NEW REPORT: NO SUCCESS FOR REDD+ WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON FOREST BIODIVERSITY AND PEOPLE

First comprehensive scientific assessment shows that conserving biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods are essential components for achieving climate change mitigation goals in the long run.

Vienna (16 November, 2012) - The world's rapidly dwindling forests should be valued as more than just "carbon warehouses" to mitigate climate change, according to a new report released today from the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), the world's largest network of forest scientists. In fact, biodiversity is found to be a critical determinant of a forest's ability to absorb greenhouse gases. The assessment also stresses that accounting for those who live in or near forests when implementing REDD+ increases the likelihood of achieving carbon and biodiversity goals.

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 00:01 GMT ON 16 NOVEMBER, 2012

Gerda Wolfrum: + 43 1 877 01 51 17 or wolfrum(at)iufro.org
Dan Klotz: +1 301-280-5756 or dklotz(at)burnesscommunications.com

1.  Press Release
[English (embargoed) - PDF, 159 KB]

Forest Day 6, afternoon session on 2 December, 1:30-2:30 pm:
REDD+, biodiversity and people: Opportunities and risks
http://www.forestsclimatechange.org/events/forest-day/forest-day-6/discussion-forums/redd-biodiversity-and-people-opportunities-and-risks.html