1.2 billion people depend on forest for their livelihood

It is estimated that approximately 60 million indigenous people are almost wholly dependent on forests. 350 million people depend on forests for a high degree for subsistence and income, and about 1.2 billion people rely on agroforestry farming systems (World Bank 2004 – Sustaining Forests: A Development Strategy.)

These people lack the basic necessities to maintain a decent standard of living: sufficient and nutritious food, adequate shelter, access to health services, energy sources, safe drinking-water, education and a healthy environment.

Source: Sustainable Forest Management, Biodiversity and Livelihoods: A Good Practice Guide – Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – PDF

Date: 2009