Forests and Innovation
Innovation and technology have revolutionized forest monitoring, enabling countries to track and report on their forests more effectively. A total of 13.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide forest emission reductions or enhancements have been reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change through transparent and innovative forest monitoring.
The theme for International Day of Forests 2024 is Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.
The battle against deforestation requires new technological advancements. With 10 million hectares lost annually due to deforestation and approximately 70 million hectares affected by fires, these innovations are essential for early warning systems, sustainable commodity production, and empowering Indigenous Peoples through land mapping and climate finance access.
Additionally, ecosystem restoration, including reforestation efforts, can significantly contribute to climate mitigation and enhance food security while pushing the boundaries of sustainable wood products. and enhance food security while promoting sustainable wood products.
Participate in the celebration of the forests. Join the conversation on social media using the #ForestDay hashtag. You can find more information in the International Day of Forests and promotional materials in the Check out the social media kit.
Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Forests
Reducing deforestation and forest degradation and restoring and sustainably managing forests are critical pathways to meet the 2030 global goals. Despite a slowdown in deforestation rates, over 420 million hectares of forest have vanished since 1990, with an annual loss of 10 million hectares. To tackle these challenges, FAO and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have jointly launched AIM4Forests, a five-year program that aims to enhance forest monitoring through modern technologies, technical innovation, and the utilization of space data and remote sensing.
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?
- Forest are home to 80 % of all know amphibian species.
- More than 30% of new diseases reported since 1960 are attributed to land use change, including deforestation.
- Forests contain over ½ the global carbon stock in soils and vegetation.
- An area roughly the equivalent of 14 million football pitches is lost per year to deforestation.
- Insect pests damage around 35 million hectares of forest annually.
- Forested watersheds and wetlands provide 75% of the world´s accessible freshwater.
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Forests and innovation – new solutions for a better world
Innovation is unlocking the forests’ long-kept secrets and allowing us to use trees in ways we never imagined possible. Materials derived from forests and trees are being developed as sustainable substitutes for plastics, building materials, fabrics, medicines and many other everyday items. At the same time, rapidly evolving drone and satellite technology is helping us to monitor and manage our forests, detect and fight fires and safeguard ecosystems.
