United Nations Climate Change Conference - Bali, 3 - 14 December 2007

Forest destruction, climate change and palm oil expansion in Indonesia

29 October 2007

Forests are vital to life on earth. They are the richest of all ecosystems - covering only eight per cent of the planet (1) and are home to two thirds of all known species of terrestrial plants and animals(2). Millions of people rely directly on forests for food, water, medicines and other basic materials. For these forest peoples the forest defines their culture and way of life. Within developing countries, one billion of the world's poorest people depend upon forests for part of their livelihoods, and as many as 350 million people living in and around forests are heavily dependent on forests for their livelihoods and security (3).