We envisage that the results of individual forest resources surveys following these guidelines, would be transmitted to a global data base or made part of a network maintained by the United Nations. Contributors to the network would have access to the data base for the benefit of the designs of new surveys and assessments. The Earth's forest resources provide vital food, fuel, and fiber for an increasing world population. Forests have provided resources for industrialization in many countries. They still play a very important role in providing sources for hard currency and as land reserves for increasing population, especially in developing countries.
Forests are both carbon sources and carbon sinks.
They serve as filters for the air we breathe and the water we drink and they protect agriculture lands and residential areas from erosion, avalanches etc. Forests provide a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna that may prove vital for human survival in the future. Furthermore, forests are places of recreation, worship, and strength for the inner body. Unfortunately, the world's forest resources are dwindling at unprecedented rates in the tropics and losing diversity and productivity in some other regions. The rate, magnitude and impact of these changes are not known or understood.