Forest Bioeconomy

How indigenous forest management reduces the risk of wildfire and generates new economic opportunities

Forests are among the most critical ecosystems on earth. Covering almost a third of the global land mass, they regulate our climate, clean the air we breathe, and filter the water we drink – as well as absorbing almost 30% of CO2 emissions, and providing food, timber, medicines and other valuable resources all over the world.

But with deforestation accelerating the climate crisis and and extractive forest management practices making wildfires more frequent and damaging, it’s clear we need a new approach that encourages a more effective approach to managing forests.

The challenge lies in shifting mindsets. By transitioning to forest management based in traditional indigenous knowledge, we can reduce the risk and impact of wildfires at the same time as developing the circular bioeconomy to stimulate forest products from renewable energy to agroforestry.

Do you want to learn more about how forests are driving a new bioeconomy? Visit our Valuing Forests Hub.

With thanks to the following contributors:

Tom Hobby of Yosemite Clean Energy (a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Energy Transition Task Force)

Dr. Jane Carter Ingram from Pollination (a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Natural Capital Investment Alliance)

Todd Gartner from the World Resources Institute

Elizabeth Goldman from World Resources Institute's Global Forest Watch

Garrett Dickman from Yosemite National Park Services