Healthy Forests, Thriving Communities, a Sustainable Planet

When we think about forests, we often picture vast green landscapes, rich with biodiversity and fresh air. But forests are much more than that—they are the foundation of food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience for millions of people worldwide.

The 2025 International Day of Forests theme, “Forests and Food,” brings attention to the deep connection between them and the global food chain. Yet, with 10 million hectares lost each year, the balance between conservation and food production is at risk. Finding solutions that protect forests while supporting communities is no longer optional—it’s essential.

We sat down with Pippa Ganderton, ATPI Halo Director, to explore the vital role of forests and why their preservation is essential for both people and the planet.

Forests: A Natural Solution to Food Security

Forests are essential to global food security, providing nutrition, income, and ecosystem services that sustain 1.6 billion people worldwide. Yet, agricultural expansion remains the leading cause of deforestation, threatening both food production and biodiversity.

“The link between forests and food security is undeniable – forests provide the foundation for sustainable agriculture, from enriching soil and regulating water cycles to supporting pollinators essential for crop production.”

Agroforestry, a system that integrates trees into farming landscapes, is emerging as a key solution. It allows communities to boost crop yields while maintaining the biodiversity and climate stability that forests provide.

In Zambia, the Luangwa Community Forests Project, supported by ATPI Halo, demonstrates how protecting forests can also enhance food security. By empowering local farmers with sustainable land-use practices, the project reduces deforestation while ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.

“Through carbon finance, we can incentivise conservation while ensuring local communities have access to sustainable agricultural practices. Investing in forests is investing in long-term food resilience.”

The Climate-Deforestation-Food Nexus

The delicate relationship between forests, climate, and food security is becoming more evident as deforestation accelerates. When they are cleared, their ability to stabilise temperatures, store carbon, and regulate rainfall disappears—leading to unpredictable growing seasons, soil degradation, and food shortages.

“Protecting forests is about more than just carbon sequestration—it’s about stabilising local climates, safeguarding biodiversity, and ensuring communities can continue to grow food sustainably.”

The Ntakata REDD+ Project in Tanzania highlights how conservation efforts can address this challenge. By working with Indigenous communities, the project prevents deforestation while providing alternative income sources, reducing dependence on land clearance for farming.

Deforestation statistics highlight the urgency of action:

• 10 million hectares are lost each year—equivalent to the size of Iceland.
• They absorb nearly 7.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, making them critical to climate stability.
• 80% of global deforestation is linked to agricultural expansion.

“As businesses and communities face increasing climate challenges, investing in nature-based solutions becomes an essential strategy—not only for carbon reduction but for long-term food security and resilience.”

ATPI Halo’s Commitment to Forest Conservation

At ATPI, we believe that businesses have the power to drive real environmental impact. Through ATPI Halo, we support conservation projects that go beyond emissions reduction, helping protect forests and empower communities.

“Investing in high-integrity nature-based projects not only helps mitigate climate change but also supports global food systems by maintaining fertile land and clean water sources.”

Key ATPI-supported projects:

• Ntakata REDD+ (Tanzania) – Protecting forests in partnership with Indigenous communities.
• Luangwa Community Forests (Zambia) – Enhancing local food security while safeguarding wildlife.
• Qianbei Afforestation (China) – Large-scale reforestation for climate resilience.
• Efficient Cookstoves (Nepal & Kenya) – Reducing reliance on firewood, decreasing deforestation.

“Collaboration between companies and communities is key to scaling solutions that benefit both people and the planet. By integrating conservation into business strategies, we can ensure forests continue to sustain ecosystems and economies alike.”

Why Business Must Lead the Way

Forests are not just an environmental issue—they are an economic and social one. Businesses have a unique opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to people and planet by investing in conservation efforts that drive real impact.

• Support high-impact conservation projects that prioritise both carbon sequestration and food security.
• Partner with organisations driving nature-based solutions to ensure sustainability strategies create real-world benefits.
• Embed forest-positive policies into sustainability frameworks to drive measurable impact.

“Businesses have a responsibility to integrate forest conservation into their sustainability strategies. Protecting forests is not just about reducing carbon footprints—it’s about ensuring future generations have access to food, livelihoods, and a stable climate.”

ATPI Halo is committed to helping businesses navigate both sustainable travel and events programmes, as well as carbon compensation, ensuring that every journey contributes to a greener planet.