21 March 2014, Rome – Today marks the second annual International Day of Forests. FAO Director-General, José Graziano da Silva, gave his address earlier today FAO headquarters in Rome, remarking on the importance of forests and the dangers of neglecting them and those who sustain them. Often those who benefit from the forestry sector are removed from the impact these natural resources have on our lives. From their role in maintaining global climatic equilibrium, protecting our soils, regulating the water cycle, preserving biodiversity, providing livelihoods and providing food for forest-dependent peoples, forests serve as a source for valuable, renewable materials. And strong policy decision-making that would support the forestry sector, as always, comes from solid information.