Page "Forest" Paragraph 31

A number of global forest classification systems have been proposed, but none has gained universal acceptance.

UNEP-WCMC's forest category classification system is a simplification of other more complex systems ( e. g. UNESCO's forest and woodland ' subformations ').

This system divides the world's forests into 26 major types, which reflect climatic zones as well as the principal types of trees.

These 26 major types can be reclassified into 6 broader categories: temperate needleleaf ; temperate broadleaf and mixed ; tropical moist ; tropical dry ; sparse trees and parkland ; and forest plantations.

Each category is described as a separate section below.