United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030

UN Strategic Plan on Forests Briefing Note

The United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 (UNSPF) provides a global policy framework to guide the sustainable management of all types of forests and trees outside forests and to strengthen their contribution to sustainable development.

The Plan was adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council on 20 April 2017 and by the United Nations General Assembly on 27 April 2017, establishing a voluntary and universal framework applicable to all countries.

A shared vision for forests in 2030

The UNSPF envisions a future in which forests are sustainably managed and deliver economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits for people and the planet. Forests are recognised as vital to addressing interconnected global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, poverty eradication and sustainable livelihoods.

Aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Strategic Plan underscores the need for coordinated and collective action across sectors and at all levels, bringing together governments, international organisations, civil society, indigenous peoples, the private sector and other stakeholders.

Six Global Forest Goals

At the heart of the Strategic Plan are six Global Forest Goals (GFGs), to be achieved by 2030. These goals are voluntary and universal, providing a clear structure for national action, international cooperation and collective progress.

GFG 1: Reverse forest cover loss: Reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable forest management, including protection, restoration, afforestation and reforestation, and increase efforts to prevent forest degradation and contribute to the global effort of addressing climate change.
GFG 2: Improve forest benefits and livelihoods: Enhance forest-based economic, social and environmental benefits, including by improving the livelihoods of forest dependent people.
GFG 3: Protect forests and use sustainable forest products: Increase significantly the area of protected forests worldwide and other areas of sustainably managed forests, as well as the proportion of forest products from sustainably managed forests.
GFG 4: Mobilize resources: Mobilize significantly increased, new and additional financial resources from all sources for the implementation of sustainable forest management and strengthen scientific and technical cooperation and partnerships.
GFG 5: Promote inclusive forest governance: Promote governance frameworks to implement sustainable forest management, including through the UN Forest Instrument, and enhance the contribution of forests to the 2030 Agenda.
GFG 6: Cooperate and work across sectors: Enhance cooperation, coordination, coherence and synergies on forest-related issues at all levels, including within the UN System and across Collaborative Partnership on Forests member organizations, as well as across sectors and relevant stakeholders.

Resolutions

Report of the Special Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (E/CN.18/SS/2017/2)
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ECOSOC Resolution 2017/4
United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 and quadrennial programme of work of the United Nations Forum on Forests for the period 2017–2020 (E/RES/2017/4)
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General Assembly Resolution 71/285
United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 (A/RES/71/285)
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UNSPF and the SDGs

Sustainably managed, contribute to sustainable development and provide economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits for present and future generations.