Forests Green Lungs of the Planet and Allies of Health
A Vital Heritage
The International Day of Forests, celebrated every March 21st, underscores the crucial importance of forests for life on Earth. Established by the UN, this day aims to raise awareness of the ecological, economic, social, and health benefits that forests provide, as well as to warn against the dangers of deforestation. Forests not only contribute to combating climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases but also play a key role in poverty reduction and achieving sustainable development goals. Nevertheless, they remain threatened by fires, pests, droughts, and unprecedented deforestation.
The 2024 edition dedicated to innovation
In the 2024 edition of the International Day of Forests with a central theme of innovation, Italy, with its extensive forest heritage covering 35% of the national territory, celebrates the importance of technological innovation for the conservation and exploration of its green wealth. The Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), Gilberto Pichetto, highlighted how new technologies represent a fundamental pillar in defending and improving the knowledge of Italian forest ecosystems. In line with the theme of the year, “Forests and Innovation,” emphasis is placed on the crucial role forests play in achieving climate and sustainable development goals. This day, established to raise awareness of the value of forests as vital tools in the process of adapting to climate change, sees Italy engaged in ambitious projects such as urban afforestation and the digitalization of Protected Areas, strategies that intertwine with national culture and history, enriching the country’s forest heritage.
Innovation and Sustainability
Technological innovation is revolutionizing forest monitoring, improving the effectiveness with which we track and conserve these vital ecosystems. Thanks to transparent and cutting-edge forest monitoring, significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions have been communicated, highlighting the importance of innovations for combating deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management.
A Shared Commitment
The International Day of Forests serves as a reminder of the need to change our consumption and production patterns to protect forests. As emphasized by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, it is essential for the entire world to actively engage in preserving these crucial ecosystems to combat climate change and ensure the prosperity of future generations. Through initiatives such as the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, the world is called to tangible and credible action to stop deforestation and promote sustainable forest resource management.
The International Day of Forests invites us all to reflect on the importance of forests for our planet and for ourselves, urging us to actively contribute to their preservation for the benefit of future generations.
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