One World Nature Conservation Alliance

The Global Deforestation Crisis

Every year, we lose 10 million hectares of forest - equivalent to 27 soccer fields every minute. This destruction threatens biodiversity, accelerates climate change, and endangers indigenous communities.

Why Forests Matter

Forests are the Earth's natural carbon sinks, absorbing 2.6 billion tons of CO2 annually. They are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity and provide livelihoods for over 1.6 billion people.

The main drivers of deforestation include agricultural expansion (80%), logging operations (14%), and infrastructure development (6%). Without urgent action, we risk losing critical ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

"Forests are the world's air conditioning system, the lungs of the planet and we are on the verge of switching it off." - Prince Charles

Key Statistics

10M+

Hectares lost annually (size of Malawi)

47%

Of deforestation is illegal

1,000

Species at risk from Zambia deforestation alone

Our Deforestation Prevention Strategies

We employ a multi-faceted approach to protect forests, combining cutting-edge technology with community empowerment and policy advocacy.

Protected Areas

Establishing and enforcing legal protections for critical forest ecosystems through partnerships with governments and indigenous communities.

Satellite Monitoring

Using real-time satellite imagery and AI to detect illegal logging activities and alert authorities within hours of deforestation events.

Community Forestry

Empowering local communities with land rights and sustainable livelihood alternatives to reduce pressure on forests.

Featured Forest Protection Projects

Our initiatives are making measurable impacts in some of the most critical forest regions.

North Swaka Forest Reserve Initiative

Active

Partnering with 15 indigenous communities to protect 110267 hectors of the forest reserve through land rights recognition, sustainable development programs, and advanced monitoring systems.

Central, Zambia

110276

Hectors Protected

78%

Less Illegal Logging

Fighting Illegal Charcoal Burning with Sustainable Solutions

Expanding

We arecracking down on illegal charcoal production through policy enforcement and community education. We raise awareness about the dangers of deforestation and promote sustainable alternatives like solar energy, biogas, and clean cookstoves helping reduce dependence on charcoal and protect Zambia’s forests.

Central and copperbelt, Zambia

650

Forest Guardians

9200

Trees Protected

View All Forest Projects

Measuring Our Impact

Since 2010, our deforestation prevention efforts have achieved measurable results across three key metrics:

375 million acres of forest protected through legal designations and community agreements
85% reduction in illegal logging activities in our protected areas
500+ indigenous communities empowered as forest OWNCA Guardians

How You Can Help Prevent Deforestation

Everyone has a role to play in protecting our planet's forests. Here are meaningful ways to contribute.

Donate

Your financial support funds forest patrols, satellite monitoring, and community education programs.

Protect an Acre

Consume Responsibly

Choose products with FSC certification and avoid palm oil from deforested areas.

Sustainable Shopping Guide

Advocate

Urge policymakers to strengthen forest protections and support indigenous land rights.

Take Action Now

Deforestation FAQs

The primary drivers are agricultural expansion (especially cattle ranching and soy/palm oil production), accounting for 80% of deforestation. Logging operations contribute 14%, while infrastructure development like roads and mining make up the remaining 6%. In tropical regions, commercial agriculture is responsible for about 70% of forest clearing.

Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing about 2.6 billion tons of CO2 annually. When destroyed, they release stored carbon - deforestation accounts for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Amazon alone stores 120 billion tons of carbon that could be released if deforestation continues. Protecting forests could provide 23% of the climate mitigation needed by 2030.

The most effective strategies combine: 1) Legal protections for forests with strong enforcement, 2) Supporting indigenous land rights (indigenous territories have deforestation rates 2-3 times lower than other areas), 3) Sustainable alternatives for local economies, and 4) Consumer pressure on corporations to eliminate deforestation from supply chains. Our approach combines all four through policy work, technology, and community partnerships.

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Deforestation Prevention