Education important to sustainable management of world's forests: UN official

UNITED NATIONS, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A high-ranking United Nations official said Thursday at an event marking the International Day of forests that education is important to the sustainable management of the world's forests.

"Education is a key enabler of any positive change, particularly when the change we seek is the sustainable management of the world's forests," said Maria-Francesca Spatolisano, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

"Forest education plays a key role in promoting a sustainable living and influences how we consume and produce forest goods," she added.

"Forest and trees are often the first image that comes to mind when you think of people's connection with nature images of children," she said, noting that "learning about forests and their sustainable management reaps benefits not just for our natural environment, but for building the needed pathways towards sustainable livelihood and communities."

"The seeds of trees we plant a day will grow and thrive to provide shelter and shade to future generations," the assistant secretary-general said.

"Life without forests is "inconceivable," she noted.

Every March 21, the UN raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests, offering an opportunity for countries to reflect on their afforestation efforts.

The 2019 International Day of forests promotes education to "Learn to Love forests." It underscores the importance of education at all levels in achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.