International Day of Forests (21 March) is a celebration of what our forests, timber and wood products mean to our lives, and the critical importance of sustainable management to protect the environment.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, said the theme for 2018, ‘Forests and Sustainable Cities’, brought home the reality of just how much timber and wood were a part of our lives.
“Australia has some of the most well-managed forests in the world, and we are proud of our sustainable forestry industry and our beautiful national parks—we have the balance right,” Minister Ruston said.
“As our cities continue to grow and develop it is important that we plan strategically to ensure our forestry industries are able to sustainably support this growth while our forests also play their natural role in storing carbon and providing habitats.
“Architecture in Australia’s ever-growing cities is embracing the use of wood and plants to create living, breathing buildings which improve the quality of life for the community.
“Generations of home renovators are also finding out just how much of a difference wood products make to a special home—from a new deck to beautiful hardwood floors.
“There is also a renaissance in the Australian-made timber furniture industry as more and more Australians are seeking to fill their homes with beautifully handcrafted Australian wood products.
“The forestry industry has always been an innovative contributor in making use of as much of the tree as possible, and is involved in the development of the next generation of products that are sometimes not associated with timber and wood—food, medicine and even batteries.
“I am proud of our forestry industry in Australia and look forward to working together to continue to innovate and grow in a sustainable way.”
More information on the International Day of Forests: www.un.org/en/events/forestsday.
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