2024’s International Day of Forests theme – ‘Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World’ is especially relevant for Australia’s forest products sector as people, communities and business learn more about how our forest and wood product industries are playing a significant role in climate mitigation and are key to meeting 2030 global emissions goals.
Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said “This year’s theme highlights one of the exciting opportunities for forestry and forest products in Australia – utilising research, innovation and technological change to maximise the value from our forest resources, including counting the value of stored carbon in trees and forestry products.
“Just last week, the new National Institute for Forest Products Innovation – known as Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) was launched in Launceston, Tasmania. AFWI will boost Australia’s research and innovation capabilities for our industry and help match us with other leading forestry and forest product nations.
“Innovation across our sector will help us better realise the value of our assets and encourage decision makers to recognise the significance of trees and wood and fibre products to help the Federal Government meet Australia’s emission reduction targets.
“This International Day of Forests, I encourage all Australians to think about the importance of our sector in everyday life and a future low-carbon bio-based economy. Happy International Day of Forests!” Diana Hallam concluded.
FAST FACTS
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says sustainably managing our forests for timber and wood products delivers the best climate change mitigation results.
- The average timber-framed house stores as much carbon as is emitted by a car driving two-thirds the way around the world.
- The CSIRO has found that forests provide the easiest and cheapest technology for Australia to invest in, to combat climate change, principally though the maintenance and expansion of Australia’s plantation estate.
- The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
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