World Forestry DAY- 21st March, 2012

World Forestry Day is celebrated world over to highlight the contribution of forests in not only supporting livelihoods of millions but also the unique role they play in supporting our climate. Not surprisingly, they are referred to as the lungs of the world.

March 21st, the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, and the vernal equinox in the Northern, was chosen as the day which is now celebrated as World Forestry Day. Forestry needs to be valued and forests need to protected, preserved and used sustainably. Production, protection and recreation are the three key areas of forestry.

Forests are an important source of raw materials. In addition, the world’s forests store enormous amounts of carbon which helps to mitigate climate change.

As per the Millennium Development Goals 2011 report, Asia and Europe shows 2.2 and 0.9 million hectares of net gain in forest cover respectively in 2000-2010 while Africa has no change in net gain of forested area. On the other side, Africa lost 4.1 and 3.4 million hectares of forest cover in between 1990-2000 and 2000-2010 respectively. Comparatively Asia shows less loss in forest cover which is 0.6 million hectares in between 1990-2000 but it is significant as compared to the existing forest cover.  Most of the forest loss is still occurring in countries in the tropics, while the net gain is mostly found in countries in the temperate and boreal zones. Considering the importance of forests, the United Nations General Assembly designated 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness of sustainable management, conservation and development of all types of forests UN adopted ‘Forests for People’ was the theme for the Year 2011. It shows the dynamic relationship between forests and the people who depend on them.

India is doing its bit under The National Mission for a Green India which is one of the eight Missions under the NAPCC (National Action Plan on Climate Change).

We at GreenCleanGuide, wish our readers a very green World Forestry Day.

Read more on Emphasis on forest conservation and management under the MDG 7- Ensure Environmental Sustainability

World Forestry Day 2014