The 2014 State of the World’s Forests report outlines how forests and trees are fundamental to human well-being and survival.

"Forests, trees, farms and agroforestry systems contribute to food security, nutrition and livelihoods in several ways including as a direct source of food, fuel, employment and income," said Eva Mueller, director of the Food and Agriculture Organization's Forestry Division which produced the report.

The report calls for a shift in the forest sector from trees to people in order to realize the full socioeconomic benefits that forests provide.

Trees do not only provide timber and fuel, they are important in food security. The report found that in 2011, about 10.9kg of edible non-wood forest products were consumed per capita globally.

"Food from the forests - like fruit, nuts, mushrooms, leaves, roots, insects and wild animals - often contributes a nutritious supplement to rural people and provides a safety net in times of hardship,” said Mueller.

Findings in the report point to the important role of forests and trees in providing employment, fuel, timber and fodder. While the forestry sector accounted for about 0.9% of the global economy, informal income (from woodfuel, construction materials, food etc.) took forests' contributions to about 1.1% of the global economy.

The ecosystem services provided by forests are also highlighted in the report as is their importance in providing a valuable and irreplaceable source of genetic resources.

Read the story on the BBC website: UN: World's forests fundamental to human well-being

Find out more about the State of the World’s Forests 2014