Over the past year the GCP has evolved further to include significant work in the policy and finance sectors with science, underpinning everything that we do. We have now become leaders in the field of forest ecosystem services and their values to humanity.

Not only do we support scientific research on forest canopy ecosystem services through the International Canopy Network and the proposed Whole Forest Observatory network, but we are also playing a key role in the policy arena, through the VivoCarbon Initiative. In the finance sector we are working with Governments of forested nations to establish pilot projects to demonstrate that payments for ecosystem services could become traded in the voluntary markets. If successful this could generate significant revenues to countries, on a scale of current agribusinesses such as soya, palm oil and beef. If we can use commerce as an partner and create new market mechanisms in ecosystem services, we will not only further the cause of forest conservation but also, by reducing deforestation, help ease up to 25% of greenhouse gases, which are causing climate change.

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