21 March 2017: International Day of Forests

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

On each International Day 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 theme for each International Day of Forests is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.

The theme for 2017 is Forests and Energy.

Approximately 883 million people in developing countries are employed in the wood energy sector on a full or part-time basis. Wood provides the world with more energy than solar, hydroelectric or wind power, accounting for roughly 40% of current global renewable energy supply. About 50% of global wood production is used as energy for cooking, heating, and electricity generation.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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