Forests cover one third of the Earth's
land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion
people depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and
shelter. Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land. They are
also home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and
insects. Even though they provide a myriad of priceless ecological, economic,
social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarmingly
fast rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation
accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that
contribute to climate change.
Today International Day of Forests is
celebrated all over the world. It is an annual occurrence and a particularly
important environmental day. It not only helps to raise awareness of the importance
of forests to people, but also their vital role in poverty eradication,
environmental sustainability and food security. Sustainable management of all
types of forests are at the heart of unlocking challenges of conflict-affected,
developing and developed countries, for the benefit of current and future
generations.
2018 Theme:
Forests and Sustainable Cities
This
year the UN has provided the platform to raise awareness of the importance of
all types of woodlands and trees, and celebrate the ways in which they sustain
and protect us.
Key
Messages that they want to convey are:
·
Forests
and trees store carbon, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in
and around urban areas.
·
Trees
also improve the local climate, helping to save energy used for heating by
20-50 percent.
·
Strategic
placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8 degrees Celsius,
reducing air conditioning needs by 30 percent.
·
Urban
trees are excellent air filters, removing harmful pollutants in the air and
fine particulates.
·
Trees
reduce noise pollution, as they shield homes from nearby roads and industrial
areas.
·
Local
populations use the fruits, nuts, leaves and insects found in urban trees to
produce food and medicines for use in the home, or as a source of income.
·
Wood
fuel sourced from urban trees and planted forests on the outskirts of cities
provides renewable energy for cooking and heating, which reduces pressures on
natural forests and our reliance on fossil fuels.
·
Forests
in and around urban areas help to filter and regulate water, contributing to
high-quality freshwater supplies for hundreds of millions of people. Forests
also protect watersheds and prevent flooding as they store water in their
branches and soil.
·
Well-managed
forests and trees in and around cities provide habitats, food and protection
for many plants and animals, helping to maintain and increase biodiversity.
·
Forests
in cities and surrounding areas generate tourism, create tens of thousands of
jobs and encourage city beautification schemes, building dynamic, energetic and
prosperous green economies.
·
Urban
green spaces, including forests, encourage active and healthy lifestyles,
improve mental health, prevent disease, and provide a place for people to
socialize.
How
you can partake in the day:
·
Watch
and share the International Day of Forests video 2018 (please see video below).
·
Take
part in the International Day of Forests 2018 photo contest by sharing a photo
of that special tree or that special forest in your city.
·
Organize
or join events celebrating forests – tree plantings, symposiums, art
exhibitions, or a photo competition.
·
Use
the #IntlForestDay hashtag on social media.
Read
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations’ report on
the state of the world’s forests here: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5588e.pdf
Why
do you think forests matter? Follow the link to find why forests are important:
https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/forests/why-do-forests-matter
How
much do you really know about forests and cities? Follow the link to the FAO’s quiz
to find out: http://www.fao.org/zhc/detail-events/en/c/1107093/.
References
