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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.
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FAO and the Philippines launch forest education programme for primary schools
01/03/2024
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FAO guidance aims to inspire children to care for forests
02/11/2023
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Youth must be given the skills to shape evolving forestry sector, FAO Director-General says
04/10/2022
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New initiative to scale up forest education worldwide
Failing to make bigger investments in forest education will have economic, social and environmental consequences, particularly with regard to nature and trees, advises Matthias Schwoerer, Head of Division, European and International Forest Policy, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Germany. Explaining why the German Government has committed to support major new initiatives to increase professional training and early skills development in forest education for children in schools to ensure sustainable multifunctional forest management, he also describes the comparative advantages of working with the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, and particularly FAO, to scale up forest education, including a major new collaborative global platform on forest education.
31/12/2019