World Forests Summit 2013

The World Forests Summit, organised by The Economist, will gather leading experts from around the world to identify common ground and discuss mechanisms for forest stakeholders to work together differently.

Forests play a crucial role in the world’s environment, health and economy

Forests are national sources of wealth and growth, spawning industries that range from construction materials, paper and fuels to services such as tourism and recreation.

Yet forests are under threat. Tropical forests are disappearing due to agricultural demand, illegal logging and fuel use, while forest degradation is at critical levels everywhere. Ironically, the urbanised world depends on forests, but it also destroys them – and the mismatch between national and global incentives to protect, exploit or destroy forests is growing.

World Forests Summit will assemble a leading group of experts from around the world to identify common ground and discuss mechanisms for forest stakeholders to work together differently. We will openly explore the tensions and compromises that are involved in creating a thriving global green economy, delivering fresh insight into solving critical challenges at both global and national levels.

The World Forests Summit is where CEOs, government ministers, scientists and activists will meet to agree the framework for future sustainable management of a precious global resource.