Hi, friends.
Did you know that the 21 March is “International Day of
Forests”?
In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
What does a day dedicated to forests really mean?
Forests are essential for livelihoods and nutrition, biodiversity and the environment. By having the 21st of March declared as the International Day of Forests, countries’ governments and citizens are invited to take action to protect and maintain these natural resources not only on this day, but every day.
Why are forests important?
According to the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “forests are a source of food and nutrition for nearly a billion people and help adapt to and mitigate climate change, acting as buffers to heat and extreme weather events while absorbing and storing carbon. They contain 50,000 plant species with healing properties and local communities around the world depend on them to treat a wide array of ailments. They also protect from diseases, acting as a natural barrier to disease transmission between animals and humans.”
Exploring Forests
Now that we have a little bit of background on the importance of forests, let’s take a leisurely stroll through some of the most spectacular forests on the planet – and since this is the English community, we’ll focus on forests in the anglophone diaspora. If you’re in any of these countries for your mobility program, grab a friend and talk with a local guide or forest authority about safe ways to explore a forest near you.
Four Forests to Consider:
1. Canada
Our friends in Canada are lucky because over half of the country is covered by dense, luscious forests. Yes, half! That’s 2.4 million km2 (0.93 million sq mi). So how do you choose? if you’re located in Toronto for your mobility, Happy Valley Forest – Pottageville Swamp Natural Area is a good place to start.
2. England
Forest of Dean has the interesting distinction of being a forest that joins England and Wales. Check out this link to see why this forest is considered to have both timeless beauty and untamed nature.
3. United States
Let’s see if we can wrap our heads around this one: there are 755 million acres of forests in the US which accounts for almost 8 percent of the world’s total forest area! With a staggering number like that, how do you choose? I’ll make it easy for you: Go to my favorite. The Olympic National Park. This temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest will have you in a state of bliss.
4. Belize
Belize is considered the “jewel” of Central America. And for good reason! Over 60% of its forests are still standing some of which hold ancient Mayan architecture. These tropical and sub-tropical rainforests are home to thousands of species of plants, birds and other wildlife. The astonishing biodiversity includes some of the world’s healthiest jaguars. That’s right, folks, JAGUARS! So, tread carefully. :D
But what about forests in Urban settings?
Well, I’m glad you asked! City forests are essential to the well-being of the city’s inhabitants, wildlife, air quality and even reducing flooding during heavy rains.
If you’re doing your mobility program in the United States and you want to participate in amplifying the importance of urban forests, join the 2nd World Forom On Urban Forests in Washington D.C. from 16-20 October 2023. Read more here: https://www.worldforumonurbanforests.org/
How to help protect our forests?
I don’t know about you, but I already feel much better just from looking at photos of forests. Are you ready to join the efforts to protect the lungs of our planet? Visit this link to see the events that took place on the 21 March around the world as well as other opportunities for you to join in on the action.
When was the last time you were in a forest?
Share some of your memories or experiences in a forest. Do you have a favorite forest? Are there any from the above list that you’d like to visit? How does your country protect its forests? Go to our discussion in the Living Abroad forum, click "reply", and tell us about your experiences.
Happy exploring, friends. :)
Iya