International Day of Forests
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests. On each International Day of Forests, several events are organised to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations.
How do forests contribute to our water needs?
- Forested watersheds and wetlands supply 75 percent of the world’s accessible fresh water for domestic, agricultural, industrial and ecological needs
- About one-third of the world’s largest cities obtain a significant proportion of their drinking water directly from forested protected areas
- Nearly 80 percent of the world’s population – 8 out of 10 people - is exposed to high levels of threat to water security
- Forests act as natural water filters
- Climate change is altering forests’ role in regulating water flows and influencing the availability of water resources
- Improved water resource management can show considerable economic gains
- Forests have a crucial role in building and strengthening resilience.
Don’t hesitate to watch this great video about forests and water.