about the United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and how you can get involved.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.