All is not lost

2017-07-05

The rural landscape in the Sierra de Los Tuxtlas mountain range in Veracruz, Mexico, which was once almost fully forested. Photo: G. Sanchez Vigil

Despite the best efforts of many, tropical forests continue to be cleared (although there are signs that the rate of loss is decreasing). Inevitably, this means lost biodiversity, the emission of previously stored greenhouse gases, and the diminution of many ecosystem services. Nevertheless, there is cause for hope. In this edition of the TFU, ITTO’s new Executive Director, Dr Gerhard Dieterle, speaks about the potential of forests to address global challenges, and ITTO’s role in this.