To preserve our forests, we need to recognize their multiple values and develop financial instruments that include the true total value of forest systems. WWF is working across its offices with forest managers who see more than wood in their forests.

Ecotourism can be connected to sustainable forest management. In Maramures, Romania, WWF is working on a pilot project with the Strâmbu Bãiut Forest Directorate in a unique biodiverse mosaic landscape that includes a Natura 2000 site and UNESCO primeval forest – home to some of the largest populations of large carnivores in Europe. Together with local communities, they aim to better protect these areas and are exploring a payment for ecosystem services scheme to fund this conservation. The Forests Directorate received FSC Ecosystem Services certification for Recreation and Biodiversity services in late 2022 – a first for the country with great potential.

To increase the business case for sustainable forest management and improve local livelihoods, a local entity has been set up comprising local community groups, the Forest Directorate and WWF to develop ecotourism in the region. The same entity is seeking investments to improve wildlife protection and promote human and wildlife coexistence, which will also help create local employment.

Read the full article - featured in WWF's Forest Pathways Report.