Every year, on the 21st of April, we observe the International Day of the Forest. This year’s celebration revolves around the theme “Forest and Health.”
This theme aligns perfectly with our organization’s vision, which is to promote the well-being of both humans and the environment while safeguarding our precious forests.
According to UN-REDD, forests harbor approximately 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, and around 1.6 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods, including sustenance, shelter, energy, and income. Forest resources play a crucial role in providing clean air and fresh water, benefiting millions of individuals, even those residing in urban areas.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in its 2020 Report titled “The State of the World’s Forests,” reveals that the total forest area is approximately 4.06 billion hectares, which translates to roughly 5,000 square meters (or a plot of land measuring 50 by 100 meters) per person. However, forests are not distributed evenly across the globe.
Ghana faces significant economic losses, as environmental and forest-related consequences account for 11% of its GDP. The World Bank Group’s Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Ghana estimates that if urgent climate action is not taken, at least one million more people could be pushed into poverty due to climate shocks. By 2050, the income of impoverished households could decrease by up to 40%. On this day of global forest celebration, we strongly recommend adopting an integrated approach to agricultural and environmental management. This includes fostering integrated landscape management, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and supporting the adaptation of coastal communities.
Let us all commit to planting and nurturing trees throughout our lives. We must refrain from burning our forests and engaging in indiscriminate tree felling. The well-known adage, “When the last tree dies, the last person dies,” serves as a reminder for us to be responsible and do everything within our power to protect our forests and the environment from harm.
As we join the global community in celebrating this day, we firmly believe that educating our people to cherish and preserve the forest is of utmost importance. Together, let us love and maintain the health of our forests.
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