United Nations designates 2011 "International Year of Forests"

Let's take a look at the facts...

• The livelihoods of 1.6 Billion people depend on forests
• Forests cover 31% of total land area globally
• Trade in forest products was estimated at $327 Billion in 2004
• Forests are home to 300 million people around the world
• Forests are home to 80% of our terrestrial biodiversity
• 30% of forests are used for production of wood and non-wood products

These statistics are currently being displayed alongside images of forests across the globe on the United Nations website. The reason the UN is sharing the importance of our forests, is because they have made the decision to designate 2011 the International Year of Forests. The United Nations General Assembly made this decision "to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation, and sustainable development pf all types of forests".

As part of the year long celebration, the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat is organizing an international forest film festival following the theme "Forests for People". The film festival is intended to "raise awareness on the importance of forests, their relationship with people and the planet we share, and consequently, to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and stewardship for a greener, more equitable, sustainable future". The winning films will be screen around the world.

For more information regarding the International Year of Forests visit the United Nations website.