June 22 marks World Rainforest Day, launched in 2017 by Rainforest Partnership to highlight the critical role of tropical forests. These ecosystems stabilize the climate, regulate rainfall, store vast amounts of carbon, and support most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Yet despite their importance, 2024 proved to be a devastating year. Fires ravaged millions of hectares, and several regions experienced record levels of primary forest loss.
The outlook is sobering, but not yet hopeless. Many rainforests can still be saved if immediate action is taken. Political will, sustained funding and strong governance are essential. Indigenous and local communities, proven stewards of these ecosystems, must lead the way. On this World Rainforest Day, the message is urgent: time is short, but there is still a path forward.
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