Under the theme “Learn to Love Forests” the International Day of Forests will be celebrated on March 21st. The theme emphasizes the importance of forestry education at all levels to achieve the goal of sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. As we know, sustainably managed forests allow us to obtain wood-based products sourced from poplars harvested at the right age, while, in addition, plantations optimize land use and supply, therefore taking the stress off forests to provide raw material.
This year’s celebration will focus on Forests and Education and will see a range of activities in Geneva including a Forest Quiz and an exhibition on the innovative capabilities of forest products. As wood and other renewable materials can help to reduce dependence on carbon-intensive materials such as cement and metals in building, sensitizing society towards a more sustainable lifestyle integrating environmental issues into pedagogy is a priority.
If you want to find out how much do you know about forests you can join the Forest Quiz on March21st from 12:45-14:30, in the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG). Participants will form small groups to answer the quiz master’s questions. The fastest correct answer wins. The Forest Quiz is a side event to the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development 2019 and is a joint effort by PEFC, the FAO Liaison Office Geneva and the UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section. If you want to register, click here.
As part of the celebration, PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, presents its new project: “Humans of the Forests”, combining learning and entertainment in a series of videos portraying people worldwide who are in touch with timber and forests in their daily lives, showing what forests mean to them.