Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Message for the 2014 International Day of Forests
This global celebration of forests provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests.
Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihood.
Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than half of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. Forests also provide shelter, jobs and security for forest-dependent populations.
They play a key role in our battle against climate change. Forests contribute to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air. They protect watersheds, which supply fresh water to rivers.
Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, we are destroying the very forests we need to survive. Global deforestation continues at an alarming 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.
Activities expected to take place on the 2014 International Day include tree-planting and other community-level events, and national celebrations including art, photo and film as well as social media.
Related Articles
Managing Deforestation Through Policy and Monitoring
The Vital Role of Forests: Carbon, Rain and Food
The Business of Forests: Primer, Tool, Guide and Best Practices
The Business of Responsible Forest Stewardship
Woodland Crops: Sustainable Harvests from Forests
Global Deforestation/Reforestration and Climate Change
Video - Forests = Life
A Visual Representation of Global Forest Change
International Forest Day 2013
NASA Imagery Shows Trees are Dying in US Forests
Infographic - Forests and Land Use
2012 Review of Forests and Trees
The Economic and Employment Benefits of Forests
Study Shows Deforestation of Tropical Rainforest Decreases Precipitation
Study Shows that Climate Change is Killing Forests
Using Trees for Electricity is Not Green Energy
What The Business Community Can Do To Protect Forests
The Costs of Illegal Logging
The Lacey Act Combats Illegal Logging
Challenge to the Lacey Act
Scientists Defend the Lacey Act
Video: Reducing Emissions Through Forest Preservation with REDD
Arbor Day Business Partners
0 comments:
Post a Comment