3 February 2014: The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has released the outcomes of the workshop ‘Forests in Sustainable Development Goals,’ highlighting the important role of forests in poverty eradication and the green economy.

Participants in the workshop noted that forests are a critical component of sustainable development and, as such, their good management is intricately linked to the continued support of ecosystem services for lives and livelihoods. Participants further stated that the planting and good management of trees and forests serves as one of the best avenues for improving the state of the world.

The workshop identified the need for a strong target on forests to be included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, participants recognized the importance of strong SDGs to the achievement of good forest management and offered the support of forest experts as the SDG process moves forward.

The workshop, which convened from 22-23 January 2014, in Geneva Switzerland, was organized jointly by the UNECE and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Forestry and Timber Section. Workshop presentations are now available on the workshop website. [UNECE Press Release] [Website: Forests and Sustainable Development Goals – A Regional View]