The 2023 theme for the International Day of Forests is “Forests and health.” Forests cover one-third of the Earth’s landmass and serve vital functions all over the world. Around 1.6 billion people, including over 2,000 indigenous cultures, rely on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food, and shelter. Forests are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, containing more than 80% of all terrestrial animal, plant, and insect species.
Despite all of these invaluable ecological, economic, social, and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate. In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the value of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to organize activities at the local, national, and international levels on each International Day of Forests.
We don’t always associate forests with drinking a glass of water, writing in a notebook, taking fever medicine, or building a house. Nonetheless, these and many other aspects of our lives are in some way linked to forests. Sustainable forest management and resource use are critical to combating climate change and contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations.
Forests also play an important role in poverty alleviation and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite these invaluable environmental, economic, social, and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate. Many kitchens use wood to provide bacteria-free food and water, and it is used to make a variety of furniture. And utensils, replace harmful materials such as plastic, develop new fibers for our clothing, and participate in fields such as medicine or the space race through technology.
For the sake of the planet and its inhabitants, it is critical to consume and produce wood in a more environmentally friendly manner. Let us protect this easily renewable resource by managing forests in a sustainable manner. Do you know that the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as International Day of Forests or World Forestry Day more than ten years ago? In over 60 countries, environmental campaigns, discussions, and other initiatives are held to protect forests and ensure sustainable development. On this day, people raise awareness of environmental issues such as deforestation.
Importance
According to UN-REDD, forests are home to approximately 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, and an estimated 1.6 billion people rely on forests for all or part of their livelihoods such as food, shelter, energy, and income. Millions of people, including those living in cities, rely on forest resources for clean air and water.
During the day, trees absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and emit oxygen, which we breathe. The carbon in forests exceeds the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Forests and forest soils store more than one trillion tonnes of carbon. As a result, forests play a critical role in combating catastrophic climate change by absorbing and storing massive amounts of CO2.
Furthermore, trees have been shown to reduce city temperatures by up to 8°C. Air conditioning usage and associated emissions can be reduced by up to 40%. However, as we cut them down, often to make way for agriculture, they lose their ability to regulate global climate. Trees reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rains. According to experts, woodland acts as a flood barrier, while trees also prevent soil erosion, reducing sediment in rivers and increasing water absorption into the ground.
Forests can also store excess rainwater, preventing extreme runoff and reducing flood damage. They can also help mitigate drought effects by releasing water during the dry season. Forests can also help provide clean water and mitigate drought effects.
History
The dangers to forests and ecosystems were obvious. Every year, 32 million acres of forest land are lost on average. The flora and fauna, as well as the forests, were destroyed. Climate change, high carbon emissions, and pollution were all indicators that immediate action was needed. During the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Conference in 1971, the members proposed that March 21 be designated as World Forestry Day.
Six forest days were established by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in 2012. In 2007, the first Forest Day was held at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bali, Indonesia (UNFCCC). Poland hosted the second Forest Day in 2008. It had over 900 participants who discussed climate change. The third Forest Day was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. This time, there were 1,500 stakeholders, including 500 members of Nongovernmental Organizations.
The fourth Forest Day was held in Cancun, Mexico. The theme was ‘Time to Act.’ The fifth was held in Durban, South Africa, and was attended by over 1,000 people from 80 countries. In 2012, the sixth Forest Day was held in Doha, Qatar. Adaptation financing and desertification were discussed. Following the six previous International Forests Days, the United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Forests or World Forestry Day on November 28, 2012.
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