Life on Earth depends on the vitality of Ancient Forests.
Protecting Ancient Forests is key to solving the interrelated crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pandemics.
Also known as Primary Forests, Ancient Forests have an intact ecosystem, undisturbed by industrial activity.
They are home to indigenous stewards whose way of living plays a critical role in protecting the balance, vitality, and conservation of Earth’s biodiversity.
Ancient Forests are the greatest natural resource for life on Earth.
- Home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.
- Protects over 2/3 of all terrestrial plant and animal species.
- Natural quarantine areas.
- Produces 40% of the world’s oxygen.
- Source of 3/4 of the world’s freshwater.
- The greatest source of regenerative biodiversity on Earth.
- The greatest natural land based carbon drawdown on Earth.
Permanently protecting Ancient Forests is the most effective land-based solution for preserving life on Earth.
The world is facing a multitude of accelerating, existential crises — climate change, species extinction, freshwater pollution, pandemics, and indigenous bio-cultural genocide. At the center of these interrelated crises are Earth’s Ancient Forests.
Climate Change
They are the largest, most stable ecosystem for storing and sequestering carbon.
Pandemics
They are natural quarantine areas. Protecting them from external human disruptions is essential to preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19.
Biodiversity Loss
They protect over two-thirds of the Earth’s terrestrial plant and animal species.
Indigenous Peoples are the World’s Greatest Forest Guardians.
Indigenous peoples are protecting 80% of the world’s Ancient Forests, with deforestation rates dropping 50% lower in their territories.
The United Nations reports that supporting the land rights of indigenous and tribal peoples is one of the most cost-effective strategies to protect Ancient Forests.
These heroic stewards have lived harmoniously with the Ancient Forests for millennia. Their wisdom, scientific knowledge, and guidance are vital to the balance of life on Earth.
Photo by Daniel ‘El Suchi’ Garcia, Codes of Nature.
85% of Earth's original forests have been degraded.
of ancient forests are unprotected
of Earth's forests have already been lost
of remaining forests are ancient forests
species are threatened with extinction, up 1000%
What about all the other efforts to save life on Earth?
There are a multitude of very important efforts going on around the world to protect the vitality of the natural world. And they must continue. However, few of them will gain the necessary traction they need until Ancient Forests are protected.
Each of these crucial initiatives depends on the vitality of Ancient Forests to achieve their mission.
Renewable Energy
Regenerative Agriculture
Carbon Management
Tree Planting
Clean Water
Pandemic Prevention
Ocean Conservation
Only 15% of intact, Ancient Forests are left. We are working to protect every last hectare that remains.
Map data is produced by our partners at IntAct.
