UN: Understanding forests ‘crucial for our future’

NEW YORK: The United Nations said that ‘understanding our forests and keeping them healthy is crucial for our future,’ Xinhua news agency reported.

“Forests will be more important than ever as the world population climbs to 8.5 billion by 2030,” the intergovernmental organisation said on a special page of its website dedicated to the International Day of Forests which falls on Thursday.

“You’re never too young to start learning about trees. Helping children connect with nature, creates future generations conscious of the benefits of trees and forests and the need to manage them sustainably,” it said.

“Both modern and traditional knowledge are key to keeping forests healthy. While foresters should know and understand nature well, they should also learn to use cutting-edge technology to ensure that our forests are monitored and managed sustainably,” it added.

“Investing in forestry education can change the world for the better. Countries can help ensure there are scientists, policy makers, foresters and local communities working to halt deforestation and restore degraded landscapes,” according to the website.

“Women and men should have equal access to forest education. Gender parity in forest education empowers rural women to sustainably manage forests,” it noted.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Liu Zhenmin said in a message that “the International Day of Forests provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the many values of forests, and to share our experiences on how forests and trees enrich our daily lives and communities around the world.”