(CU)_Amid the global climate crisis, together with increasing populations, the pressure on our water-related ecosystems is intensifying by the minute. Therefore, it is imperative to recognise the vital role played by forests and trees in meeting the world’s increasing demand for water. Accordingly, the first comprehensive global publication to provide guidance on the contribution of forests for a holistic approach to water resource management was launched by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), together International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, the United States Forest Service and partners.
Forests and trees are integral to the global water cycle. They contribute substantially to the world’s accessible freshwater for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and environmental uses. According to the FAO report that was published at the World Water Week organised by Stockholm International Water Institute, the major cities across the globe are increasingly reliant on water from forested watersheds, with two-thirds of urban water supplies benefiting from increased water quality with improved forest management.
“Water security is a significant global challenge, with repercussions for agriculture, energy production, people’s basic needs and our supporting ecosystems,” Maria Helena Semedo, the Deputy Director-General of the FAO, said. “The twin challenges of climate change and a growing population are increasing pressure on our ecosystems. We need to recognize that forests play a key role in water security and prioritize water in forest management and governance decisions.”
The Global Forest Resources Assessment conducted by the FAO in 2020 found that only 12 percent of the world’s forests are managed with soil and water protection as a primary objective. Therefore, the recent report calls for enhanced forest management which prioritises the provision of water-related ecosystem services. The UN agency, headquartered in Rome, says this is necessary “to ensure forests also fulfil their potential as a nature-based solution to address water security, helping ensure sufficient quality water to sustain resilient communities and ecosystems”.
