(VOVworld) – On Tuesday representatives of 193 UN members endorsed a global timeline to cut natural forest loss in half by 2020 and strive to end it by 2030. The timeline was stated in a declaration adopted at the UN climate summit in New York to preserve and expand forests as part of efforts against climate change.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the Climate Summit at the U.N. headquarters in New York, September 23, 2014. (Photo: Reuters)

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that though the declaration is not legally binding, it will play a significant role in protecting the environment if all nations honor their pledge.