Opening Statement:
Our forests all over the world are often overlooked and not appreciated the way that they should be. President Roosevelt called forests “The Lungs of The Earth,” Robert Frost as well as millions of poets were inspired by them, famous artists and photographers have countlessly captured their beauty on canvas and prints, and the music performer Sting is fighting to save them. Additionally, it is not just celebrities who are the only ones who feel a strong connection with them. We all do! Just a simple walk in the woods can calm and refresh our senses and emotions. In fact, the forests are so crucial to the future of our planet that the United Nations declared March 21 to be the International Day of Forests. For many years now, this amazing global celebration has been creating awareness all over the world about the importance of our forests. They are one of our greatest natural treasures that we must preserve and protect for the sake of our planet, all humans, and our wildlife who live in forests.
How To Observe International Day of Forests
· Plant A Tree or Start a Victory Garden
Do your part to make your city a little greener. Even buying a little plant for your home counts!
· Go Hiking in The Woods or A State Park
There isn’t a better time to get out, bond with nature and drive away those winter blues because spring has just begun.
· Make A Leaf Scrapbook
A great activity for schools to do with their students as well as families at home is scrapbooking and recording interesting facts to teach children about the different type of trees and their importance.
5 Facts and Benefits of Forests
1. Forests Nurture Soil
Forests play an important role in preventing soil erosion, as well as stabilizing and maintaining its quality.
2. Forests Trap Carbon Dioxide
Forests are ‘carbon sinks,’ absorbing and trapping carbon dioxide.
3. Forests Provide Sustenance
Forests are home to millions of species, sheltering, and providing food for their sustenance.
4. Forests Are Natural Aqueducts
Forest trees absorb and redistribute an estimated 95% of water.
5. Forests Provide Raw Materials
Sustainably managed forests provide raw materials such as timber and paper.
International Day of Forests Timeline
· November 1971 - World Forestry Day is Established
At the 16th session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the "States members" vote to establish "World Forestry Day" on March 21 of each year.
· 2011 - Year of Forests
The International Year of Forests is established by the United Nations General Assembly.
· November 28, 2012 - The United Nations Designates March 21
The U.N. passes a resolution to observe March 21 as the International Day of Forests.
· 2013 - The First International Day of Forests
The world celebrates this important day dedicated to our Earth for the first time.
Closing Statement:
Some people to this day are either skeptical or just don’t care on why preserving our forests is extremely important. Many people don’t even know about International Day of Forests and the importance of spreading this global awareness day. If we were all paying attention in school, have read published articles, watch the news, you should care! If you still are skeptical do research on your own to educate yourself. This is no joke, we must take care of our forests. Why? Because forests are like giant green sponges all over the world, through which our Earth breathes. Trees and plants take in carbon dioxide and give us oxygen, cleaning our air. Our world needs wood, not just for construction, paper, furniture, etc. As our world’s population grows, with it comes the hunger for energy. Currently, wood accounts for approximately 45 % of the world’s renewable energy supply. Encouraging and modernizing this industry can help find new and sustainable ways to produce bioenergy. A healthy forest means a healthy environment. Forests trap carbon to prevent “global warming.” They stabilize the climate, control atmospheric temperatures, protect watershed areas, regulate the water cycle, and enrich the soil. All humans and animals need good and healthy forests. So, “Let’s ALL Do Our Part and SAVE THEM!”
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Published Articles
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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