Wildlife charity calls for greater protection for forest animals
Functional forests comprise a huge array of animals which are key to forest ecosystems.
An international wildlife charity is calling for greater protection for forest-dwelling animal species.
Born Free will submit a Motion at the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) General Assembly later this month. If the Motion is adopted, those who manage FSC certified forests will be given more tools to help the animals that live there.
Born Free says that if the FSC is is to live up to its tagline ‘Forests for All Forever’, then it must recognise the vital role of animals in forest ecosystems. Ian Redmond OBE, Born Free’s senior wildlife consultant said:
“If we ignore the needs forest-dwelling animals, then forest management can never be truly described as ‘environmentally sustainable. Neither can it truly be described as being ‘for all’”.
Functional forests comprise a huge array of animals which are key to forest ecosystems. Many of these animals pollinate plants, distribute seeds, clear areas enabling new trees and recycle waste.
However, many of these animals are in great decline thanks to uncontrolled hunting, deforestation and conversion of land for human activity. Born Free says that as the FSC looks to widen its stewardship of the world’s forests, it can play a vital role in protecting these species.
”By adopting Motion 27 at its General Assembly, the FSC will achieve even greater public recognition and support by being seen as an animal-friendly brand,” Redmond continued. “And perhaps even more of us will see the value in seeking out FSC-certified products.”
Born Free is a member of the FSC and works to bring compassionate conservation considerations into sustainable forestry. The FSC’s General Assembly will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from 8 to 13 October.
RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.
