The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2011 International Year of Forests to raise awareness of sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.
Specifically, the resolution adopted by the UN:
- recognized that forests and sustainable forest management can contribute significantly to sustainable development, poverty eradication and the achievement of internationally agreed development goals
- emphasized the need for sustainable management of all types of forests, including fragile forest ecosystems
- stated that concerted efforts should focus on raising awareness at all levels to strengthen the sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations
More info at http://www.un.org/en/events/iyof2011/index.shtml