Kichwa woman harvesting cocoa in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Photo: Wiñak
Every year, the International Day of Forests reminds us of the indispensable role forests play in sustaining life. In 2025, the theme “Forests and Foods” sheds light on an often-overlooked reality—forests are not just scenic landscapes brimming with wildlife but fundamental to human survival. From food security and nutrition to livelihoods and ecosystem stability, forests are the backbone of our planet’s well-being.
While forests contribute only 0.6% of the global food supply, their importance goes far beyond calories. Forest foods are vital supplements during lean seasons and serve as safety nets for vulnerable households. Moreover, forests support 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, offering an invaluable reservoir of genetic resources that could help communities adapt to climate change. Access to wild foods diversifies diets and income sources, strengthening resilience in the face of environmental and economic shocks.
Forests are far more than economic assets; they are the silent architects of ecosystems and societies. Over a billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods, particularly Indigenous communities, who depend on them for food, shelter, medicine, and water. However, their significance extends beyond material resources. Forests are deeply woven into cultural identities, shaping traditional knowledge, fostering community, and strengthening local values through deep emotional and spiritual connections to the land.
Forests as Economic Powerhouses
The global forest sector is a key driver of economic activity, employing 18.21 million people directly and supporting over 45.15 million jobs through direct, indirect, and induced impacts. Economically, forests contribute $539 billion directly to the world’s GDP, with their total impact exceeding $1.3 trillion. From timber and non-timber products to carbon storage and ecotourism, forests are a powerhouse of sustainable economic opportunities.
Forests and Medicine: Nature’s Pharmacy
Beyond food and livelihoods, forests play a crucial role in global health: 25% of modern medicines originate from rainforest plants, with 70% believed to have anticancer properties. The Amazon rainforest, home to over 40,000 plant species, holds untapped potential for medical research and drug discovery. The loss of forests threatens not just biodiversity but also the future of medicine itself.
The Importance of Bioeconomy
The bioeconomy plays a crucial role in the Amazon – and beyond- and Indigenous communities by promoting sustainable use of natural resources while enhancing local livelihoods. For example, initiatives like agroforestry and the harvesting of non-timber forest products provide economic opportunities while preserving biodiversity. Indigenous knowledge is vital in managing these resources, as seen in the success of Brazil’s rubber tapper communities, which have maintained sustainable practices for generations. These approaches support both environmental conservation and the well-being of Indigenous peoples.
As we explore the many regional initiatives dedicated to forest conservation, it is clear that protecting forests is not just about saving trees but also about safeguarding the foundation of human well-being.
In our forest-related work at EDF, we want to share two examples of Ecuador and Costa Rica initiatives that link forest conservation with supporting access of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to financial opportunities for ongoing conservation efforts.
Costa Rica: Territorial Environmental Forestry Plans
The Territorial Environmental Forestry Plans (PAFT in Spanish) are planning tools designed to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ participation in forest conservation, aligning with their worldview and needs. As part of the National REDD+ Strategy, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and FONAFIFO have worked for over 10 years with Indigenous communities to implement these plans.
PAFTs play a crucial role in halting deforestation and preserving forests as they establish community-led strategies for sustainable land use, legal security, payment for environmental services, and participatory monitoring. As a result, ADITICA and the Ujarrás Association were the first to sign the Forest Emissions Reduction Contract (CREF), with 22 more territories in progress. This effort strengthens sustainable development and ensures the fair distribution of environmental and economic benefits, reinforcing Indigenous leadership in forest protection.
The Forest Emissions Reduction Contract (CREF) was signed in August 2023 between the National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO) and the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral Indígena Cabécar (ADITICA) and the Ujarrás Association.
Ecuador: Implementation Plans
The Implementation Plan for REDD+ Measures and Actions are strategic frameworks guiding conservation, restoration, and sustainable development under the REDD+ Ecuador Actions Plan. These plans define activities, funding, governance, and monitoring, ensuring Indigenous and local communities benefit from climate finance programs.
The initiative has mobilized $2.5 million through the Payment for Results Project, engaging 120 Indigenous representatives from 11 nationalities and 23 CONFENIAE organizations since its launch on August 16, 2022, in Pastaza. It marks the first Indigenous-led initiative to receive government-backed climate financing, with CONFENIAE leading the process under the Green Climate Fund’s REDD+ Ecuador Program.
With the Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) signing under the LEAF Initiative for $30 million, further funding is expected to expand CONFENIAE’s Implementation Plan, strengthening Indigenous-led conservation, land tenure, and sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, a separate Afro-Ecuadorian Implementation Plan, backed by the Kawari Fund, is in development to ensure Afro-descendant communities’ inclusion in climate action while enhancing environmental and social resilience. Both Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian Implementation Plans highlight Ecuador’s commitment to community-driven forest conservation and climate mitigation.