Over 2 billion people rely on forests for shelter, livelihoods, water, fuel and food security. An approximate 1 billion people depend directly on forests for their livelihoods. In many developing nations, forestry is the chief source of income for local communities.
With the rapid integration of global markets, it is now more important than ever to invest in locally controlled forestry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and smallholders to ensure that economic benefits from forests trickle down to the ground.
WWF is researching, testing and implementing, and promoting a portfolio of approaches around the world that deliver benefits for people and in turn helps safeguard forests. These approaches include community restoration efforts, sustainable farming, smallholder forestry, certification, better management practices and inclusive social forest management, commodities and policy measures.
through proper planning and involvement of stakeholders, LCF could significantly support a bigger scale of livelihood for the poor communities, and could be a vibrant strategy to conserve the threatened coastal forests. However, proper production and supply chains should be established with affirmative market opportunities.
Support directly the rural economy and restore hope to participate in sustainable development
Investment in Forest is important in that it improve forests cover in the region. This promote soil improvement as it prevent soil erosion. Trees are also income generating activity to local community. Apiaries are
Locally-controlled forestry is a good avenue for making forests and forest management useful for local people. This is essential for achieving local commitment to forest sustainability.
Community Based REDD+ Project would provide best practice in the forestry sector, forests are more secured when community has is in control with vested interest
Community has the best knowledge of the evolution and changing dynamics of their forests. But communities lack basic knowledge of modern management technics. that is why we in CECD are working with Iyansan Community in Ondo State Nigeria to save over 70, 000 ha of rainforest, this is under the initiative of Niger Delta Forest For Life REDD+ Project in line with Nigeria REDD+ Program.