ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT/APP): International Day of Forests will
be observed on 21st March (Tuesday), across the globe including
Pakistan to raise awareness of the importance of all types of
forests and of trees outside forests.
A report aired by a 24 channel news said, Forests cover one
third of the Earth’s land mass, performing vital functions around
the world. Around 1.6 billion people including more than 2,000
indigenous cultures depend on forests for their livelihood.
The theme for this year “Forests and Climate Change”
highlights forest-based solutions to address climate change
mitigation and adaptation, and more broadly forests and
sustainable development.
Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on
land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals,
plants and insects.
They also provide shelter, jobs and security for forest-
dependent communities.They play a key role in our battle in
adapting to and mitigating climate change.
Forests contribute to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide
and humidity in the air. They protect watersheds, which supply 75%
of freshwater worldwide.
Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic,
social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an
alarming rate 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed
annually.
Activities expected to take place on the 2017 International
Day include a special event at United Nations Headquarters, tree-
planting and other community-level events, and national celebrations including art, photo and film as well as social media.