Forests cool the local climate, draw carbon dioxide from the air, filter water and create habitat for a diversity of insects, birds and animals. Trees on farms provide shade for crops and livestock, and stabilize and enrich the soil.

Yet strict conservation approaches and poverty-reduction policies often overlook the fact that tens of millions of rural households gain significant income, food, fuel, medicine and shelter from forests and trees. CIFOR is documenting how forests contribute to human well-being, biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation.