Forests are home to 300 million people, cover 31% of the Earth’s total land area and provide livelihood for 1.6 billion people. They are also home to 80% of our terrestrial biodiversity. In honor of the amazing forests of the world, The United Nations General Assembly has officially declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests, hoping to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.
The website is designed as a global platform to celebrate people’s action to sustainably manage the world’s forests. You will find information regarding events being organized throughout the International Year as well as interactive web tools and resources to promote dialogue on forests.
Forests cover 31% of total land area.
To celebrate the International Year of Forests, 2011 (Forests 2011), the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat (UNFFS) is working in collaboration with the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival to organize an International Forest Film Festival (IFFF). The IFFF will showcase a selection of forest films as part of the global launch of Forests 2011 taking place at UN Headquarters in New York, and subsequently at other festivals and events around the world. The film festival is a key part of outreach efforts of Forests 2011, aimed at raising awareness on the importance of forests, their relationship with people and the planet we share. The organizers are also hoping to inspire a sense of personal responsibility and stewardship for a greener, more equitable, sustainable future.
The livelihoods of over 1.6 billion people depend on forests.
Forests are home to 80% of our terrestrial biodiversity.
“The International Forest Film Festival offers a unique opportunity to bring the issues and objectives of Forests 2011 to a global audience,” said Ms. McAlpine, Director of the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat. “The power of cinematic art is universal. It connects with people all over the world on a personal level. The International Forest Film Festival will spread the message of Forests 2011 in that same powerful manner.”
Primary forests account for 36% of forest area.
The finalist films were just announced, chosen from over 160 that were considered in six categories of competition: This is My Forest, Living Forests, Issues & Solutions, Forest Hero, 360º All Things Forest and Shorts. Films were screened and evaluated by more than fifty preliminary judges over the last four weeks. The winning films will first be showcased at the global launch of Forests 2011 in New York, and then be screened at other festivals and events around the world throughout the year.
Forests are home to 300 million people around the world.
What will you be doing this year to help protect and nurture our forests? Tell the UN and they may showcase your stories and initiatives on the website.
Top photo by buksy4free, Creative Commons.
