Celebrating the International Year of Forests 2011

February 2011

Forests provide spiritual opportunities by providing tranquil environments.

Forests play an important role in our lives. They are complex ecosystems that provide habitats for countless species and are essential for regulating climate, air, soils and water.

Forests are also a significant driving force of our economy and industries and support jobs in hundreds of rural communities. To emphasize the importance of this great resource and to promote the sustainable management of forests, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 the International Year of Forests (IYF). The IYF was launched during the ninth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York, in early February. Throughout this year of celebration, various organizations will set up initiatives to mark the event. At the national level, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is honoured to promote this year’s theme of Forests for People.

Encouraging the Sustainable Management of Forests

Forests provide habitat for various wildife and plant species.

NRCan’s Canadian Forest Service (CFS) is Canada’s focal point for IYF, and is leading numerous initiatives, both locally and nationally. “The International Year of Forests represents an excellent opportunity for Canada to demonstrate its global leadership in the area of sustainable forest management and to increase the awareness of the importance of forests and the multiple values they provide,” says Tom Rosser, CFS Assistant Deputy Minister. “Forests are a large part of our heritage, and 2011 provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation of forests and our commitment to sustain this valuable resource for Canadians.”

Disseminating Recognized Best Practices

In order to manage our forest resources in a sustainable way that will benefit current and future generations, Canada is participating in many strategies and initiatives. It is an active participant in several international fora that promote sustainable forest management and forest conservation worldwide, including the United Nations Forum on Forests, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Tropical Timber Organization, the Montréal Process, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. In addition, NRCan hosts the Secretariat for the International Model Forest Network through which more than 55 model forests in 30 countries work to balance the social, cultural and economic needs of local communities with the long-term sustainability of forest landscapes.

Working Together

Forests provide countless recreational activities for Canadians.

Initiatives such as Model Forests require concerted efforts to establish and maintain. With the Forests for People theme in mind, NRCan is working hard to strengthen its relations with forest sector stakeholders and to raise public awareness of Canada’s commitment and leadership in the area of sustainable forest management. NRCan and its partners are working diligently to ensure the sustainable development of the forest as a resource. The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to ensure a solid future for Canadian workers in the forest sector and the communities that depend on it.  

Several IYF promotion and outreach activities will be held in September in conjunction with the events of the 2011 National Forest Week.

For more information on the IYF and on the celebrations in Canada, visit International Year of Forests and Canada’s Forests.

To read about related articles, see Sustainable Forest Management

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