International Day of Forests
21 Mar 2014
21 March every year. Celebrating all types of forest worldwide.
In November 2012 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests. The aim of the Day is to celebrate all types of forest and raise awareness of sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations.
Further information is available on the FAO's International Day of Forests web pages, including some Key Messages about forests.
Did you know...?
· Forests cover 31% of the world's total land area.
< Primary (or 'old growth') forests account for 36% of forest area.
< The livelihoods of over 1.6 billion people depend on forests.
< Forests are home to 80% of our terrestrial (ie: non-marine) biodiversity.
< Trade in forest products was estimated at $327 billion in 2004.
< Forests are home to 300 million people around the world.
< 30% of forests are used for the production of wood and non-wood products.
This short film about forests could be used in class to prompt discussion about forests. It has been produced by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the photographer behind the 'Earth From the Air' photos.
