Too precious to lose
When we drink a glass of water, write in a notebook, take medicine for a fever or build a house, we do not always make the connection with forests. And yet, these and many other aspects of our lives are linked to forests in one way or another.
Forest sustainable management and their use of resources are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet despite all these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate.
Wood helps to provide bacteria-free food and water in many kitchens, build countless furniture and utensils, replace materials as harmful as plastic, create new fibers for our clothes and, through technology , be part of the fields of medicine or the space race.
It is vital to consume and produce wood in a more environmentally friendly way for the planet and its inhabitants. Let’s protect this easily renewable resource with a sustainable management of forests.
How much do you know about forests and sustainable consumption and production?
Test your knowledge with the FAO quiz. Answer 10 questions about forests and sustainability. Are you an expert? Do you need to learn a little more? The result is not so important. Just answer, learn and spread the questionnaire among your family and friends.
Background
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
The organizers are the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field.
Did you know?
- Forests are home to about 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, with more that 60,000 tree species.
- Around 1.6 billion people depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy, medicines and income.
- The world is losing 10 million hectares of forest each year - about the size of Iceland
Source: FAO 2020
Watch
Forests and sustainable production and consumption
For millions of people across the world, wood helps provide safe drinking water, food and shelter - but wood can do much more and is a renewable resource when forests are managed sustainably..
