21 March: International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests

“The International Day of Forests is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of all types of forests and trees to our economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being. However awareness must be coupled with concrete action. As we deliberate on the post-2015 development agenda, let us acknowledge the vital role of forests and pledge to work together to protect and sustainably manage these vital ecosystems.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Source: http://www.un.org/en/events/forestsday/

 

 

And of course, on this day we can’t forget about the world’s “Gardeners of the Forest”, as conservationist Ian Redmond describes animals such as elephants and gorillas.

“Elephants provide an invaluable service by uprooting trees, thereby making holes on the jungle canopy which allows light to reach plants closer to the ground and encourages their growth.

Gorillas eat fruit and the seeds pass through their digestive tract to be deposited as fertiliser. Tropical fruit bats also play an important role in the pollination of plants.

Forest ecosystems, the most biodiverse of all terrestrial habitats, are often very finely balanced. The more diverse, the more robust they are and the better they are at doing what we want – and need them – to do.”

Source: http://www.ipsnews.net/2014/03/op-ed-protect-elephants-gorillas-sustain-forests

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