Consequences of the Recognition of Forest Protection as a Common Concern of Humankind for the Anthropocene

Abstract

The chapter illustrates the consequences of recognizing forests as a ‘common concern of humankind’ for the Anthropocene. This suggestion stems from the acknowledgment that there is a need to revisit the current understanding of the concept of ‘common concern of humankind’ for the new Anthropocene epoch, especially on the example of forests. Following the initial examination of how international law defines and regulates global commons, it discusses the key international principles which facilitate recognition of forests as a global commons and presents three elements of defining the common concerns of humankind. In the new Anthropocene epoch, where human activities are so greatly affecting and altering the Earth’s structure and ecosystems, appropriate management of natural resources is crucial. Forests, often referred to as the lungs of the planet, play an important role in the Earth system and significantly affect the planet’s climate. With growing CO₂ emissions, the importance of forests has become even more significant as the balancer of atmospheric gases and thus a natural tool in mitigating climate change. The chapter concludes by arguing that in the Anthropocene, more than ever, the acknowledgement of forests as a common concern of humankind is essential, as this requires focusing on the principle of multi-stakeholder cooperation. It is necessary that human activities as they relate to global commons and in particularly as they relate to forests are agreed upon and implemented by all the stakeholders. Only through such cooperation we can adopt practices that are most beneficial to the current and future generations and to the conservation of the Earth ecosystem.