 Forest ecosystems are more than just trees. Our forest provides many critical services to humanity. They make an important contribution to the various aspects of sustainable development. Forest provides a source of food and nutrition for many households, acting as a safety net for farmers during seasonal food gaps. Forests can provide food security for households between harvest or in times of flooding, crop failure and drought. Forest plays a key role in the global water cycle and the protection of water resources. During the wet season, they act as a sponge, soaking up rainfall and storing water. They provide water storage systems that supply an estimated 75% of the usable water globally. Mangrove forest supports coastal ecosystems, prevents sea level rise and store carbon. Mangrove forest serves as the first line of defence against extreme water levels. They contribute to local livelihoods and marine biodiversity, supplying building materials for food, medicine, fuel and other non-timber forest products. Forests are essential to maintaining biodiversity and supporting environmental processes. They contain an estimated 75% of all terrestrial plant and animal species. Mangrove forest is the driving force behind most ecological processes, including soil fertility, pollination, nutrient cycling, natural pest control and maintenance of water resources. What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another. We must pledge to plant a tree as a legacy for a sustainable future.