In Message for World Congress, Secretary-General Says Upholding Health of Forests among Greatest Challenges Facing Present, Future Generations

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the World Forestry Congress, in Durban, South Africa, today:

I am delighted to address the World Forestry Congress, the first to be convened in Africa.  I thank President [Jacob] Zuma and the Government of South Africa for hosting this important event.

Forests are essential to life.  Yet too often they are under assault from harmful practices and short-sighted policymaking.

Maintaining their health is one of the greatest challenges facing present and future generations.

The Member States of the United Nations have recognized this by featuring forests prominently in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to be adopted by world leaders later this month.

Sustainable development goal 15 enshrines the objectives of protecting ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, reversing land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss.

Moreover, healthy forests are vital for the achievement of several other goals, including ending poverty and hunger, achieving sustainable agriculture, ensuring sustainable water management and combatting climate change.

This past July, Member States adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the International Arrangement on Forests, and providing a road map for sustainable forest management.  I count on foresters, forest-related professionals and other stakeholders to realize the potential of forestry and to make sure that forestry contributes to the implementation of the sustainable development agenda.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful congress.

Thank you.