Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire — On March 21, 2018, the world celebrates the International Day of Forests. It marks an occasion to shine the spotlight on the importance of sustaining and protecting woodlands and trees, which are vital to economies, livelihoods and environment.
This year's theme, 'Forests and Sustainable Cities', provides the platform to increase awareness on the role of forests in storing carbon, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in urban areas.
By 2035 about half of Africa's population will be living in urban areas. This population trend presents considerable demands for employment, services and infrastructure, of which forest resources will play a key role.
In commemoration of the International Day of Forests, the African Natural Resources Center of the African Development Bank is launching two new reports - Assessing forestry law enforcement, governance and trade in Africa and How forestry contributes to the African Development Bank High 5s: Challenges and Opportunities. The reports reinforce the important role of forest and trade in driving social and economic transformation in Africa.
Africa's forests cover about 21-23% of the continent's total land mass, driving economic growth and sustaining local livelihoods. Forests form an integral part of the High 5 priorities of the African Development Bank.
