Content by: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – www.cbd.int/idb/2011
Posted by: Eco-question Editor
Source: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – www.cbd.int/idb/2011
Logo Credit: © The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – www.cbd.int/idb/2011
Photo Credit:
- © Somphob Boonliam – somphobb.multiply.com
- © Suchet Suwanmongkol – khunchild.multiply.com
Special Thanks:
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Mateusz Bański (Programme Assistant, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, United Nations Environment Programme)
- Somphob Boonliam – somphobb.multiply.com
- Suchet Suwanmongkol – khunchild.multiply.com
- Jerasak Jumpated – tongfolio.multiply.com
The United Nations proclaimed 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity to promote a greater understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
The theme of the 2011 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Forest Biodiversity”. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD Secretariat) encourages governments and civil society everywhere to organize activities and events to celebrate this day, raise public awareness, showcase good practices and inspire further actions for preserving forest biodiversity.
What is Important About Forest?
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Forests are more biologically diverse than any other land-based ecosystem. Conserving and sustainably using our forests protects more than two-thirds of all land-based animal and plant species.
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Biodiversity underpins the health and vitality of forests and is the basis for a wide range of ecosystem services necessary for people’s livelihoods and well-being.
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Rich forest biological resources, used wisely, can generate invaluable economic, social and cultural benefits. Destroying this natural treasure has far-reaching consequences for people, particularly for the many poor people who depend on forests for their livelihoods.
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Forests are disappearing partly because they are undervalued, and our market economy fails to recognize ecosystem services provided by intact forests. To stop losing this planet’s living treasure, we must understand and appreciate its full range of values, as well as its importance for human well-being and development.
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Forest biodiversity can be successfully conserved and sustainably used where there is sufficient political will. People are taking action at local, national and regional levels to save forest biodiversity around the globe. Exchanging experiences and success stories is important to keep momentum for these efforts.
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Biodiversity of degraded forests can often be successfully restored if the factors that lead to forest degradation can be effectively controlled. Restored forest landscapes provide food, water, shelter and many other essential ecosystem services.
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People throughout the world can directly influence the fate of forest biodiversity through their individual choices. Consumers have a responsibility for sustainable behaviour and for limiting their ecological footprint. The final chapter of this brochure provides some information on individual actions.
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- Earth Hour 2011: Your Voice, Your Action, Your Planet
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