The world’s forests are under threat; 50 soccer fields of forests are lost every minute. We need to take action, but there’s still a lot we don’t know.

When and where are forests cleared? Why does it happen? Who is responsible?

On February 20, 2014, prominent speakers and panelists convened for the launch of GLOBAL FOREST WATCH (GFW), an online transparent mapping application that provides near-real time, reliable, and actionable data about what is happening in forests worldwide. The GFW platform is intended for use by stakeholders in the world’s forests—concerned citizens, government leaders, buyers and suppliers of sustainable forest products—who seek to better manage forests and improve local livelihoods.

See also, the Global Forest Watch press advisory.

Speakers

  • Andrew Steer, President and CEO, World Resources Institute
  • Assistant Secretary Kerri-Ann Jones, U.S. Department of State
  • President Felipe Calderon, former President of Mexico
  • Nigel Sizer, Director of Global Forests Initiative, World Resources Institute
  • Rebecca Moore, Google Earth Outreach and Earth Engine
  • Naoko Ishii, Global Environment Facility (GEF)
  • Juan Carlos Jintiach, Shuar Nation, Ecuador
  • Administrator Rajiv Shah, Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

Video messages from:

  • Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever
  • Jane Goodall, Conservationist, Jane Goodall Institute
  • Heru Prasetyo, Indonesian REDD+ Ministry
  • Achim Steiner, Administrator, UNEP
  • Tine Sundtoft, Minister of Climate and Environment, Norway
  • Lynne Featherstone MP, DFID

 

Plus, Q & A sessions with two panels of experts on the technology behind Global Forest Watch and the potential impact of this platform.

Watch highlights from the event below:

 

 

Or watch the full event video:

 

 

 

 

View/download photos from Flickr

 

This event will be livestreamed here beginning at 9:30am ET.

 

 

View livestream on iPad/iPhone

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#GFWLaunch

 

 

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