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.

UN-REDD

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.

Two school girls with saplings grown in jarsUN-REDD

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.

Young women holding plantUN-REDD

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.

Kibarisho and Noormejooli in their tomato fieldUN-REDD

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.

Group of botanist at workUN-REDD

Learn more

Find out more about the United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and how you can get involved.

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