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How are governments and NGOs working together to combat deforestation, and what is their success rate so far?

Yvette Laxon

Governments and NGOs have been working closely together to combat deforestation, recognizing the immense value that the world's forests hold both as carbon sinks and as sources of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Their success rate has been mixed, but there are many promising initiatives in the works.

One key area where governments and NGOs have been making strides is in promoting sustainable forest management practices. By helping local communities develop forest-friendly livelihoods and promoting responsible logging practices, these organizations are helping to ensure that forests can continue to provide the goods and services that both people and the planet rely on.

Another area where governments and NGOs are working together is in promoting alternative land uses that can help reduce deforestation. For example, in many regions, small-scale agriculture is one of the main drivers of forest loss. By promoting more sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and conservation farming, these organizations are helping to reduce pressure on forests and promote more resilient, sustainable food systems.

Despite these successes, however, deforestation continues to be a major challenge. It is estimated that around 13 million hectares of forest are lost each year, with devastating impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate change. In order to make real progress in combating deforestation, governments and NGOs will need to work together on a much larger scale.

One exciting new initiative that could help spur progress is the REDD+ program. This program aims to create financial incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and to promote sustainable forest management practices. By providing developing countries with the financial resources they need to transition to more sustainable land-use practices, REDD+ has the potential to significantly reduce global deforestation rates.

Overall, the work that governments and NGOs are doing to combat deforestation is critical if we are to protect the world's forests and the many goods and services that they provide. While their success rate so far has been mixed, there are many exciting new initiatives and partnerships being developed that hold real promise for the future. By working together, we can build a more sustainable and equitable world, where both people and nature thrive.