3 key pathways to guide sustainable forest management

Forests are central to climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. They are also home to millions of people whose lives and livelihoods depend on them. The forest economy is not just about timber or carbon; it is about people’s rights, sustainable livelihoods and resilience.

The Global Future Council on Forest Economy recently met as part of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils in Dubai, UAE, to reflect on the urgency and complexity of the challenges faced in 21st-century forest management. It is more than a forum for discussion, but a platform for collaboration, innovation and action. By bringing together perspectives from governments, businesses, civil society and local communities, the council ensures that strategies are not only ambitious, but also inclusive, practical and grounded in lived experience.

Here are the most important findings from this year’s meeting:

The council identified several megatrends that will shape the forest economy over the next three decades:

These themes are not just strategic priorities, but they are deeply embedded in the work I do at Proforest across forest landscapes in Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon and other parts of West and Central Africa. They reflect the lived realities of communities and ecosystems navigating the complex balance between development and conservation.

Through the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative (ASCI), 10 countries in the region are working together to promote responsible production of agricultural commodities like palm oil, rubber and shea. These efforts are also driving innovative approaches to forest conservation, management and restoration in production landscapes.

We’ve seen real progress: policy reforms, new government agencies and stronger institutional capacity, all geared towards creating the conditions for public-private collaboration that support both production and protection.

There are key examples from our work that illustrate how these megatrends are being translated into action:

These case studies demonstrate that the forest economy is not just about global strategies, but about practical, local solutions that directly impact lives and landscapes. Empowering people to make informed choices that shape the future of their environment is paramount.

When we talk about megatrends shaping forest economy pathways, it is easy to focus on policies and frameworks and forget the individuals on the ground. Yet they are the ones living the reality, navigating trade-offs and driving change every day. Communities’ decisions to conserve, restore, or sustainably manage forests ultimately determine if global goals become tangible outcomes.

Forests are at the heart of global efforts to tackle climate change, conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. Yet the solutions cannot be designed in isolation from the realities of those who depend on forests for their livelihoods. Connecting global thinking with local realities is essential to building systems that work for both people and the planet.

As I continue my work, I am committed to bringing examples from Africa to the council: stories of innovation, resilience and community leadership. These examples highlight what is possible when rights are respected, partnerships are strengthened, and action is taken on the ground. Because the future of forests depends not only on what we discuss in global forums, but on how we implement those commitments in the landscapes where forests and people coexist.