International Day of Forests: important for human and planetary health

Healthy future

Talking to UN News, the Forestry Affairs Program Management Specialist at the United Nations, Barbara Távora, emphasized the importance of conserving forests and their resources:

“In times of crisis, we have to restore the importance of a green and sustainable future. The day offers the opportunity to highlight how important forests are for all aspects of our health, animal health and the health of the planet. Forests clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. They give us food, fuel, medicine and income. Forests are essential for our well-being. Let us think about the importance that forests, or even a tree, have in our lives. Let's celebrate the forests. Let’s take care of them and then we will have a healthy future.”

Studies reveal that a visit to a forest environment can cause a drop in blood pressure and pulse rate, in addition to reducing the substance that influences these health problems, cortisol.

At the celebration, the United Nations highlights how crucial sustainable forest management and the use of resources from this sector have been to combat climate change and contribute to the prosperity and well-being of generations.

The list of utilitarian functions of forests includes their role in reducing poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Climate change

For human health, the benefits involve purify water, clean the air, capture carbon to combat climate change, provide food, medications and improve well-being.

A Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO*), makes an appeal for countries to protect these natural resources, which lose 10 million hectares every year due to deforestation. The amount is equivalent to the size of Iceland. 😱

The damaging action of insect pests is another factor causing forest losses of around 35 million hectares annually. The United Nations Forum on Forests promotes dialogue between governments and encourages the adoption of policies to maintain the resource.

Even with invaluable ecological, economic, social and health benefits, forests are also threatened by unprecedented fires and droughts.

Forest losses

It was in 2012 that the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Forests to celebrate and raise public awareness about the importance of all types of forests.

The decision encourages countries to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as planting campaigns.

(To UN News)

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