Message from International Union of Forest Research Organizations President,
John Parrotta (USDA Forest Service) to World Wood Day.
The world is increasingly aware of the importance of forests and trees to the future of
life on Earth, and our own survival. It is undeniable that forests are critical for global
biodiversity conservation, addressing climate change, for soil and water conservation,
and enhancing the quality of life in the world’s rapidly growing cities.
Equally important, forests are essential for the social and cultural benefits they provide.
Whether we live in urban or rural environments, forests enhance our well-being in many
ways. They support livelihoods, provide recreational and health benefits, educational
opportunities, as well as spiritual and creative inspiration.
The cultural celebrations that are at the heart of World Wood Day are joyous reminders
of the vital connections between our planet’s precious forests and the incredible
diversity of artistic and other cultural expressions of people around the world.
In recent years, IUFRO has been proud to work with the World Wood Day Foundation
(WWDF) and the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) to organize the Scientific
Symposia that are part of the annual World Wood Day celebrations.
These events provide an opportunity for the scientific community to share with the
public the latest science and education initiatives related to the World Wood Day motto
– Wood is Good. This includes research on the historical and cultural values of forests,
wood and non-wood forest products, as well as their relationship to conservation and
sustainable forest management worldwide. This research also explores the traditional
knowledge and forest landscape management practices that underpin biodiversity
conservation, livelihoods, and the social and cultural identities of indigenous and local
communities in many parts of the world.
Although this year’s main events in Japan have unfortunately been cancelled due to the
coronavirus epidemic situation, we trust that the local events planned throughout the
world will proceed. These events are vitally important, as they help to raise public
awareness of the key role that wood plays in a sustainable world, as well as the
importance of sustainable forest management and forest biodiversity conservation.