Honoring our Forests

In acknowledgment of

Year of the Forests & Forest Week

Honoring Our Forests

written by Indie of IndieWolf

Ram Power

Animal Amulet by IndieWolf

"What we are doing to the forests of the world

is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing

to ourselves and to one another."

~ Mahatma Gandhi ~

The United Nations has designated 2011 the “International Year of Forests” to raise global awareness of the issues that threaten our forests’ future, and to increase our collective effort to preserve this most dynamic element of our environment.

Alaskan Bald Eagle

Photo Print by MyPhotoArt

In the United States alone, forests and grasslands cover over 190 million acres, supporting over 5000 animal species and 10,000 types of plants. Unfortunately, our current administration has proposed new laws that could very well endanger these precious animals and plants, whose very survival depends on the existence of the forest and wild land habitats.

*Urge your State representative to fight for the safety and preservation of our forests, by taking action HERE!*

Fox II

Original Canvas painting by AshleyDietrich

But it’s not just in the U.S. that forests are in danger – as stated in Wikipedia:

“The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that every year 130,000 km² of the world's forests are lost due to deforestation. Conversion to agricultural land, unsustainable harvesting of timber, unsound land management practices, and creation of human settlements are the most common reasons for this loss of forested areas.

According to the World Bank, deforestation accounts for up to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming… The World Bank estimates that forests provide habitats to about two-thirds of all species on earth, and that deforestation of closed tropical rainforests could account for biodiversity loss of as many as 100 species a day.”

Majestic Bull Elk, YellowStone

Photo Print by SimplyLodge

This is why it‘s SO crucial to bring attention to forests around the world at this time: more attention = more awareness; more awareness = more support; more support = more conscious and effective action! As we all know it doesn’t always work this way, but if we don’t step up and do what we can to protect our forests now…who will, and when?!

Wherever you are in the world, there are likely a number of activities or events in celebration of International Year of Forests nearby in which you can participate and join in raising awareness – and positive energy – around this vitally important issue. To find out more, please visit the links below for event calendars and more information on how you can help.

http://www.celebrateforests.com/

http://www.un.org/en/events/iyof2011/

http://www.fs.fed.us/news/2011/releases/02/iyof.shtml

http://www.sca.com/en/Press/News-features/Archive/2011/SCA-celebrating-the-International-Year-of-the-Forest-and-the-World-Forest-Day/

http://www.ecosprinter.eu/2005/05/the-forest-week-no-forest-no-future/

If there are no activities scheduled in your area, consider creating a community event inspired by the resources listed below. If nothing else, simply enjoy the experience of planting, watering, or HUGGING a tree… it just may hug you back!

Koala Bears

Print by ArtbyMarilyn