International Year of Forest 2011

Forests play an integral part in the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people worldwide, supply the habitat for millions of species, and play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change. But deforestation continues at a rate of 50,000 square miles per year. Within this mind, the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2011 as the International Year of Forests (Forests 2011). Everyone from Governments and the UN system, to major groups and other forest-related organizations are invited to come together to raise awareness on strengthening the sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

Quick Facts:

• Forests cover 31 percent of total global land area.
• Forests store more than 1 trillion tons of carbon.
• Over 1.6 billion people’s livelihoods depend on forests.
• Trade in forest products was estimated at $327 billion in 2004.
• Forests are home to 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity.
• 30 percent of forests are used for production of wood and non-wood products
• Forests are home to 300 million people around the world.
• Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
  

Goals

Forests 2011 is a unique opportunity to highlight the key role of forests in our lives. By showcasing success stories and solutions, the year will galvanise greater public participation in forest-related activities.

Theme

“Forests for People” is the main theme of the Year. It highlights the dynamic relationship between forests and the people who depend on them.

Forest management includes eliminating clear-cutting to keep forest environments intact. The cutting that does occur should be balanced by planting enough new trees to replace the ones felled. While the number of new tree plantations has been growing each year, the total trees grown are still a small fraction of the Earth’s current forested land.

Among the planned events for 2011 International Year of Forests are tree plantings and the distribution of seedlings. Ethiopia, Georgia, Jamaica, Lebanon and Poland, and some non-governmental organizations all have plans to organize mass tree plantings as part of their International Year activities. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has specifically indicated plans to plant over 1 billion trees throughout the country during 2011.