International Year of Forests

River in the Amazon rainforest

International Year of Forests, 2011 was a year-long celebration declared by the United Nations to raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations. It was also known as "Forests 2011" or the "International Year of Forests, 2011". The resolution to declare 2011 as the International Year of Forests was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2006.

Background

Forests cover approximately one-third of the Earth's land area and are essential to the well-being of the global environment and human society. They provide a wide range of resources and services, including timber, non-timber forest products, water, shelter, food, and biodiversity conservation. Forests also play a critical role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and are key to the livelihoods of many people, including indigenous communities.

Despite their importance, global forests are under threat from deforestation and forest degradation, largely due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development. The International Year of Forests, 2011 aimed to promote a global understanding of the value of forests and the urgent need to enhance their protection and management.

Objectives

The main objectives of the International Year of Forests, 2011 were to:

• Raise awareness among all stakeholders about the value of forests and their benefits in terms of economic, ecological, and social aspects.
• Enhance forest conservation and sustainable management efforts worldwide.
• Encourage actions at the national, regional, and international levels to sustainably manage and conserve forests.
• Foster a global dialogue on the role of forests in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and food security.

Activities and Events

Throughout the year, a variety of activities and events were organized globally to celebrate the International Year of Forests. These included international, regional, and local conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and community-based activities. Educational materials and campaigns were developed to spread the message of forest conservation and sustainable management.

One of the key events was the launch of the Forest Heroes Awards, a program to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to forest conservation and sustainable management.

Legacy

The International Year of Forests, 2011 helped to increase public understanding and awareness of the forest-related issues and challenges facing the global community. It also stimulated a range of actions by governments, NGOs, the private sector, and communities to improve the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests.

Following the International Year of Forests, the United Nations continued to promote forest conservation and sustainable management through various initiatives and programs, including the United Nations Forum on Forests and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.