The role of trees and forests in our healthy lives.
In the UN's resolution, it recognized “that forests and sustainable forest management can contribute significantly to sustainable development, poverty eradication and the achievement of internationally agreed development goals.” It further emphasized “the need for sustainable management of all types of forests, including fragile forest ecosystems.” Lastly, the UN has called upon governments, relevant regional and international organizations and major groups to support activities related to IYOF.
The U.S. celebration of IYOF has the tagline, “Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life.” Forests truly are something to celebrate: they filter our air and water, provide cooling shade in the summer, beautify our cities and towns, provide critical habitat for a myriad of wildlife, contribute to forest-based economies, and, best of all, they provide us with opportunities to connect with the natural world. The benefits of trees and forests are many, and people derive these benefits on many different levels. Our hope is that, through the U.S. campaign for IYOF, we can strengthen that connection, elevate the national conversation about the importance of forest health, and promote a collective national appreciation and investment in healthy forests and woodlands.
The campaign's theme seeks to connect the concept of trees and foreststo health in the everyday lives of American citizens. Trees impact our health in several areas. The campaign's focus is on the role trees and forests play in:
- Clean Air and Water
- Ecosystem Health
- Economic Health
- Community/Personal Health
To learn how trees and forests impact these four key areas, visit the Facts and Information page.
Throughout the year, the "Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life." Campaign will be encouraging Americans to make the connection to forests and to celebrate that connection. Jan McAlpine, Director of the UN Forum on Forests, noted:
“The most consistent word I would like to have carried over is ‘celebrate;' celebrate forests. We can always talk about the negatives but let’s share with the public the positives of forests, which are amazing and breathtaking and spectacular and awesome. And we need to tell that story in a different way than we have in the past…it’s also a very good story to tell.”
There are many organizations contributing to the yearlong celebration of the International Year of Forests. We welcome their ideas, energy, passion and commitment to healthy forests and the connections to all aspects of our daily lives. Our hope is that you will join us and, "Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life." in 2011 – the International Year of Forests!
There are many organizations contributing to the yearlong celebration of the International Year of Forests. We welcome their ideas, energy, passion and commitment to healthy forests and the connections to all aspects of our daily lives. Our hope is that you will join us and, "Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life." in 2011 – the International Year of Forests!
