Greening wood energy is key to mitigate climate change and improve rural livelihoods
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations.
FAO also uses the occasion of the day to highlight the major contribution of forests to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While SDG 15 addresses the need to sustainably manage forests and trees, forests also play a vital role in achieving those goals related to ending poverty, achieving food security, and ensuring sustainable energy, and in particular, providing clean water and sanitation.
The theme for 2017 is Forests and Energy.
Up to seven percent of global greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans come from the production and use of fuelwood and charcoal. This happens largely due to unsustainable forest management and inefficient charcoal manufacture and fuelwood combustion, according to a new FAO report, published today.
Referring to this year's International Day of Forests theme “Forests and Energy” FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva noted that ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and is vital for the estimated three billion people who still lack access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking.
The report calls on national governments to create an enabling political environment and an attractive investment climate for transition to a greener charcoal sector.
In addition, improved forest law enforcement and governance can help increase government revenue collection and investments in sustainable forest management and efficient wood conversion technologies.
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