According to the UN, forests are home to about 80% of terrestrial biodiversity across the world, with more than 60,000 tree species. Approximately 1.6 billion people depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy, medicine, and income. Forests play a critical role in climate change as deforestation results in 12-18 percent of the world's carbon emissions. On the International Day of Forests 2023, this panel discussion looks at how to build livelihoods and protect biodiversity.