Policy decisions on the forest sector globalization

Abstract

Globalization requires a sustainable development strategy. The current stage of globalization is accompanied by an enormous development of the productive forces of mankind and its rapid growth. Unregulated development can cause environmental destruction and threaten life on Earth. The material and ecological resources of the planet are not unlimited. The reserves of oil, gas, ore, minerals, arable land and forests are limited. These limits impose a natural limitation on humanity's drive for unbridled growth. Forests remain one of the main components of the planet's ecosystem. The quality of the environment largely depends on the presence and condition of forests. Forests play an extremely important and multifaceted role in ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of human society. Forests stabilize natural processes, regulate climate, perform soil protection, water conservation, sanitary, hygienic, recreational and many other environmental and social functions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO of the UN) estimates that forests currently cover about 30% of the world's land area. The total area of forests is over 4 billion hectares. Every year humanity loses more than twenty million hectares of forest area. Degradation and loss of forests cause local, regional and global environmental problems. The world community needs international legal regulation of forest. The recognition of the global role of forests is reflected in several international conventions and treaties. Sustainable forest management is critical to economic and social development, environmental protection and sustaining life on the planet. All UN member states are encouraged to coordinate approaches to forest conservation and protection. Russia is a member of the UN. It actively participates in the legislative mission to implement the assumed international obligations. © 14th International Scientific Conference WoodEMA 2021 - The Response of the Forest-Based Sector to Changes in the Global Economy, Proceedings. All rights reserved.