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Dear IFSA Family,
We are in the midst of a major global crisis that is touching most humans on earth. The spread and scale is unprecedented due to global connectivity, interconnectedness and interdependence.
There are other dimensions of the crisis that seems to provide relief to nature. Pollution is major cities across the globe are falling and the air, water and oceans much cleaner largely due to lockdowns.
There are major lessons for foresters as well. The implications of the lockdown on the tourism, including wildlife tourism, the impact on indigenous communities dependent on natural resources including bush meat are points of highlights. Lesser known issues include dealing forest fires during such lockdowns and disruption of forestry supply chains across the globe.
Small farmers, local, national and international migrants seeking livelihoods, education and jobs have all been affected by the pandemic.
The post-Covid globe is most likely to be different. We are likely to see an increased internal focus on local and regional, which may have important implications for forestry. Higher value may be placed on Goods (NTFP, Timber) and services (water, clean air) from forests. Medicinal plants from forests are likely to become importance.
Keeping distance, staying at home, is a service not only self but also to society and humanity.
For A World That Appreciates Forests!
IFSA-Hugs, the Communications Commissions
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