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2011 International Year of Forests

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.

Forests provide a wealth of values and opportunities for many people around the world. They are managed for a broad range of uses, but to achieve sustainability, forest ecosystems must be maintained in a healthy state and the value of the forest to all users must be respected. Canada is a forested country that depends on its natural resources for recreation, employment, education, and a way of life. Across the country the way in which forests are managed differs between provinces and territories. However the over arching goal is to manage our resources sustainably. Spend 2011 learning about the value of our forests with the Ontario Forestry Association.

Looking for ways to celebrate the International Year of Forests in your youth group? Visit www.focusonforests.ca for great ideas!

How is Ontario celebrating the International Year of Forests? Click here to find out!

*NEW* Focus on Forests Lesson Plan

International Biodiversity Day (IBD) is on May 22! The theme for IBD in 2011 is Forest Biodiversity to celebrate the International Year of Forests. Celebrate IBD and the International Year of Forests with our new Focus on Forests lesson plan that encourages youth, educators and the general public to get outdoors and learn more about the forests around them. This lesson plan is a result of a new partnership with the OFA and the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN).

International Year of Forests Lesson Plan (English- pdf)

Année internationale des forêts (Francais- pdf)

International Year of Forests Events

The Ontario Forestry Association is proud to host and support the following events, in celebration of the International Year of Forests!

January 2011 -- Photo Contest celebrating "You and the Forest"

February 4th, 2011 -- OFA Annual Conference and General Meeting

March 2011 -- Launch of Forestry Connects video contest

April 2011 -- Robert Bateman's Get to Know Contest; Party for the Planet- Toronto Zoo

May 2011 -- Ontario Envirothon, International Biodiversity Day (IBD)

June 2011 -- Forestry Connects

July 2011 -- Muskoka Nature Quest Stewardship Series, Live Green Toronto Festival

September 2011 -- National Forest Week, International Plowing Match

November 2011 -- Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

December 2011 -- Lieutenant Governor's Christmas Tree Ceremony

Forest Resources

Focus on Forests- a FREE teaching resource providing lesson plans, activities, and fact sheets to introduce forests into the classroom.

A Vision for Canada's Forests (2008)- a document outlining the vision of Canada's forests, developed by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers.

Sustainable Forest Management Network- a portal of great information on sustainable forest management, including research, reports and publications.

Ministry of Natural Resources- forests are a vital part of Ontario's economy, environment and way of life. Learn more about the role of Ontario's forests.

The Forestry Chronicle- the Forestry Chronicle is a publication of the Canadian Institute of Forestry and is aimed at providing information about professional and scientific management of forests and their resources.

Canadian Institute of Forestry- the national voice of forest practitioners representing a community of those with a professional interest in forestry.

GoodPlanet Foundation - A website dedicated to the International Year of Forests. The website offers an exclusive video, beautiful pictures, educational posters and international initiatives to save our forests.

World Environment Day - Forests: Nature at Your Service - World Environment Day is an annual event that is aimed at being the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action. Visit the website for more details.