The sustainable management of forests and their utilisation of resources are key to combating climate change and to the prosperity and well-being of present and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in combating poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet despite all these invaluable environmental, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate.

To draw attention to the unabated global degradation and destruction of forest areas, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) proclaimed 21 March the ‘International Day of Forests’ in 1971.