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Robert B. Zoellick, President of the World Bank group
International Year of Forests, 2011 presents an important opportunity to take a fresh look at how healthy forests
support a wide range of development goals, including energy access, overcoming poverty, food security, and
climate change adaptation and mitigation. How can we make the best use of trees as solar-based, renewable
sources of fuel and building material? What is the potential of agroforestry to fertilize and retain water for both
public and private investment? How can we tap the long experience of indigenous peoples in managing natural
resources and adapting to climate change to help maintain forest ecosystems?
The World Bank Group is committed to working with developing countries as partners to preserve and
carefully manage these precious natural resources. One good example of this is the Wildlife Premium Market
Initiative, a programme to value the wildlife in forests as a complement to ongoing efforts to reduce emissions
from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). We need to recognize the value of forests that are teeming
with life: we don’t want silent forests.
In the International Year of Forests, 2011 the World Bank Group joins the rest of the world in celebrating
the work of preserving forests, reversing deforestation, and promoting the significance of forests for sustainable
development. Forests are the lungs of the world. For many creatures, they are also the last wildlife habitats – rich
reservoirs of biodiversity, vital ecosystems. They are fundamental to our planet.
Robert B. Zoellick
President of the World Bank Group