Southern States celebrate the International Year of the Forest

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and many other natural resource organizations, is coordinating the U.S. celebration of the 2011 International Year of Forests with the tagline, “Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life.”   Our hope is that, through the U.S. campaign for IYOF, we can strengthen the connection between people and forests, elevate the national conversation about the importance of forest health, and promote a collective national appreciation and investment in healthy forests and woodlands.

Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life.

Throughout the year, the "Celebrate Forests. Celebrate Life." campaign will be encouraging Americans to make a personal connection to forests and to celebrate that connection.  The campaign's theme seeks to bridge the concept of trees and forests to health in the everyday lives of American citizens. Trees impact our health in several areas. The campaign's focus is on the role trees and forests play in:

Clean Air and Water

Ecosystem Health

Economic Health

Community/Personal Health

Get Involved.

There are many organizations contributing to the yearlong celebration of the International Year of Forests. NASF encourages our southern partners to submit events to the online event calendar, and send your photos and other media to share through the Celebrate Forests Flickr, YouTube and Facebook pages. We welcome your ideas, energy, passion and commitment to healthy forests and a healthy America. For event resources, digital materials and other resources, visit the online toolkit: http://celebrateforests.org/participate/toolkit.

Year of Forests Online

http://www.facebook.com/CelebrateForests

http://www.flickr.com/photos/celebrateforests

http://www.youtube.com/celebrateforests

http://twitter.com/yearofforests

Background

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 the International Year of Forests (IYOF). In the UN's resolution, it recognized “that forests and sustainable forest management can contribute significantly to sustainable development, poverty eradication and the achievement of internationally agreed development goals.” It further emphasized “the need for sustainable management of all types of forests, including fragile forest ecosystems.” Lastly, the UN has called upon governments, relevant regional and international organizations and major groups to support activities related to IYOF.