Solutions to Deforestation

Forests are the most important natural resource in the world and they cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, certain harvesting practices have led to the endangerment of hundreds of species around the globe. However, there are actions already underway to reduce the dramatic effects of deforestation. Solutions to prevent further deforestation include the creation of national parks which conserve certain regions. A few examples include the Virunga in the eastern DRC, wildlife reserves such as the Okapi Reserve in the transitional forest of northern DRC, and other heritage sites located in the Sangha Trinational area of Cameroon, Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic. Other reserves are using mixed landscapes and biosphere programs to include nature conservation and sustainable human use, and to provide additional revenue for local communities. Researchers are also working conserve mountain gorilla landscapes in the montane forests of the eastern Congo basin, through ecotourism, community projects, and park management. One of the major programs combating deforestation is the UN-REDD Program, where more developed countries fund forest rich developing countries for conserving their forests in a sustainable manner.