2011.03.08 The International Year of Forests

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as The International Year of Forests.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as The International Year of Forests to raise public awareness of the challenges facing many of the world’s forests and the people who depend on them, specifically, sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.


The main slogan 'Forests for people' reminds us how important forests are to our lives. Forests moderate the climate, provide people all around the world with food, timber, medicines and livelihoods. We have to remember that at least 1.6 billion people’s everyday existence depends on the forest. The forests are also home to more than 60 million people, mainly members of indigenous and local communities. According to FAO about 31% of Earth's surface is covered by forests, which is equivalent to 4 billion hectares. This should help you to see how much the timber industry is an important part of the "green" economy.




John McAlpine, Director of the UNFF Secretariat, said: - The physical, economic and spiritual well-being of every one of us, all seven billion people on Earth is dependent on the good condition of our forest ecosystems. Throughout the year 2011, we emphasize this relationship between forests and humans.



The reason DMCS promotes The International Year of Forests is to make people aware that they have they say in the matter. As a customer you are very powerful and your decisions shape the market. Simply, by choosing the timber product which is certified as coming from sustainable sources you can help the environment by stopping the illegal and unethical deforestation and by reducing your carbon dioxide footprint. It is well documented, that in the sustainable forests certified by FSC on every each tree which is cut down, one or two are planted to replace it. New forest grows very quickly absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing oxygen through photosynthesis.