The United Nations Forum on Forests: what we can do to help

The United Nations Forum on ForestsAt Cold Stream Farm, we recognize the importance of trees and forests, how they are necessary for our survival. After all, over 1.6 billion depend on forests for their livelihood. The United Nations is on board. The United Nations Forum on Forests recently concluded its tenth session, which is timely, considering we are losing forests at a rapid rate.

Established in 2000, the goal of the United Nations Forum on Forests is to promote “the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and to strengthen long-term political commitment to this end.” To accomplish this, the Forum encourages inter-government dialogue and collaboration between countries when it comes to policy, funding and education. The Forum is attempting to speed up the urgency, all while educating governments and the public on sustainable forest management. Although there is presently not one easy solution to the problem, we can all take steps forward.

Jan McAlphine, Director of Forum’s Secretariat, said, “There is now greater recognition than ever before that forests are essential to economic development and sustainable development.” Not only are forests important to our health, they make or break economies. Harnessing the strength of trees and the vitality of forests may lead to economic growth and new enterprises. Therefore, it is in our best interests to protect these green behemoths. It is time we make the world better, not worse. What do you think?

If you have any questions about planting trees or bare root trees, contact the professionals at Cold Stream Farm.

Source: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=44713&Cr=Forests&Cr1=#.UXK9FNdc_cw

*Image courtesy of George Hodan