'If a tree falls in the International Year of Forests, does anybody hear?'

Credit: Meaduva via Flickr

'The UN General Assembly recently met in New York to declare 2011 the International Year of Forests. The idea is to raise awareness of the priceless role that forests play in keeping the planet healthy and of the need for sustainable management and conservation of all types of forests. The International Year of Forests follows other lofty proclamations by the UN to encourage efforts to advance social justice and environmental sustainability, including the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, the 1993 International Year for the World's Indigenous People, and the somewhat unusual naming of 2008 as the International Year of the Potato.

It's easy to be cynical about the annual declarations made by our world leaders, especially as there's often a lack of corresponding action. Nevertheless, the International Year of Forests marks a critical moment on our planet. Our forest ecosystems have never been at more risk from the consequences of human actions, including climate change and industrial activities. But a few events in Canada, including the recent signing of the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement, give us some hope that 2011 will truly be the Year of Forests.

The world's remaining forests, from true wilderness like Canada's boreal forest to urban green spaces like the forested slopes that frame Vancouver, represent a Fort Knox of natural riches. Forests remain our primary source of paper and building materials and are receiving increasing attention as a source of bio-energy — all of which sustain million...'

source: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/science-matters/2011/02/if-a-tree-falls-in-the-international-year-of-forests-does-anybody-hear