UN Tasks Stakeholders, As World Marks International Day of Forests
By EPHRAIM NWOSU
As the United Nations joins the world to celebrate International Day of Forests, stakeholders have been stressed the need for tangible and credible forest management.
Speaking in his message marking the International Day of Forests, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated that healthy forests are essentiall for people to enjoy life.
According to him, the International Day of Forests should remind everyone that the sustainable management of forests and their resources, are key to combating climate change, and contributing to the prosperity and well being of current and future generations.
“They act as natural filters, providing clean air and they are heavens of biological diversity and help to regulate our climate by influencing rainfall patterns, cooling urban areas and absorbing one-third of greenhouse gas emissions,” Guterres said.
He added that forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
“They provide many communities and indigenous peoples with livelihoods, medicines, sustenance and refuge,” the UN Chief pointed pointed out while lamenting that despite the priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits of healthy forests, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate.
“Each year we still degrade and destroy some 10 million hectares of forest,” he bemoaned.
“It is essential that the world implements the recent Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use as well as other instruments designed to protect our forests.”
Guterres submitted that now was the time for tangible and credible action on the ground.
“On this International Day of Forests, let us recommit to healthier livelihoods,” he concluded.
