Why forest education is important

People are increasingly disconnected from nature, and there is a widespread lack of awareness and understanding of forests and their benefits. By educating people about forests and sustainability, we can create a pathway towards a greener, more resilient future.

But a global assessment by FAO, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) found that, in many countries, forest education in primary and secondary schools is insufficient.

Those who work in forests, from private owners and companies to local communities, need information and training to manage the many challenges arising in the sector. Forest education can help create a generation capable of managing forests sustainably and thereby foster more inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies and a healthier planet.

FAO, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), has promoted forest education through two recent projects:

The Global Forest Education Project

Led by FAO, ITTO and IUFRO, this project, completed in 2021, focused on enhancing efforts in forest education at the national and local levels in developing countries, including through regional assessments and a global assessment of the status of forest education.

Forests for a Sustainable Future: Educating Children

The aim of this project, which is expected to finish in 2024, is to improve forest literacy among children aged 9–12 years through interactive forest teaching modules for primary schools.