Robust and coordinated action needed to save Asia-Pacific’s forests – new UN FAO report
Forests in the vast Asia-Pacific region are facing a serious threat as primary forest cover is now only 19 percent of total forest area – the lowest level of any region worldwide, a major gathering of forestry stakeholders heard today.
Some 2,000 delegates are participating in Asia-Pacific Forestry Week, which is co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Korea Forest Service, at Incheon in the Republic of Korea.
Asia and the Pacific has the lowest per capita forest area of any world region. But quantity is not the only issue. “With primary forests at only 19 percent of the total forest area, compared with a global average of 32 percent, we are worried about the lack of forest quality in our region – as primary forests are rich in biodiversity – and once that’s gone it’s gone,” said Kundhavi Kadiresan, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative. “We need to urgently preserve what’s left of our primary forests. Time is running out and we must act now.”
