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

"Forests for People” is the main theme of the Year, highlighting the dynamic relationship between forests and the people who depend on them.

Forests 2011 provides an unprecedented opportunity to bring attention to the interconnectivity between people and forests.  National, regional and local organizations around the world are encouraged to plan Forests 2011 events in line with their own interests and, in particular, to reach out to those in fields not traditionally considered directly related to forests. In fact, forests are important to nearly all kinds of human activity: providing shelter to people and habitat to biodiversity; as a source of food, medicine and clean water; and play a vital role in maintaining a stable global climate and environment.