INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS 2014.

This global celebration of forests provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests. Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihood. Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. Forests also provide shelter, jobs and security for forest-dependent communities. They play a key role in our battle in adapting to and mitigating climate change. Forests contribute to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air. They protect watersheds, which supply 75% of freshwater worldwide. Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, we are destroying the very forests we need to survive. Global deforestation continues at an alarming rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. As the world celebrates International Day of Forests on 21st March, 2014, I would like us to dedicate our commitment towards ensuring environmental sustainability and to protect our forests. Let us acknowledge the vital role of forests and pledge to work together to protect and sustainably manage them and to combat climate change together. HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS 2014.