Forest education

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's work

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 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.

News

Education is a key lifeline for world’s forests

24/06/2021

Forest education at all levels is insufficient in many countries of the world, according to the results of a global survey led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Tropical Timber Organization and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations.

Call for a renaissance in forest education

24/06/2021

Well-trained foresters are vital to address some of the world’s greatest problems and to achieve the SDGs. Climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, emerging zoonotic diseases, rural poverty, and malnutrition all have direct links with the state of the world’s forests and the people that manage and protect them.

International Conference on Forest Education kicks off

22/06/2021

Today sees the start of the International Conference on Forest Education – a three-day event to shine a light on the important role forest education plays in maximizing the contributions of forests and trees to the Sustainable Development Goals and in overcoming the growing disconnect between people, nature and forests.