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Forests are essential for human survival and well-being. They harbour two thirds of all terrestrial animal and plant species. They provide us with food, oxygen, shelter, recreation, and spiritual sustenance, and they are the source for over 5,000 commercially-traded products, ranging from pharmaceuticals to timber and clothing. The biodiversity of forests—the variety of genes, species, and forest ecosystems—underpins these goods and services, and is the basis for long-term forest health and stability. Promoting ways to use forest biodiversity in a sustainable way, and with clear social and economic benefits for the poor, is the purpose of this guide. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) addresses the conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity through a comprehensive programme of work, adopted in 2002 and revised in 2008 (see page 39). Many of the activities of the programme of work promote poverty reduction and creation of sustainable livelihoods. The objectives of the work programme can and should be incorporated into national and regional forest policies and strategies, for the benefit of present and future generations.
